LICENCE SUSPENSION
2nd chance car insurance
Partner firms specialising in cases of increased risk. Free quote, no obligation.
Difficult to insure a vehicle after a suspension
If you are having trouble insuring your vehicle because you have just recovered your driver’s licence after a suspension, know that you will be insured. In Quebec, no licensed driver can be left without coverage: the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) requires all insurers to participate in the risk distribution plan (the Quebec equivalent of the “FAR”) for files refused on the regular market.
The real question is therefore not ” can I be insured? “, but “at what price and with which broker? “. For the years following a suspension, it is essential to maintain a good driving record, to respect speed limits and the Highway Safety Code. Above all, be honest when quoting : a false statement on your driving record may result in the denial of compensation in the event of a claim, or even the nullity of the contract (arts. 2408 and 2410 of the Civil Code of Québec).
If you manage to drive without incident for 3 to 6 years, the majority of regular insurers will take over your file and your premium will return to normal.
Types of licence suspensions in Quebec in 2026
Not all suspensions are equal in the eyes of insurers. The reason and duration weigh directly on your car insurance premium.
Suspension administrative SAAQ
Issued by the SAAQ for demerit points (7-14+ points), non-payment of fees, failure to undergo a medical examination. Duration: 3 to 12 months. Prime Impact: +15 to +30%.
Suspension for alcohol/drugs
Drinking and driving (≥80 mg, or “zero tolerance” 21 years of age and under). Immediate suspension 90 days + revocation. Impact Prime: +50 to +200%, alcohol ignition interlock required.
Excessive speeding
40 km/h in the ≤60 zone, 50 km/h in the 90 zone, 60 km/h in the ≥100 zone. Suspension 7 to 60 days depending on the second offence. Prime Impact: +25 to +75%.
Judicial suspension
Court-ordered (hit-and-run, dangerous driving, street racing, ss. 320.11 et seq. C.cr.). Often 1 to 3 years. Prime impact: +75 to +250%, specialized market required.
How a suspension affects your car insurance premium
When you apply, the insurer consults the GAA’s central automobile claims file (FCSA) and your SAAQ file. A recent suspension appears for 3 to 6 years depending on the severity. Insurers then categorize your profile:
- Regular profile — no insurer refuses, average surcharge +15%.
- Sub-standard profile — 1-2 years after suspension, premium +30 to +60%, specialized broker market.
- Aggravated risk profile — recent alcohol or judicial suspension, + 75 to +200% premium, GAA risk distribution plan if all refuse.
How to Get Insured After a Suspension — 5 Steps
Tips for reducing your premium after a licence suspension
In addition to the choice of insurer, there are several levers that can reduce the bill from the first year:
- Increase your deductibles (from $500 to $1,000 or $1,500) — savings 8% to 15%.
- Do not report small claims below the deductible amount.
- Combine car + home at the same firm — 5 to 15% multi-product discount.
- Install an approved lock (Tag, Sherlock, Boomerang) — required on certain high-risk models, otherwise 5% discount.
- Opt for telematics if available (Intact Drive, Belair Auto +) — discount depending on driving, useful after a suspension.
- Postpone the purchase of a newer vehicle until your profile becomes regular again.
💡 Broker’s advice
Never accept the first submission after a suspension. The price difference between two specialty insurers can be as high as $800 to $1,500/year for the same vehicle and coverage. An independent broker compares the entire market for you, in a single step.
Regions and cities served in Quebec
Assur360’s partner firms support drivers with licence suspensions throughout Quebec: Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Quebec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay, as well as in the regions (Mauricie, Estrie, Outaouais, Côte-Nord, Bas-Saint-Laurent).
