Car insurance in Quebec works differently than most of Canada. In Quebec, the public plan (SAAQ) handles bodily injury from traffic accidents, while private insurers handle property damage liability and optional protection for your vehicle (collision, comprehensive, and add-ons). Understanding that split is the fastest way to avoid buying the wrong coverage-or comparing quotes that are not actually equivalent.
Key Takeaways
- Two systems, one driver: SAAQ covers bodily injury; private insurance covers civil liability (damage you cause) and optional vehicle damage coverages. 12
- Minimum legal requirement: You must carry private civil liability coverage (often called “liability”)-at least $50,000 in Quebec for most passenger vehicles. 1
- Quebec-specific cost signal: In 2024, the average private premium for passenger vehicles in Quebec was $1,006/year (property/vehicle portion). Regional averages vary (e.g., Montreal vs. Quebec City). 34
- Winter tires are mandatory: Vehicles registered in Quebec must have winter tires from December 1 to March 15 (fines apply). 67
- Compare quotes like a pro: Match the civil liability limit, deductibles, and key endorsements across every quote-then confirm the declarations page and exclusions before you pay.
On This Page
- Quick answers
- Cost snapshot: what Quebec drivers typically pay
- How car insurance works in Quebec (SAAQ + private insurers)
- What coverage is mandatory in Quebec
- Optional coverages that matter most in Quebec
- Discounts and fast ways to lower your premium
- What affects your Quebec car insurance price
- Regional differences: Montreal vs. Quebec City vs. suburbs
- How to compare quotes (without surprises at claim time)
- Accidents, claims, and “no-fault” in Quebec
- Tips for newcomers, students, and seniors
- Step-by-step: how to buy car insurance in Quebec
- FAQs
- Sources (numbered footnotes)
Quick answers
Is car insurance mandatory in Quebec?
Yes. In Quebec, you’re covered for bodily injury through the public automobile insurance plan (SAAQ), and you must also carry private civil liability coverage to drive legally (and to cover damage you cause to others’ property and certain situations). 12
What does SAAQ cover vs. private insurance?
SAAQ covers bodily injury (injury or death) from traffic accidents under Quebec’s public plan. Private insurers cover civil liability for property damage and optional coverages for your own vehicle (collision, comprehensive, and endorsements). 29
Do I need collision and comprehensive in Quebec?
Not always. If your vehicle is older and you could replace it without financial strain, a liability-only policy (“one-way”) may be reasonable. If your vehicle is financed/leased-or would be difficult to replace-pricing “two-way” coverage (collision + comprehensive) is usually worth it.
What’s the fastest way to lower my premium?
Fix the basics first: correct annual kilometres, correct drivers (principal vs. occasional), correct use (commute vs. pleasure), and parking location. Then raise deductibles if you can comfortably pay them after a claim, and ask about bundling and telematics. Finally: compare multiple quotes on identical coverages.
Can I buy car insurance online in Quebec?
Often yes. Many insurers offer online quoting and purchasing in Quebec, but the “best” option depends on your risk profile, vehicle type, and how you value advice (broker) vs. speed (direct/online). Always review the final coverages and endorsements before you bind coverage.
Cost snapshot: what Quebec drivers typically pay
Because Quebec splits bodily injury (public) and property/vehicle damage (private), “what you pay” shows up in more than one place: your private insurance premium and SAAQ-related contributions embedded in licensing/registration fees. Here are reliable benchmarks to ground your expectations.
Methodology for the rate tables below
- Private premium benchmarks: Based on published Quebec passenger vehicle averages from the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA), including regional averages. 34
- SAAQ cost examples: Based on SAAQ-published 2026 fee examples showing the portion allocated to fund the public plan. Your totals vary by vehicle, region, and what you’re renewing. 5
- Use these as benchmarks, not quotes: Your price depends on driving record, claims history, vehicle, deductibles, address/territory, and discounts.
Average private premium in Quebec (benchmark)
In 2024, the average private insurance premium for passenger vehicles in Quebec was $1,006 per year. This reflects the private portion (property damage liability + optional vehicle coverages), not a guaranteed quote. 3
Regional benchmarks (why Montreal often costs more)
| Quebec region (private insurance) | Average premium (2024) | What this usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal City Urban Community (Centre and East) | $1,139 | Denser driving, more claims exposure; confirm deductibles and coverage details carefully. |
| Montreal City Urban Community (West) | $1,081 | Still urban; parking, commute, and claim history can move rates quickly. |
| Laval | $1,011 | Suburban/urban mix; verify annual kilometres and principal driver assignment. |
| Longueuil | $965 | South-shore commuting patterns can affect territory pricing. |
| Outaouais (including Gatineau area) | $940 | Cross-border commuting patterns can matter; ensure use and kilometres are accurate. |
| Quebec City Urban Community (C.U.Q.) | $872 | Often lower than Montreal; still validate coverage and deductibles before choosing “cheapest.” |
| Montreal suburbs | $886 | Rates can improve vs. central Montreal; parking type and commute still matter. |
| Montérégie | $804 | Typically lower territory pricing; keep kilometres and drivers accurate to avoid re-rating. |
| Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean | $811 | Often lower territory impact; collision/comprehensive choices drive much of the difference. |
Note: These are published regional averages for private passenger vehicle insurance in Quebec, not guaranteed quotes. 4
SAAQ public plan: where the cost shows up
Quebec’s public plan is funded through contributions embedded in licensing/registration fees (among other mechanisms). SAAQ publishes examples showing the portion allocated to fund the public plan.
| Example (2026) | Total shown in example | Portion allocated to fund the public plan |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s licence renewal (4-year term) | $118.05 | $42.89 |
| Passenger vehicle registration renewal (most regions) | $217.41 | $71.96 |
| Passenger vehicle registration renewal (with public transit tax area) | $247.41 | $71.96 |
| Passenger vehicle registration renewal (Montreal community example) | $400.86 | $71.96 |
Important: The “total” includes taxes/fees beyond insurance funding. Use the “allocated to fund” column as the clearest indicator of the public plan contribution shown in the example. 5
Warning: “No-fault” doesn’t mean “no consequences”
Quebec’s system is often described as “no-fault” for bodily injury because compensation is handled by the public plan rather than lawsuits. But your private insurance price can still change based on risk factors and claims history, and your private policy still includes deductibles, exclusions, and conditions. 29
What to do next: Ask your insurer/broker how not-at-fault events and glass/theft claims are treated for pricing in your situation-and keep the answer in writing.
How car insurance works in Quebec (SAAQ + private insurers)
Quebec uses a split model:
- Public plan (SAAQ): Compensates bodily injury from traffic accidents (subject to plan rules). You generally do not sue for bodily injury in Quebec auto accidents; compensation flows through the public plan framework. 9
- Private insurance: Covers civil liability (damage you cause to others’ property) and optional damage to your own vehicle (collision, comprehensive), plus endorsements. 2
Quick calculator: estimate and compare
Use our calculator to estimate your range and compare quotes on the same coverage. It helps you spot whether a “cheap” price is actually missing key protection.
Compare quotes from multiple providers side-by-side on the same coverage.
What to do next: Before you quote, decide what you want to protect:
- Other people’s property (civil liability limit)
- Your own vehicle (collision/comprehensive, replacement-related options)
- Your day-to-day mobility (rental/loss of use)
What coverage is mandatory in Quebec
For most drivers, the practical “mandatory” checklist is:
- SAAQ public plan for bodily injury (applies through Quebec’s system). 9
- Private civil liability coverage (mandatory to drive). Quebec’s minimum is $50,000 for most passenger vehicles, with higher minimums for certain uses. 1
| Vehicle / use case | Minimum civil liability required (Quebec) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most passenger vehicles | $50,000 | Minimum legal requirement; many drivers choose higher limits. |
| Transporting goods or people (e.g., delivery, passengers) | $1,000,000 | Commercial-type use typically triggers higher minimums; disclose use to your insurer. |
| Transporting hazardous materials (by certain vehicles) | $2,000,000 | Higher minimums can apply; verify requirements for your exact use. |
| Off-road vehicles (e.g., certain recreational uses) | $500,000 | Rules differ by vehicle type; confirm what applies to you. |
Carry proof: SAAQ notes you must have a civil liability insurance certificate and keep it in your vehicle. 1
Recommended liability limits (practical, not legal advice)
Even though Quebec’s minimum can be $50,000 for many passenger vehicles, many drivers choose $1,000,000 or $2,000,000 in civil liability because lawsuits and repair costs can exceed the minimum quickly-especially if you drive outside Quebec, drive frequently, or own higher-value assets. 10
Pro Tip: Ask for the declarations page before you pay
Small differences in deductibles and endorsements can change what’s covered (and what isn’t). The declarations page and endorsements list show what you’re actually buying.
What to do next: Confirm: civil liability limit, deductibles, collision/comprehensive included or excluded, loss of use limits, and any replacement-related wording.
Optional coverages that matter most in Quebec
Once you meet the legal requirement (civil liability), most shopping is about protecting your own vehicle and your convenience costs.
Collision (damage to your vehicle in a crash)
Collision helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision (subject to your deductible). It’s often one of the biggest price drivers because it’s tied to vehicle value and repair costs.
Comprehensive (theft, vandalism, weather, glass, animal impact)
Comprehensive generally covers non-collision losses-such as theft, vandalism, fire, certain weather events, and often glass-subject to deductible and policy wording. Quebec’s standard policy framework discusses “comprehensive” as coverage for risks other than collision. 2
One-way vs. two-way coverage (simple decision frame)
| Option | What it usually includes | Best fit for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability-only (“one-way”) | Civil liability (mandatory) + optional add-ons you choose | Older vehicles, cash buyers, drivers comfortable self-insuring their own car damage | No collision/comprehensive payout for your vehicle damage (depending on what you buy) |
| “Two-way” (adds collision + comprehensive) | Civil liability + collision + comprehensive (deductibles apply) | Financed/leased vehicles, newer vehicles, drivers who want predictable risk | Higher premium; you still pay deductibles |
Loss of use / rental car coverage
If your vehicle is not drivable after an insured claim, loss of use coverage can help pay for a rental car or alternate transportation (limits and conditions apply). Confirm daily limits and the maximum duration.
Replacement cost and depreciation protection (newer vehicles)
Quebec drivers will often see two broad approaches for newer vehicles:
- Depreciation waiver endorsement added to your auto policy (commonly referenced as Q.E.F. 43 in Quebec). 2
- Replacement insurance sold as a separate product in Quebec (often referenced as Q.P.F. No. 5). 11
| Option | Where it sits | Why people choose it | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depreciation waiver endorsement (e.g., Q.E.F. 43) | Attached to your auto policy | Simpler “one policy” structure; can reduce depreciation after a total loss (subject to endorsement rules) | How long it applies, eligibility (new vs used), and what happens if you change vehicles |
| Replacement insurance (often Q.P.F. No. 5) | Separate contract that complements your primary policy | Can provide stronger replacement-style outcomes (depending on contract) for newer vehicles | How claims coordinate with your primary insurer, term length, and how/where it is sold |
Availability note (important)
ChAD notes that, as of July 1, 2026, Q.P.F. No. 5 replacement insurance will no longer be sold by car dealers. Availability and distribution can change, so verify what options you can buy through an insurer or broker. 12
Roadside assistance and claims service add-ons
Convenience coverages can be useful, but duplicates are common (manufacturer coverage, credit cards, auto clubs). Remove overlaps before you pay extra.
Discounts and fast ways to lower your premium
In Quebec, the “quick wins” are usually accuracy + deductibles + smart packaging:
| Lever | Why it works | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fix kilometres and commute details | Usage is a core rating factor | Update your annual km and commute distance (especially if you changed jobs or work remotely) |
| Confirm principal vs occasional drivers | Incorrect driver assignment can change rates and create claim friction | Ask how the insurer defines “principal driver” and what proof they may request |
| Raise deductibles (only if affordable) | Directly reduces premium on collision/comprehensive | Choose a deductible you can pay the same week as an accident |
| Bundle home/tenant + auto | Multi-line discounts are common | Quote both together and compare the combined total (not just auto) |
| Telematics (usage-based programs) | Safe driving may earn discounts | Ask about data collection, penalties, and whether discounts can be removed at renewal |
| Winter tire compliance (and possible discounts) | Quebec has mandatory winter tires; some insurers also offer discounts | Install approved winter tires on time and keep documentation if an insurer requires proof |
Quebec rule: winter tires are mandatory
Quebec requires vehicles registered in Quebec to have winter tires from December 1 to March 15. Quebec government guidance also notes fines for non-compliance (typically $200 to $300, plus fees). 67
What affects your Quebec car insurance price
Even within Quebec, two drivers with the same vehicle can see very different premiums. Insurers rate risk using a mix of driver, vehicle, usage, and location factors.
Driver factors (you)
- Years licensed and driving experience
- Claims history and convictions
- Household drivers (including occasional drivers)
- Insurance history (continuous coverage vs. gaps)
Quebec-specific note: The GAA notes insurers consult the claims history statement (FCSA) and the record commonly covers recent years. If your file has errors, you can request corrections through the GAA process. 10
Vehicle factors (your car)
- Vehicle value and repair costs
- Safety features and trim
- Theft attractiveness and parts availability (varies by model and year)
- Financed/leased vs. owned outright
Usage and location factors (how and where you drive)
- Annual kilometres and commute frequency
- Where the vehicle is parked (street, driveway, garage)
- Territory/region rating (varies by insurer)
- Business use (delivery, client visits, rideshare-must be disclosed)
Regional differences: Montreal vs. Quebec City vs. suburbs
Regional pricing differences are real in Quebec. The published regional averages show that some parts of Montreal and nearby urban communities can price higher than areas like Quebec City or certain regions-often reflecting density, collision frequency, theft exposure, and repair/logistics costs. 4
GAA regional statistics also highlight that claim frequency and claim volume can be higher in dense areas-for example, the Montreal urban community is reported with higher-than-province-average claim frequency in published regional stats. 13
City and region checklist (how to reduce “territory” pain)
| Where you live/drive | Common rate pressure | Practical mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Central Montreal | More collisions, more parking risk, higher claim frequency | Secure parking when possible, accurate km/commute, consider higher deductibles only if affordable |
| Laval / Longueuil | Commuter patterns; mixed urban/suburban exposure | Confirm principal driver and usage; price both “one-way” and “two-way” to see the real delta |
| Gatineau / Outaouais | Cross-border commuting patterns can matter | Disclose commuting details; verify coverage for travel outside Quebec |
| Quebec City | Often lower benchmark than Montreal, but still vehicle-driven | Shop deductibles and endorsements; don’t drop comprehensive if theft/weather would be financially painful |
| Rural regions | Lower congestion; but longer distances and wildlife/weather risk | Consider comprehensive for animal impact and glass; confirm towing/roadside coverage |
How to compare quotes (without surprises at claim time)
Price shopping only works if you control the variables. In Quebec, “hidden differences” between quotes are usually deductibles, endorsements, replacement-related wording, and what is included/excluded under vehicle damage coverages.
A simple quote spec (copy/paste)
| Quote item | What to match across every insurer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Civil liability limit | Same limit on every quote (e.g., $1M or $2M if that’s your choice) | Liability is the biggest “catastrophic” risk and the easiest way to compare apples-to-apples |
| Collision / comprehensive | Either included on all quotes or excluded on all quotes | Otherwise you’re comparing different products |
| Deductibles | Same collision deductible, same comprehensive deductible | Deductibles can make a “cheap” quote expensive when you claim |
| Loss of use | Included/excluded + daily limit + maximum duration | Rental coverage is a common pain point after claims |
| Drivers and usage | Same listed drivers, same annual km, same commute details, same parking | Small input differences can shift rates materially |
| Endorsements / special coverages | List what you want (replacement-related, roadside, glass, etc.) | Endorsements can change real-world coverage outcomes |
Broker vs. direct writer: which is better in Quebec?
Either can work. Brokers can shop multiple insurers; direct writers can be fast and streamlined. The best approach is often one broker quote + one direct quote as a baseline, then expand if prices diverge.
flowchart TD
A[Define coverage goal]
A --> B[Confirm SAAQ injury plan]
B --> C[Choose civil liability limit]
C --> D{Protect own vehicle}
D -->|No| E[Quote liability only]
D -->|Yes| F[Add collision comprehensive]
F --> G[Choose deductibles and add ons]
E --> H[Compare equal inputs]
G --> H
H --> I[Review declarations and endorsements]
I --> J[Buy policy and set renewal reminder]
Accidents, claims, and “no-fault” in Quebec
In Quebec, bodily injury is compensated through the public plan framework, and private insurance handles most of the property damage side (vehicle repairs, deductibles, and liability for property damage). 29
Direct compensation agreement (property damage)
Quebec’s standard approach for many two-vehicle collisions is the Direct Compensation Agreement: each driver generally claims vehicle damage from their own insurer (when the conditions apply). Quebec’s regulator describes this in its consumer guidance. 211
What to do next after a crash:
- Get to safety and call emergency services if needed.
- Document the scene (photos, notes, witnesses).
- Exchange information and notify your insurer promptly.
- If available/appropriate, complete a joint report to simplify reporting. 14
Bodily injury claims (SAAQ) and deadlines
If you need to file for compensation under the public plan, SAAQ notes you generally must file a claim within 3 years of the accident date. 8
If you drive outside Quebec
When you travel, confirm your liability and vehicle damage coverage extends to the places you’ll drive. Also remember: Quebec’s system is unique, so ask your insurer how claims are handled out-of-province and what proof of insurance you should carry.
Tips for newcomers, students, and seniors in Quebec
Newcomers to Quebec
Insurers may not automatically recognize driving/insurance history from another country unless you provide documentation.
- Request a claims experience letter from your previous insurer.
- Bring a driver abstract (or equivalent) from your prior jurisdiction if available.
- Ask how the insurer treats gaps in coverage and how they verify years licensed.
Students and young drivers
For young drivers, the biggest levers are vehicle choice, accurate usage, and family policy structure.
- If a student is away at school without regular access to the car, ask how they should be listed (rules vary by insurer).
- Price liability-only vs. full coverage and compare the savings to the vehicle’s replacement risk.
Seniors and retirees
Retirement can reduce annual kilometres and commuting exposure-if your insurer has updated details.
- Update annual km and primary use.
- Ask about mature driver programs and refresher course discounts (availability varies).
Step-by-step: how to buy car insurance in Quebec
- Confirm your baseline: understand Quebec’s split system (SAAQ for bodily injury + private civil liability for property damage). 12
- Choose your civil liability limit: meet the legal minimum, then decide if $1M–$2M fits your risk profile and budget. 10
- Decide one-way vs. two-way: liability-only vs. adding collision/comprehensive for your vehicle.
- Pick deductibles you can pay: choose deductibles that won’t force debt after a claim.
- Select key endorsements: rental/loss of use, replacement-related options, roadside (only if needed).
- Quote consistently: same drivers, kilometres, commute, parking, deductibles, and endorsements across insurers.
- Review documents before paying: declarations page, endorsements list, exclusions, and payment schedule.
- Set review reminders: re-shop at renewal and after changes (move, job change, new driver, new vehicle).
FAQs
Does SAAQ replace my private car insurance?
No. SAAQ covers bodily injury under Quebec’s public plan framework, but you still need private civil liability coverage, and you may want collision/comprehensive for your vehicle. 12
What is “civil liability” coverage in Quebec?
Civil liability is the private insurance coverage that pays for damage you cause to others’ property and certain situations described in Quebec’s standard policy framework. It is mandatory in Quebec (minimums apply). 12
What is the minimum liability requirement in Quebec?
For most passenger vehicles, the minimum civil liability is $50,000 in Quebec. Some uses (like transporting goods/people) can require higher minimums. 1
When are winter tires mandatory in Quebec?
Winter tires are mandatory for vehicles registered in Quebec from December 1 to March 15. Non-compliance can result in fines. 67
Why is car insurance often higher in Montreal?
Urban density typically increases collision and claim exposure. Published regional averages for private insurance show higher benchmarks in parts of Montreal compared to some other Quebec regions. 413
How long do I have to file a claim with SAAQ for bodily injury?
SAAQ notes you generally must file within 3 years of the accident date. 8
What’s the difference between depreciation waiver and replacement insurance in Quebec?
A depreciation waiver is typically an endorsement attached to your auto policy; replacement insurance is often a separate contract (commonly referenced as Q.P.F. No. 5). Availability and details vary-verify the wording and how claims coordinate. 21112
Where can I verify Quebec’s auto insurance rules?
Start with SAAQ (public plan and requirements) and the AMF (consumer guidance on standard coverage and how claims work), then confirm details with a Quebec-licensed insurer or broker. 12
Sources (numbered footnotes)
- SAAQ – Public Automobile Insurance Plan in Brief (civil liability minimums; proof of insurance) https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/saaq/documentation/public-automobile-insurance-plan-in-brief
- Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) – Automobile insurance (standard policy structure; coverages; direct compensation) https://lautorite.qc.ca/en/general-public/insurance/automobile-insurance
- Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) – Cost for passenger vehicles (Quebec average premium, 2024) https://gaa.qc.ca/en/our-businesses/automobile-insurance-statistics/cost-for-passenger-vehicles/
- GAA – Rating criteria by region (Average premium by region, 2024 dataset) https://gaa.qc.ca/media/StatsData/2024/data_en/CritereTarificationRegionPrime.csv
- SAAQ – Driver’s licence and vehicle registration: insurance contributions (examples and allocated amounts; updated Dec 16, 2025) https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/driver-licence/drivers-licence/renewal/insurance-contributions
- SAAQ – Winter Preparation (winter tires mandatory Dec 1 to Mar 15) https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/automobile/maintenance-safety/winter-preparation
- Gouvernement du Québec – Winter tire requirements and fines (Dec 1 to Mar 15; fines noted) https://www.quebec.ca/en/transports/traffic-road-safety/winter-road-safety/requirements-for-winter-tires and French fines page https://www.quebec.ca/transports/circulation-securite-routiere/periode-hivernale/pneus-hiver
- SAAQ – Public Automobile Insurance Plan (claim filing deadline noted as 3 years) https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/saaq/documentation/public-automobile-insurance-plan
- Éducaloi – Car Insurance: What You Need to Know (consumer explanation of SAAQ injury coverage and Quebec approach) https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/car-insurance-what-you-need-to-know/
- GAA – Auto insurance at a glance (liability choices; claims history statement context) https://gaa.qc.ca/en/our-businesses/automobile-insurance/auto-insurance-at-a-glance/
- GAA – Direct Compensation Agreement https://gaa.qc.ca/en/our-businesses/automobile-insurance/direct-compensation-agreement/
- ChAD – Replacement cost coverage and replacement insurance (includes distribution note for July 1, 2026) https://chad.ca/tools/insurance-coverage/coverage-on-new-vehicle-replacement-cost/
- GAA – Claims statistics by region (example: Montreal urban community claim frequency vs provincial average) https://gaa.qc.ca/en/our-businesses/automobile-insurance-statistics/in-quebec/according-to-region/
- GAA – Joint report (accident reporting tool) https://gaa.qc.ca/en/our-businesses/automobile-insurance/joint-report/
Editorial standards / methodology
We prioritize primary sources and recognized Quebec/Canadian institutions, including SAAQ (public plan and rules), AMF (consumer guidance and standard policy structure), and the GAA (published insurance statistics). Rate benchmarks shown are averages and examples-not quotes. Your premium depends on your location, vehicle, driving record, claims/convictions history, coverages, deductibles, and discount eligibility. Rules and availability can change, so confirm details with your insurer/broker and verify current requirements with Quebec authorities.
Update note
- Last updated: January 3, 2026
- Reviewed Quebec-specific requirements (civil liability minimums, winter tire rules), refreshed published rate benchmarks and SAAQ contribution examples, and expanded quote-comparison and claims guidance.
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational information only and isn’t a quote, contract, or legal advice. Coverage availability, wording, and eligibility vary by insurer and by your situation. Confirm details with a Quebec-licensed insurer or broker before you buy or change coverage.
About the Author: ALAN ISIK
I am from Ontario and was told by a Quebec resident who I sold my car to that they don’t have to pay for very basic insurance. That it is covered by their taxes. I cancelled my insurance after they returned to Quebec. I asked for them to mail my plates back but they said that the SAAQ is on a three week holiday and can’t get it registered yet. They still have my plates on the sold car. If they get in an accident with my plates am I liable even though I sold the car and told them to send the plates back?