Auto insurance with a criminal record: solutions and confidential quote
Rejected by standard insurers? An AMF insurance broker specialized in substandard will shop for you among 8+ specialized insurers, discreetly.
Confidential quoteA criminal record — particularly a conviction for driving under the influence, hit and run, or dangerous driving — radically changes your relationship with auto insurers in Quebec. Most major insurers (Intact, Desjardins, Beneva, Aviva) automatically refuse this type of record or impose significant surcharges. But you are not without options: specialized substandard insurers have been covering these drivers for decades. Here’s how to find fair, legal, and confidential coverage in 2026.
Which criminal records affect auto insurance?
Driving under the influence (alcohol)
The most penalizing offense. Almost systematic refusal by standards. Surcharge 100-200% with substandard. Impact 5-7 years.
Driving under the influence (drugs/cannabis)
Since 2018, treated like alcohol. Saliva or blood test. Same consequences on the license and insurance.
Hit and run
Leaving the scene of an accident without identifying oneself. Criminal Code, art. 320.16. Major insurance impact, standard refusal.
Dangerous driving
Criminal Code art. 320.13. Includes street racing, extreme overtaking. Surcharge 80-150%.
Motor vehicle theft
Qualified theft, joyride, possession of stolen property. Major impact, some policies even refuse coverage for contents.
Insurance fraud
False declaration or previous false claim. Almost total refusal — only a few very specialized insurers accept.
Assault, theft, fraud
Not related to driving. Light impact: surcharge 10-30% with some, accepted as is with others.
Controlled substances (possession, trafficking)
Variable impact. If related to driving (drug driving): major impact. Otherwise: moderate.
Identity theft or financial crime
Monitored mainly for commercial and fleet policies. For personal auto: medium impact.
Average auto insurance prices with a criminal record in 2026
| Type of offense | Seniority | Surcharge vs standard | Estimated annual premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving under the influence (1st) | 0-2 years | +100 to +200% | $3,500 - $6,500 |
| Driving under the influence (1st) | 3-5 years | +50 to +100% | $2,200 - $3,800 |
| Driving under the influence (1st) | 5+ years | +10 to +30 % | $1,700 - $2,400 |
| Repeat impaired driving | 0-5 years | +150 to +300 % | $4,500 - $8,500 |
| Hit and run | 0-3 years | +80 to +150 % | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Dangerous driving | 0-3 years | +50 to +120 % | $2,500 - $4,200 |
| Non-driving related offense (5+ years) | 5+ years | +0 to +30 % | $1,600 - $2,200 |
| Record suspension (pardon) | 5-10 years | Standard or slight rate | $1,400 - $2,000 |
2026 estimates for a mid-range sedan insured for all risks. Actual price based on complete profile and vehicle.
⚠️ Never hide a criminal record from the insurer
Hiding a criminal record constitutes a material misrepresentation under the Civil Code of Quebec (art. 2408). In the event of a claim, the insurer may completely deny compensation, keep the premium paid, and even seek damages. Transparency — even if uncomfortable — is always more profitable.
Specialized substandard insurers in Quebec
- Echelon Insurance — a pioneer in substandard auto insurance in Canada, accepts the majority of cases
- Coachman Insurance — a subsidiary of Definity (Economical), specializing in high-risk
- Pafco / CanWest — dedicated program for substandard and young drivers
- Optimum Insurance — independent Quebec insurer, open to complex cases
- Pearl Insurance — "Hard-to-Place" program for declined drivers
- Trillium Mutual — Ontario cooperative, some regions of Quebec
- Stratford Insurance — specialized program for substandard auto and home insurance
Each insurer has its own risk appetite, its own surcharges, and its own timelines for returning to standard rates. An independent broker like Assur360 knows their grids and directs your case to the one that will offer the best premium based on your exact profile.
Expert advice for drivers with a criminal record
Your best ally is time: each year that passes without a new offense lowers the surcharge. During the substandard period, drive carefully, pay your premiums on time, and report any changes to your broker. After 3 years, request a systematic reevaluation with standard insurers — Assur360 does this for free at each renewal. See our substandard auto insurance guide →
Steps to obtain your auto insurance with a criminal record
- Prepare your complete file: nature of the offense, date, sentence served, current status (license suspension, ignition interlock).
- Contact an AMF independent broker specialized in substandard — not a direct insurer.
- The broker shops your file with 8+ specialized insurers, anonymously.
- Compare the quotes received: premium, deductible, exclusions, period for returning to a standard rate.
- Subscribe to the best offer and keep the documentation carefully.
- Reevaluate each year — your profile improves over time.
Record suspension (pardon)
In Canada, a record suspension (formerly "pardon") is granted by the Parole Board of Canada after a period of 5 years (summary offense) or 10 years (indictable offense). Once obtained, most insurers treat your file as if there had never been an offense.
Important: the record suspension does not erase your file from the SAAQ or driving history. The insurer may still see a license suspension or ignition interlock in your history. Consult Pardons Canada or the PBC for the official process.
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