Automobile Insurance
There are two parts to automobile insurance: Section A – Civil liability (compulsory), which includes coverage for damage that your vehicle might cause to someone else’s property, and Section B – Damage to an insured vehicle (optional), which covers damages to your own car. Consumers who have questions can call their damage insurance agent or broker at any time. They are there to advise their clients.
ONE-WAY INSURANCE?
This term refers to Section A, which is compulsory for automobile insurance. Its coverage includes:
- Damages to your vehicle resulting from a collision in Quebec for which you are not liable;
- Property damage and bodily injury caused to someone else in an accident that occurred outside Quebec and for which you are liable
“Two-way” insurance, Section B, covers damages to your own vehicle, and its equipment and accessories, resulting from an accident for which you are liable. You can choose from a variety of coverages; discuss them with your broker or agent.
Replacement cost or replacement insurance?
Consumers who wish to benefit from replacement cost after a loss can add endorsement Q.E.F. 43 to their automobile insurance contract or opt for replacement insurance Q.P.F. 5. Car dealerships may also offer this second option. Be aware, though: a dealership is not a certified representative and thus, in the event of fraud, the insured will not be eligible for compensation from the Compensation Fund of the Autorité des marchés financiers.
To learn more about the difference between the two products, review the comparison table that was designed to help damage insurance professionals better advise their clients. Above all, discuss this with your damage insurance agent or broker to decide on the product that best meets your needs.
A tool to help you
Renewing your automobile insurance
Have you bought a new car, or made any changes during the term of the contract or at renewal time? It is important to notify your damage insurance agent or broker of any changes that could impact your coverages. Regularly verify your needs using the “10 questions to ask yourself when renewing your automobile insurance” tool.
A few frequently asked automobile-insurance questions
I’m having trouble getting insured. What should I do?
In Quebec, every owner of a motor vehicle must carry at least $50,000 worth of compulsory civil liability insurance. The Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) is responsible for guaranteeing access to this insurance. Go to the GAA’s website to learn how you can benefit from this service.
I had an accident. Am I at fault?
Your insurer will determine your liability based on the Direct Compensation Agreement. This agreement applies to all collisions that occur in Quebec between at least two vehicles whose owners have been identified. To find out whether the agreement applies to your accident and to get an idea of the extent of your liability, go the GAA website.
How do I choose my automobile insurance?
Contact a damage insurance agent or broker to discuss your situation. He or she will advise you on the coverage that meets your needs. To learn more about assessing your needs, coverages offered in Quebec, getting a quote and purchasing insurance, read the guide created by the Autorité des marchés financiers.
What should I do in the event of an accident?
Notify your insurer or your broker as soon as possible. They will help you to open your claims file. You must then describe the circumstances of the loss to the claims adjuster assigned to your file. This adjuster will walk you through the steps of the settlement process and confirm the coverages in your contract. For an overview of the automobile claims settlement process, from making a claim through to the repair, visit the GAA website.
I was injured in a car accident. What should I do?
The government plan, which is administered by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), compensates any person residing in Quebec for bodily injuries (for example, physical injuries, illness, death, etc.) suffered in an automobile accident anywhere in the world on a “no fault” basis. If you have been injured in an accident, you can contact the SAAQ directly or discuss it with the claims adjuster assigned to your file, who will explain to you how to proceed. Go to the SAAQ website for more information.
How can I access my claims history statement (claims file)?
The Fichier central des sinistres automobiles (FCSA) [the Automobile Claims Database] belongs to the Autorité des marchés financiers and is managed by the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA). The FCSA contains information on your automobile claims: it is your claims file. You can consult it at any time and ask for verifications or request that corrections be made if there are any errors. However, the GAA cannot change any of the information in the database. To find out how to request that information be verified in order to make a potential correction to your file, go to the GAA website.
Automobile insurance: FAQs
Answers to some of the questions that insureds commonly ask.
To learn More
Here are three websites to check out that will help you learn more about car insurance: