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Electric vehicle insurance in Quebec covers the same coverage as traditional auto insurance — civil liability, collision, all-risk — but with particularities specific to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In Quebec, the EV market is exploding: more than 250,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are on our roads, and this number is increasing by about 50% each year. With the Quebec government’s Roulez vert program and the most developed network of charging stations in Canada, more and more Quebecers are making the switch to electric. But this transition raises an important question: how much does it cost to insure an electric vehicle?
Does EV insurance cost more in Quebec?
In general, yes — insuring an electric vehicle costs between 10 and 25 percent more than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. This difference can be explained by three main factors:
- Higher purchase price — an EV costs an average of $10,000 to $15,000 more than its gasoline-powered equivalent, which increases the cost of replacement
- Battery repair cost — replacing a lithium-ion battery can cost between $8,000 and $25,000, a risk that insurers factor into the premium
- Specialized parts and labour — certified technicians for EVs are still scarce, and parts cost more than for conventional vehicles
However, there are several factors that can significantly reduce your premium. A car insurance broker can identify insurers that offer EV-specific discounts and save you money. Get your free quote to compare.
Insurance Cost Comparison: EV vs. Gas in Quebec
Here is a rough comparison of the annual insurance premiums for the most popular models in Quebec. The amounts vary depending on your profile, your region and your coverage.
| Electric model | Estimated annual premium | Fuel equivalent | Estimated annual premium | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $1,400 – $1,800 | BMW 3 Series | $1,200 – $1,500 | +15 to 20% |
| Tesla Model Y | $1,500 – $2,000 | Toyota RAV4 | $1,100 – $1,400 | +20 to 30% |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | $1,100 – $1,400 | Hyundai Kona petrol | $950 – $1,200 | +10 to 15% |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | $1,200 – $1,500 | Chevrolet Equinox | $1,000 – $1,300 | +15 to 20% |
| Nissan Leaf | $900 – $1,200 | Nissan Sentra | $850 – $1,100 | +5 to 10% |
| Kia EV6 | $1,300 – $1,700 | Kia Sportage | $1,050 – $1,350 | +20 to 25% |
Note: These estimates are based on a 35-year-old driver, good record, Montreal area, comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible. Actual premiums vary depending on your profile.
Essential Insurance Coverages for an EV
In Quebec, the auto insurance plan covers bodily injury through the SAAQ, but property damage requires private insurance. Here are the coverages that are particularly important for EV owners:
- Civil liability (Chapter A) — mandatory in Quebec, minimum $50,000 (recommended $2,000,000). Covers damage caused to others
- All perils (Chapter B1) — essential for a new EV, covers collision + theft + vandalism + bad weather + fire
- Endorsement FAQ 27 (replacement value) — crucial for an EV. In the event of a total loss, you receive the amount to buy an equivalent new vehicle, without depreciation
- Endorsement FAQ 43 (Compensation Amendment) — eliminates depreciation on parts during a repair, especially useful given the high cost of EV parts
- Battery coverage — check that your policy explicitly covers battery replacement in the event of accidental damage (not just wear and tear)
- Home charging station — some home insurance policies cover the charging station installed at home. Ask your broker
How to save on your electric vehicle insurance
Despite the generally higher premiums, there are several strategies that can significantly reduce the cost of your EV insurance in Quebec:
- Eco-friendly rebate — some insurers offer a 5 to 10% rebate specifically for electric and hybrid vehicles
- Multi-product discount — bundle your home + auto insurance to save 5-15% on each policy
- Telematics — EVs are a natural fit for connected driving programs. Your smooth and economical driving will be rewarded
- Higher deductible — going from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10 to 15 per cent
- Anti-theft device — EVs are less stolen than gasoline-powered vehicles, but a certified device can still reduce the premium
- Shop with a broker — a car insurance broker compares offers from dozens of insurers to find the best price for your specific profile
The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) recommends that you always compare at least three offers before subscribing. With Assur360, our brokers make this comparison for you. Request your free quote.
The most popular EV models in Quebec in 2026
Quebec is the Canadian champion in the adoption of electric vehicles, thanks to government incentives and the low cost of electricity. Here are the best-selling models and their insurance features:
- Tesla Model 3 / Model Y — the best-selling in Quebec. Higher premiums due to repair cost and Tesla-specific safety rating
- Hyundai Kona Electric / Ioniq 5 — great value, generally lower premiums than Tesla
- Chevrolet Equinox EV / Bolt (discontinued) — competitive insurance rates thanks to the well-established GM repair network in Quebec
- Kia EV6 / EV9 — performance vehicles with generous battery warranty (10 years / 160,000 km)
- Nissan Leaf / Ariya — the Leaf remains the most affordable option to insure among EVs
- Ford Mustang Mach-E / F-150 Lightning — the Lightning is a special case: electric truck = higher premium
EV Incentives and Financial Benefits in Quebec
Beyond insurance, owning an electric vehicle in Quebec offers considerable financial advantages that more than compensate for the additional insurance premium:
- Drive Green Program — purchase rebate of up to $7,000 (provincial) + up to $5,000 (federal iZEV)
- Fuel savings — charging an EV costs about $300 to $500 per year in Quebec, compared to $2,000 to $3,000 for gasoline for a comparable vehicle
- Low maintenance — no oil changes, less stressed brake pads (regenerative braking), no exhaust system
- Electric Circuit charging station network — more than 7,500 public charging stations in Quebec, the densest network in Canada
- Access to reserved lanes — green plate = access to reserved lanes for electric vehicles on highways
Including all these savings, an EV owner in Quebec saves an average of $2,000 to $4,000 per year in operating costs compared to a gas-powered vehicle, even when factoring in the higher insurance premium.
Battery and insurance: what you need to know
The battery is the most expensive component of an electric vehicle, accounting for 30 to 40% of the vehicle’s value. It is also the element that has the most impact on your insurance premium. Here are the essential points to discuss with your broker:
- Manufacturer’s Warranty — Most manufacturers offer an 8-10 year or 160,000 km battery warranty. During this period, the risk for the insurer is lower
- Accidental Damage vs. Degradation — insurance covers damage caused by an accident, but NOT normal degradation of battery capacity
- Total loss — minor damage to the battery can result in a total loss of the vehicle if the replacement cost exceeds the value of the vehicle. Amendment FAQ 27 is crucial here
- Battery fire — lithium-ion battery fires are rare but complex to manage. Your standard fire coverage applies
Free electric vehicle insurance quote
Do you own an electric vehicle or are you planning to buy one? Our certified broker partners know which insurers offer the best EV rates in Quebec. They compare offers from dozens of insurers to find you the perfect coverage — including battery protection, recommended endorsements, and eco-friendly discounts. Fill out the quote form — it’s free, fast and without obligation.
Does it cost to insure an electric vehicle more?
Yes, on average 10 to 25% more expensive than a comparable petrol vehicle. This difference is explained by the higher purchase cost, the price of replacing the battery ($8,000 to $25,000) and specialized parts. However, eco-friendly discounts and a good broker can reduce this gap.
Is the battery covered by car insurance?
Yes, accidental damage to the battery (collision, fire, flood) is covered by your comprehensive insurance. However, normal capacity degradation is not covered — the manufacturer’s warranty applies (8-10 years / 160,000 km for most brands).
Are there insurance discounts for electric vehicles?
Yes. Some Quebec insurers offer an eco-friendly discount of 5 to 10% for EVs. You can also take advantage of the multi-product discount (car + home), telematics and a higher deductible to reduce your premium.
Why is Tesla insurance more expensive?
Teslas have high repair costs due to their aluminum bodywork, on-board technology (cameras, sensors), and limited repair network (Tesla Authorized Centers only). The Model Y and Model 3 are among the most expensive EVs to insure in Quebec.
What is the cheapest electric vehicle to insure?
The Nissan Leaf is generally the cheapest EV to insure in Quebec, with premiums ranging from $900 to $1,200 per year. The Hyundai Kona Electric is also an affordable option. These models benefit from a well-established repair network and a reasonable cost of parts.
Is my home charging station covered?
Your home charging station (level 2) is generally covered by your home insurance as equipment attached to the building. Check with your broker to make sure the value of the station is included in your coverage and that electrical damage is covered.
Is the FAQ 27 endorsement important for an EV?
Yes, highly recommended. The FAQ 27 (replacement value) endorsement is crucial for EVs because minor damage to the battery can result in a total loss. Without this endorsement, you would receive the depreciated value of the vehicle instead of the amount to buy a new one.
Does the insurance of a hybrid cost as much as a 100% electric one?
No. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) typically cost 5-15% less to insure than a 100% electric EV because their battery is smaller (less expensive to replace) and they also use a traditional gasoline engine, which is easier to repair.
Are electric vehicles more stolen?
No, on the contrary. EVs are generally less targeted by thieves than popular gasoline-powered SUVs (Honda CR-V, Lexus RX, Toyota Highlander). Their built-in geolocation system and the impossibility of easily reselling the battery make them less attractive for theft.
How much do you save in total with an EV in Quebec?
Even taking into account the higher insurance premium, an EV owner in Quebec saves an average of $2,000 to $4,000 per year through fuel savings ($300-500 vs. $2,000-3,000 for gas), reduced maintenance, and government incentives.
