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Car insurance rates in Quebec and Ontario can vary depending on a number of factors, including the driver’s profile, the type of vehicle, and the specific coverage and deductible amounts. Here are some general differences between car insurance in Quebec and Ontario:

  1. Government involvement: Quebec operates under a public automobile insurance system, while Ontario has a mix of public and private insurance providers. The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) provides compulsory liability coverage in Quebec, while in Ontario, drivers can choose to purchase coverage from private insurance companies or the government-run Ontario Insurance Commission.
  2. Coverage requirements: Both provinces require drivers to have third-party liability coverage, but the minimum required coverage amounts are different. In Quebec, drivers must have at least $50,000 in liability coverage, while in Ontario, the minimum required liability coverage is $200,000.
  3. Premiums: On average, car insurance premiums in Quebec tend to be lower than in Ontario. This is partly due to the public automobile insurance system, which is designed to provide affordable coverage to all drivers. However, premiums can still vary depending on factors such as the driver’s profile and the type of vehicle.
  4. Deductibles: In Quebec, there is a $500 deductible for collision coverage, while in Ontario, drivers can choose a deductible amount ranging from $0 to $2,500. Choosing a higher deductible can help to lower insurance premiums.
  5. Discounts: Both provinces offer discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, and installing anti-theft devices. However, the specifics of the discounts and the amount of savings may vary between insurance providers.
  6. Claims process: The claims process for car insurance in Quebec and Ontario can also differ. In Quebec, the public insurance system may have a different claims process compared to the private insurance companies in Ontario. For example, in Quebec, the SAAQ may cover some medical expenses related to a car accident, while in Ontario, these expenses may be covered by the driver’s health insurance.
  7. Driving record: In both Quebec and Ontario, insurance providers may consider the driver’s record when determining insurance premiums. However, the specifics of how the driving record is evaluated may differ between provinces.
  8. Urban vs. rural: Car insurance rates in Quebec and Ontario may also differ depending on whether the driver lives in an urban or rural area. In some cases, insurance premiums may be higher for drivers in urban areas due to factors such as increased traffic and crime rates.
  9. Type of vehicle: The type of vehicle being insured can also impact car insurance rates in Quebec and Ontario. For example, sports cars or luxury vehicles may have higher insurance premiums compared to more practical or economical vehicles.
  10. Legal requirements: Both Quebec and Ontario have legal requirements for car insurance coverage, but the specific requirements may differ. For example, in Quebec, drivers are required to carry proof of insurance at all times, while in Ontario, proof of insurance must be presented when requested by law enforcement.

Overall, car insurance rates and coverage in Quebec and Ontario can be impacted by a variety of factors, and it’s important to compare quotes and review the specifics of the policy before making a decision.

Average Car Insurance in Quebec

Compared to other Canadian provinces, car insurance rates in Quebec tend to be relatively lower due to the province’s public automobile insurance system. Here are some estimated average car insurance rates in Quebec:

  • Liability coverage: The minimum required liability coverage in Quebec is $50,000, and the estimated average cost for this coverage is around $640 per year, or about $53 per month.
  • Collision and comprehensive coverage: Optional coverage for damages to your own vehicle can also be purchased. The estimated average cost for this coverage is around $240 per year, or about $20 per month.
  • All coverage types: The estimated average cost for all types of car insurance coverage in Quebec is around $840 per year, or about $70 per month.

Here are some estimated average costs of car insurance in Quebec for 10 major cities in the province, based on a driver profile of a 35-year-old male with a clean driving record, driving a 2019 Toyota Camry:

  1. Montreal: $775 per year, or about $65 per month
  2. Quebec City: $645 per year, or about $54 per month
  3. Laval: $720 per year, or about $60 per month
  4. Gatineau: $695 per year, or about $58 per month
  5. Longueuil: $705 per year, or about $59 per month
  6. Sherbrooke: $630 per year, or about $53 per month
  7. Saguenay: $600 per year, or about $50 per month
  8. Levis: $640 per year, or about $53 per month
  9. Trois-Rivieres: $625 per year, or about $52 per month
  10. Terrebonne: $695 per year, or about $58 per month

Average Car Insurance in Ontario

Compared to other Canadian provinces, car insurance rates in Ontario tend to be higher due to the mix of public and private automobile insurance providers. Here are some estimated average car insurance rates in Ontario:

  • Liability coverage: The minimum required liability coverage in Ontario is $200,000, and the estimated average cost for this coverage is around $1,500 per year, or about $125 per month.
  • Collision and comprehensive coverage: Optional coverage for damages to your own vehicle can also be purchased. The estimated average cost for this coverage is around $450 per year, or about $38 per month.
  • All coverage types: The estimated average cost for all types of car insurance coverage in Ontario is around $1,950 per year, or about $163 per month.

Here are some estimated average costs of car insurance in Ontario for 10 major cities in the province, based on a driver profile of a 35-year-old male with a clean driving record, driving a 2019 Toyota Camry:

  1. Toronto: $2,100 per year, or about $175 per month
  2. Ottawa: $1,300 per year, or about $108 per month
  3. Mississauga: $2,400 per year, or about $200 per month
  4. Brampton: $2,500 per year, or about $208 per month
  5. Hamilton: $1,550 per year, or about $129 per month
  6. London: $1,200 per year, or about $100 per month
  7. Markham: $2,000 per year, or about $167 per month
  8. Vaughan: $2,300 per year, or about $192 per month
  9. Kitchener: $1,350 per year, or about $113 per month
  10. Windsor: $1,100 per year, or about $92 per month

It’s important to note that these are estimated average costs based on the given driver profile and may vary depending on other factors, such as the driver’s age, driving record, and location. It’s recommended to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers and review the specifics of the policy before making a decision.

Why Is Car Insurance Cheaper in Quebec Than in Ontario?

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Car insurance tends to be cheaper in Quebec than in Ontario for several reasons:

  1. Public insurance system: Quebec operates under a public automobile insurance system, which is designed to provide affordable coverage to all drivers. The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) provides compulsory liability coverage in Quebec, which helps to keep insurance premiums lower.
  2. Lower coverage requirements: The minimum required liability coverage in Quebec is $50,000, while in Ontario, the minimum required liability coverage is $200,000. This means that drivers in Quebec can purchase less coverage and pay lower premiums as a result.
  3. Lower risk of accidents: Quebec has a lower rate of accidents and car thefts compared to Ontario, which can help to keep insurance rates lower.
  4. More cautious drivers: Quebec drivers tend to be more cautious on the road, which can lead to fewer accidents and claims being made, resulting in lower premiums.
  5. Less litigation: In Quebec, the public insurance system covers some medical expenses related to car accidents, which can help to reduce the number of claims that result in litigation. This can also help to keep insurance premiums lower.

Overall, the combination of a public automobile insurance system, lower coverage requirements, and a lower risk of accidents and claims help to make car insurance cheaper in Quebec compared to Ontario.

Mandatory Car Insurance in Ontario

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In Ontario, there are several types of mandatory car insurance coverage that drivers are required to have:

  1. Third-party liability insurance: This coverage is mandatory in Ontario and provides protection if you are found to be at fault in an accident and someone else is injured or their property is damaged. The minimum required coverage amount is $200,000, but most drivers choose to purchase higher amounts.
  2. Accident benefits coverage: This coverage provides benefits such as medical expenses and income replacement if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. The minimum amount of coverage is $65,000, but higher amounts can be purchased.
  3. Uninsured automobile coverage: This coverage provides protection if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. The minimum amount of coverage is $200,000, but higher amounts can be purchased.
  4. Direct compensation – property damage coverage: This coverage provides compensation for damage to your vehicle and its contents if you are not at fault in an accident with another insured driver. This coverage is mandatory in Ontario, and the amount of coverage is determined by the at-fault driver’s policy.

It’s important to note that these are the minimum mandatory coverage requirements in Ontario, and drivers can choose to purchase additional coverage such as collision and comprehensive coverage, which provides protection for damages to your own vehicle. Additionally, the specific requirements and coverage amounts may vary depending on the driver’s individual circumstances and insurance provider.

Mandatory Car Insurance in Quebec

In Quebec, car insurance is provided through a public automobile insurance system, which is administered by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). All Quebec drivers are required to have the following mandatory insurance coverage:

  1. Liability insurance: This coverage provides protection if you are found to be at fault in an accident and someone else is injured or their property is damaged. The minimum required liability coverage amount is $50,000.
  2. Accident benefits coverage: This coverage provides benefits such as medical expenses and income replacement if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. The amount of coverage provided is determined by the driver’s individual circumstances, such as their income and the severity of their injuries.
  3. Uninsured automobile coverage: This coverage provides protection if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver.
  4. Direct compensation – property damage coverage: This coverage provides compensation for damage to your vehicle and its contents if you are not at fault in an accident with another insured driver. This coverage is mandatory in Quebec, and the amount of coverage is determined by the at-fault driver’s policy.

It’s important to note that while Quebec’s public automobile insurance system provides mandatory coverage, drivers can choose to purchase additional coverage such as collision and comprehensive coverage, which provides protection for damages to your own vehicle. Additionally, the specific requirements and coverage amounts may vary depending on the driver’s individual circumstances and the SAAQ.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

One Comment

  1. Thomas Hawk 4 September 2021 at 12:12 pm - Reply

    So, you say that insurance costs more because of the cost of replacing the following devices:

    Back up cameras
    Lane change cameras
    Blind-spot monitoring
    Adaptive cruise control

    I have a problem with you saying this because you’re not telling the whole story. Sure, these devices do cost more to replace but they also have a significant impact on reducing the number of accidents to begin with so insurance companies that make this claim are being disingenuous. Anything that makes the roads safer and reduces the number of accidents overall more than pays for itself when the cost of replacement is considered. That completely renders this excuse that you’ve put forward null and void. That you would say this means that you either aren’t very knowledgeable about how this works (doubtful) or it’s because you also profit from these higher premiums that only exist because of corporate greed on a grand scale.

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