The year 2026 brings its share of changes in the world of car insurance in Quebec. Between the rising cost of parts, the explosion of electric vehicles and new telematics practices, your premium has never fluctuated so much from one insurer to another. This guide takes stock of what is really changing in 2026 and how to take advantage of it.
2026 edition
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What changes in 2026 for Quebec motorists
Every year, several factors move the premiums. In 2026, three major trends are reshaping the landscape.
The soaring cost of repairs (+12% in 2 years)
Modern vehicles are equipped with more and more technology: ADAS sensors, 360° cameras, parking radars, calibrated windshields. A simple fender bender, which cost $1,800 to repair in 2022, can now exceed $4,500 when it comes to recalibrating the driver assistance systems. The Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) reports an average increase of 12% in the cost of material claims since 2024. As a result, the premiums follow.
The SAAQ increases insurance contributions in 2026
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec has announced an adjustment to its insurance contribution grid, effective since January 2026. For a standard passenger vehicle, the increase represents about $15 to $30 per year depending on the engine capacity. This increase, separate from your private insurance, reflects the increase in compensation costs for bodily injury. Remember: the SAAQ portion (injuries) and the private portion (property damage) are two separate bills.
Telematics is gaining ground
In 2026, at least 4 Quebec insurers now offer telematics programs (OBD box or mobile application) that analyze your driving habits. If you drive carefully — gentle braking, respect for limits, little night driving — you can get a 10% to 25% discount on your premium. This is new in Quebec and it’s worth asking your broker if your profile would benefit from it.
How much do you really pay in 2026? Figures by profile
GPAs don’t mean much — your premium depends on who you are. Here are realistic ranges based on quotes processed by our broker partners in Q1 2026.
| Profile | Annual | What causes the price to vary |
|---|---|---|
| Young driver (18-24 years old) | $1,800 — $ | Vehicle type, primary vs. secondary driver, driving lessons |
| Adult 25-40 years old, good record | $850 — $ | Region, annual mileage, self-housing group |
| Family 40-60 years old, 2 vehicles | $700 — $1,100/veh. | Claims history, vehicle type, multi-vehicle discounts |
| Retired 65+, low mileage | $550 — $ | Mileage < 10,000 km, garage, no claims 6+ years |
| Driver at risk (offences/claims) | $2,200 — $5,000+ | Number of offences, type of claims, age of the case |
| Electric vehicle (Tesla, Hyundai, etc.) | $1,000 — $ | Battery cost, parts availability, vehicle value |
Notable fact: The difference between the best and worst price for the same profile can be as high as 40% to 60%. That’s why comparing at least 3 insurers isn’t trivial advice — it’s literally hundreds of dollars of difference.
The premium map: the most and cheapest regions in 2026
Your postal code is one of the three most important factors in your premium, along with your driving record and your vehicle. Here’s how the regions compare.
- Montreal North / St-Léonard — among the highest premiums in the country (theft, density)
- Laval — high accident rate at intersections
- Longueuil / Brossard — volume of commuters
- Gatineau — Above-average claims statistics
- Bas-Saint-Laurent — low density, few flights
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean — stable communities
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue — Wide roads, less traffic
- Gaspésie — among the lowest premiums in Quebec
A Montreal driver who moves to Saguenay can see his premium drop by 30% to 45% overnight, without changing vehicles or coverage. The reverse is also true — if you’re moving to an urban area, expect an increase.
Electric vehicles in 2026: the real portrait of insurance
With more than 250,000 EVs registered in Quebec in 2026, the question keeps coming up: is it more expensive to insure? The answer is nuanced.
Why EVs Cost More To Insure
- Battery Cost: A Tesla Model 3 battery replacement costs between $15,000 and $22,000. A simple impact to the rocker panel can damage the battery and turn a minor snag into a total loss.
- Specialized parts: Aluminum bodies, integrated motors and regenerative braking systems require certified, rarer and more expensive workshops.
- Value of the vehicle: A new EV costs an average of $15,000 more than its gasoline-powered equivalent. The premium follows the insured value.
How to save on EV insurance
- Eco-friendly discount: At least 3 Quebec insurers (Desjardins, Intact, Promutuel) offer discounts of 5 to 10% for EVs.
- Strategic FAQ 43 Amendment: On a $55,000 EV, the replacement cost endorsement is almost essential for the first 4 years. After that, the depreciated value approaches the threshold where it becomes less profitable.
- Higher deductible: Going from $500 to $1,000 can save 15 to 20 per cent on the collision portion, which is $200 to $350 per year on an EV.
- Telematics: EV drivers tend to drive more carefully (controlled acceleration, regenerative braking). A telematics program can translate this into a concrete discount.
The 5 mistakes that cost the most in 2026
After analyzing thousands of quotes, our brokers observe the same mistakes coming back constantly. Here are the ones that burn the most money.
1. Renew without comparing
This is mistake #1. Your current insurer does not automatically offer you the best price at renewal. Insurers adjust their schedules every quarter — the one that was the cheapest last year may no longer be so. 42% of Quebecers have never shopped for their car insurance (source: AMF, 2024 survey). Every year that you don’t compare, you’re potentially leaving $200 to $600 on the table.
2. Underinsuring your civil liability
The legal minimum of $50,000 is a trap. An accident involving a luxury SUV or damage to a business can easily exceed $200,000. The difference in premium between $50,000 and $2,000,000 in coverage is often only $50 to $100 per year. It’s the best value for your entire policy.
3. Keep FAQ 43 on an 8-year-old vehicle
The replacement cost endorsement is great for the first few years, but it becomes a waste when your vehicle has lost 60-70% of its value. On a 2018 Corolla that’s now worth $12,000, the FAQ 43 costs you $150 to $250 per year for protection that will probably never serve you. Ask your broker to do the math.
4. Skip grouping
Combining your home and auto insurance with the same insurer gives you a 5% to 15% discount on each policy. On a typical household, that’s $150 to $400 in savings per year. If you add a 2nd vehicle, the multi-car discount is cumulative. However, 1 in 3 Quebecers have their separate insurance policies with different insurers.
5. Not declaring a change in situation
Moving, working from home permanently, retirement, changing vehicles — all of this can lower or increase your premium. The problem: If you don’t report the change and you have a claim, your insurer may reduce your compensation or deny the claim for misrepresentation. Call your broker as soon as a change occurs.
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2026 Quebec Motorist Calendar
Certain dates have a direct impact on your insurance. Put them in your diary.
| Period | Event | Impact on your insurance |
|---|---|---|
| January | New SAAQ contributions in effect | +$15 to $30 on your registration |
| March | End of SAAQ renewal (March wave) | A good time to shop — brokers are less busy |
| March | End of the winter | Check if your insurer offers a “year-round winter tire” discount |
| April–May | Pothole | Suspension and rim breakage — covered by the B1 if you have it |
| June–August | Thunderstorm and hail | Hail damage covered by B2, not B1 |
| September | Back to school — increase in school | Period at risk for claims — be vigilant |
| October | Deer Collisions (Fall Rut) | Covered by the B2 (not the B1!) — check your coverage |
| December | Winter tires required | $200–$300 fine without compliant tires; some insurers penalize |
| 30-60 days before your renewal | Ideal window for shopping | Ask for comparative quotes — you have time to decide |
The list of the most and cheapest vehicles to insure
The vehicle you choose has a direct influence on your premium. Here are the trends observed in 2026 in Quebec.
The cheapest to insure
- Toyota Corolla / Camry — legendary reliability, abundant and affordable parts
- Honda Civic (older models) — warning: newer models cost more because of ADAS sensors
- Mazda3 — low claim rate, good safety rating
- Subaru Impreza — 4WD without the SUV overload
- Hyundai Elantra — affordable, but check the theft rate of your model year
The most expensive to insure
- BMW 3/4 Series, Mercedes C-Class — Imported Parts, Skilled Labour
- Tesla Model 3/Y — expensive battery, repairs limited to the Tesla network
- Dodge Charger / Challenger — high power = high risk profile
- Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe (2021-2024) — theft rate on the rise (Kia/Hyundai flaw)
- Jeep Wrangler — High rollover rate and repair cost
Tip: Before you buy a vehicle, ask for an insurance quote. The difference in premium between two vehicles of the same price can be as high as $800 per year. A $3,000 discount on the purchase price is quickly wiped out if the insurance costs $800 more each year.
Vehicle theft in Quebec: the 2024-2026 crisis
Vehicle theft has become a major issue in Canada and Quebec is no exception. International export networks are particularly targeting popular SUVs and pickups.
The most stolen vehicles in Quebec in 2025-2026
- Honda CR-V (2020-2024)
- Toyota Highlander (2020-2024)
- Lexus RX (2020-2024)
- Ford F-150 (2019-2024)
- Toyota RAV4 (2021-2024)
- Range Rover / Range Rover Sport
- Dodge RAM 1500 (2019-2024)
- Hyundai Tucson (2021-2024)
If your vehicle is on this list, expect a 10% to 30% surcharge on your premium. Here’s how to limit the impact:
- Aftermarket anti-theft system: A certified TAG Tracking or LoJack device can give you a 5-15% discount and most importantly deter theft.
- OBD Port Blocker: Thieves use devices that plug into the OBD port to reprogram keys. A physical blocker costs $150 to $300 and blocks this technique.
- Indoor parking: A garage reduces the risk of theft and lowers your premium. Some insurers require it for high-risk vehicles.
- Surveillance camera: No direct discount, but help with recovery and claim processing.
Checklist: Are you properly insured in 2026?
Take 5 minutes to check these points. If you answer “no” or “don’t know” to more than two questions, it’s time to review your coverage.
- ☐ My liability is at least $1,000,000 ($2,000,000 if I travel to the United States)
- ☐ My FAQ 43 endorsement is still relevant for the age of my vehicle
- ☐ I have an endorsement FAQ 20 (replacement vehicle) if I depend on my car on a daily basis
- ☐ My deductible is at a level I can afford to pay tomorrow morning
- ☐ I have informed my insurer of any changes (address, teleworking, mileage, drivers)
- ☐ My home and car insurance are with the same insurer (or I checked that it’s cheaper separately)
- ☐ I have compared at least 3 submissions in the last 12 months
- ☐ I have a blank joint report in my glove compartment
- ☐ My vehicle has an anti-theft device if it is a risky model
- ☐ I know the exact date of my renewal (and I shop 30-60 days before)
The role of the broker vs. direct insurance: what to choose in 2026?
In 2026, you have two ways to buy your car insurance in Quebec. Both are legitimate, but they are not equal for everyone.
- Compare prices from multiple insurers for you
- Represents you, not the insurer
- Expertise for complex profiles (background, special vehicles, companies)
- Claims assistance — advocates for you
- Free for the consumer
Ideal if: you want the best price without doing the work yourself
- One insurer — one price
- Represents the insurer, not you
- Processes that are often 100% online
- Can be competitive for simple, uneventful profiles
- No automatic comparison
Ideal if: you have a simple profile and want to manage 100% online
Our recommendation: start with a broker. Get the best price on the market, then check to see if your direct insurer can beat that price. You’ll always have a solid point of comparison.
FAQs — 2026-specific questions
Will car insurance premiums increase in 2026 in Quebec?
The overall trend is moderately upward from 3% to 7% in 2026, mainly due to the increase in the cost of repairs and parts. However, this increase is not uniform: low-risk profiles with a good record could see their premiums remain stable, while owners of frequently stolen vehicles (CR-V, Highlander) could see increases of 15% or more. Comparing remains the best way to counter the trend.
Is telematics worth it in 2026?
If you’re a careful driver who mostly drives during the day, yes. Quebec insurers’ telematics programs offer discounts of 10% to 25% based on your actual habits. The trade-off: you share your driving data (speed, braking, hours). For an average driver, that’s $100 to $300 in savings per year. Ask your broker which insurers offer this option.
Does my Hyundai/Kia cost more to insure because of thefts?
Hyundai and Kia models manufactured between 2015 and 2024 without a standard electronic immobilizer have been massively targeted by thieves (the “Kia Challenge” on TikTok). Insurers have reacted with surcharges of 10% to 25% on these models. If your vehicle is affected, Hyundai and Kia offer a free anti-theft kit in some cases. Installing this kit can help negotiate a better rate.
Is it true that teleworking lowers my premium?
Yes, in most cases. If you’ve switched to permanent or hybrid telecommuting (3+ days/week at home), your annual mileage has likely decreased. Switch from “daily commute” to “pleasure/casual use” in your policy and you could save 10% to 20%. Attention: declare your mileage honestly. If you have a claim and your actual mileage is much higher than declared, this could be a problem.
Do I need special insurance for ADAS (driver assistance) systems?
No, there is no special insurance for ADAS, but these systems influence your premium. Recalibrating sensors after a windshield replacement can cost an additional $500 to $1,500. Make sure your B2 (all-risk) coverage is sufficient to cover these costs. Paradoxically, ADAS reduces the risk of accidents but increases the cost per claim.
How does inflation affect my compensation in the event of a total loss?
Good news for 2026: rising used vehicle prices mean that the market value of your vehicle is likely higher than it was before the pandemic. In the event of a total loss, you will receive the current market value (or replacement cost if you have FAQ 43). However, this same inflation means that replacing your vehicle will also cost more. Check that the amount of insurance on your policy reflects the true value of your vehicle.
When is the best time to shop for car insurance in 2026?
Start comparing 30-60 days before your renewal date. This gives you time to receive multiple quotes and negotiate. Avoid shopping too early (prices change every quarter) or too late (less than 2 weeks before, you will be in a hurry and may accept a suboptimal price). Most insurers send the renewal notice 45 days in advance — that’s your signal to start with.
Will self-driving cars change anything in 2026?
Not yet in Quebec. No truly autonomous vehicles (level 4 or 5) are allowed on Quebec roads in 2026. Current systems (Tesla Autopilot, GM Super Cruise) are Level 2 — the driver remains responsible at all times. Your standard car insurance applies as normal. When autonomous vehicles arrive, the responsibility could shift from the driver to the manufacturer, which would fundamentally change the insurance model.
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