Car insurance in Quebec: 2026 prices, coverage and comparison
Compare car insurance offers in Quebec in minutes. Discover the average prices for 2026, essential coverages and 10 tips to reduce your premium with the help of an AMF-certified broker.
How does car insurance work in Quebec?
In Quebec, automobile insurance is based on a mixed system that is unique in Canada. The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) automatically covers bodily injury (no-fault public plan), while private insurance is mandatory for civil liability and optional for property damage to your vehicle. All owners of vehicles registered in Quebec must have a valid automobile insurance policy with a private insurer.
In 2026, the average car insurance premium in Quebec will range from $700 to $1,400 per year depending on the driver’s profile, the type of vehicle and the region. Quebec remains one of the most affordable provinces in Canada thanks to the SAAQ public plan, which eliminates the bodily component of private insurance.
SAAQ vs. Private Insurer: Who Covers What?
Car insurance coverage explained
Mandatory coverage
Civil liability is the only mandatory coverage in Quebec for private automobile insurance. The legal minimum is $50,000, but brokers strongly recommend an amount of $1,000,000 or $2,000,000. In the event of an at-fault accident with serious injury to others or significant damage, lawsuits can easily exceed $50,000, leaving the insured personally responsible for the difference.
Recommended Optional Coverage
Collision (Chapter B1)
Covers damage to your vehicle in a collision, whether you are at fault or not. Essential for newer or financed vehicles.
All risks (Chapter B2)
Most comprehensive protection: collision + theft, vandalism, hail, glass breakage, fire. Recommended for vehicles under 10 years old.
Specified risks (Chapter B3)
Covers only the named perils: theft, fire, hail, glass breakage. Cheaper than the all-risk, ideal for older vehicles.
Popular endorsements to be aware of
FAQ 20 – Replacement Cost
Replaces your vehicle with a new equivalent in the event of a total loss. Available for vehicles less than 2 to 5 years old depending on the insurer.
FAQ 27 – Replacement Vehicle
Provides you with a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired. Avoids unexpected rental fees after a claim.
FAQ 43 – Modification of deductible
Allows you to choose a different deductible depending on the type of claim (collision vs. theft). Offers more budget flexibility.
Average Car Insurance Prices in 2026 by Vehicle Type
Insurance premiums vary greatly depending on the type of vehicle. Here is an overview of the average annual costs in Quebec in 2026 for a driver with a good record (25-55 years old, without claims).
Franchising: how to choose it?
The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurer intervenes. In Quebec, the common deductibles are $250, $500 or $1,000. The choice of deductible directly influences your premium:
Higher premium but less to pay in the event of a claim. Ideal for new or financed vehicles.
The most popular choice. Good balance between affordable premium and cost in the event of a claim.
Lowest premium but no longer to be paid in the event of a claim. Suitable for older vehicles or careful drivers.
Advice from our expert
Never choose a deductible that you can’t pay tomorrow morning. If a $1,000 deductible would cause you financial stress, opt for $500. The annual premium difference is often only $50 to $100, which is not worth the risk of being left without a vehicle after a loss.
QEF endorsements that are important to your policy
Quebec Endorsement Forms (QEF) allow you to customize your policy. Here are the most important things to know:
QEF 20 – Replacement Cost
In the event of a total loss, your vehicle is replaced by an equivalent new model. Essential for vehicles less than 3 years old.
QEF 27 – Replacement Vehicle
Rental of a replacement vehicle during repairs. Avoid paying $40 to $60/day for 2 to 4 weeks.
QEF 34 – Insurance of persons
Adds additional coverage for passengers in the event of injuries. Supplement to the SAAQ public plan.
QEF 43a – Variation of Deductible
Allows you to have a different deductible for the collision and specified perils (theft, fire). More flexibility for your budget.
Steps to get the best quote
Gather your information
Vehicle VIN, driver’s license, driving history (accidents, tickets from the last 6 years) and current policy if you have one.
Fill out our online form
In 3 minutes, indicate your profile and your needs. Our form is secure and non-binding.
Receive your compared quotes
Your Assur360 broker compares the offers of more than 9 insurers and presents you with the best options adapted to your profile.
Choose and activate your policy
Select the offer that suits you. Your broker takes care of all the paperwork, and your coverage is activated immediately.
10 tips to reduce your car insurance premium
Bundle your insurance — Combine your home + auto with the same insurer for a 5% to 15% discount.
Increase your deductible — Going from $250 to $500 can reduce your premium by 10% to 20%.
Install a certified lock — Some insurers offer discounts for approved anti-theft systems.
Maintain a good driving record — No accidents or tickets for 6 years = lowest possible premium.
Choose a low-risk vehicle — Vehicles with a good claims record cost less to insure.
Park in a garage — A vehicle parked in a closed garage costs less to insure than a vehicle on the street.
Reduce your annual mileage — If you drive less than 15,000 km/year, some insurers offer discounts.
Opt for the annual payment — Paying in one installment eliminates the need for monthly splitting fees.
Use a broker — A broker compares for you and negotiates rates that a consumer alone can’t get.
Review your policy at renewal — Your needs change. Remove unnecessary protection on an older vehicle.
Advantages and disadvantages of each type of coverage
Benefits of comprehensive coverage
✓ Complete peace of mind in the event of a disaster
✓ Replacement vehicle included (with QEF 27)
✓ Replacement cost possible (QEF 20)
✓ Protection against theft, vandalism and weather
✓ Better protection when financing or leasing
Disadvantages to consider
⚠ Higher annual premium
⚠ Deductible to be paid on each claim
⚠ Some unnecessary coverage on an older vehicle
⚠ Claims can increase your future premiums
⚠ Replacement cost has a limited duration (2 to 5 years)
Popular Car Insurance Companies in Quebec
Broker vs. Agent vs. Direct: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to choosing how to buy your car insurance, there are three options available to you. The insurance broker is independent: he works for you, not for the insurer. It compares the offers of several companies and recommends the best one. The insurance agent represents a single insurer and can only offer you products from that company. Direct insurance (without intermediaries) may seem simpler, but you lose the expertise of a professional who knows the intricacies of the market.
At Assur360, our certified brokers compare offers from more than 9 insurers to find the best coverage at the best price. The service is free for the consumer: it is the insurer who pays the broker.
Car insurance in Quebec: prices by region
Car insurance premiums vary depending on the region where you live. Urban areas with high traffic and high theft rates generally cost more than rural areas. Here’s a look at the trends by region:
In Montreal, premiums are among the highest in Quebec due to the density of traffic, the rate of vehicle theft and the high number of claims. In Quebec City, fares are more moderate while remaining urban. Laval and Longueuil are in between, with premiums influenced by the proximity to Montreal. In Gatineau, premiums are generally advantageous, similar to those in the Outaouais. In Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay, drivers benefit from lower premiums thanks to a less risky road environment. Residents of Rimouski and remote areas often benefit from the best rates in Quebec.
Useful links for your car insurance
Frequently asked questions about car insurance
Is car insurance mandatory in Quebec?
What is the average price of car insurance in Quebec in 2026?
What is the difference between the SAAQ and a private insurer?
Is the replacement cost endorsement (QEF 20) required?
How much does car insurance cost for a young driver?
How does the deductible work in car insurance?
When do I have to fill out a joint report?
Does my insurance cover a rental vehicle?
Why should I go through a broker for my car insurance?
Why trust Assur360?
AMF Certified — Firm registered with the Autorité des marchés financiers du Québec (No. 2000037336)
ChAD Member — Chambre de l’assurance de dommages (Chamber of Damage Insurance, a guarantee of professionalism and ethics)
100,000+ quotes — More than 30 years of experience in damage insurance in Quebec
How can I reduce my car insurance premium?