A conviction for impaired driving (s. 320.14 of the Criminal Code) permanently changes your insured record. In Quebec, the SAAQ suspends your license, you often have to install an alcohol ignition interlock device , and almost all standard insurers refuse your file. Good news: at Assur360, our AMF-certified brokers have been specializing in sub-standard cases for more than 30 years. We find you an insurer that accepts your situation, legally and with the minimum coverage required by the Automobile Insurance Act.
IN BRIEF
Car insurance with conviction for impaired driving
A conviction for impaired driving (alcohol, drugs) results in a considerable increase in your car premium (often 2 to 5 times higher) for 3-6 years.
Solution: non-standard specialist markets (Echelon, Pafco, Cumis) accept these profiles. An independent broker compares these markets to get you the least penalizing premium.
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Get my free quote1-866-357-4451Understanding Section 320.14 of the Criminal Code
Since the C-46 reform (December 2018), impaired driving is governed by sections 320.14 to 320.18 of the Criminal Code. Offences include driving with a blood alcohol level of 80 mg/100 ml or more, driving under the influence of drugs (THC 2 to 5 ng/ml), refusing to comply with a test order, and dangerous driving. Former section 255 Cr. C. has been replaced by these new provisions.
1st offence (s. 320.19)
Minimum fine $1,000, 12-month federal driving ban, criminal record. Mandatory ignition interlock device in Quebec.
2nd offence
Minimum imprisonment 30 days, driving ban 24 months, record. In Quebec, ignition interlock device for a minimum period of 3 years.
3rd offence and more
Minimum imprisonment 120 days, federal prohibition 36 months or life. Revocation of QC license, lifetime ignition interlock possible.
What the SAAQ imposes on you after a conviction
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) applies its own administrative sanctions, independent of criminal penalties. These restrictions are aimed at the gradual rehabilitation of the driver and the safety of other road users.
Revocation of licence
The SAAQ revokes your licence as soon as you are convicted. You can no longer drive to the shed, even if the criminal prohibition has ended.
Summary or full assessment
Depending on the blood alcohol level detected: a summary (160 mg or less) or complete (more than 160 mg, recidivism, drug) evaluation by a health professional (OPQ / CISSS).
Alcohol ignition interlock mandatory
Installation of an ignition interlock device (LifeSafer, Ignition Interlock, Draeger) for a minimum of 1 year (1st offense), 3 years (2nd), or lifetime (3rd or more). Monthly cost ~$100.
Limited licence (former “conditional” licence)
The SAAQ issues a limited licence with an ignition interlock condition. You can only drive a vehicle equipped with the device.
Alcofrein Course or Education Program
Mandatory awareness programme before final reintegration. Duration of 8 to 16 hours depending on the case, provided by approved organizations.
Broker’s advice: coordinate insurance and ignition interlock
Some substandard insurers require proof of ignition interlock installation before issuing the policy. Coordinate your installation appointment (LifeSafer, Ignition Interlock, or Smart Start) with your broker to activate coverage on the same day and avoid driving without insurance.
Sub-standard insurers that accept impairment records
After a Criminal Code conviction, most traditional insurers refuse to cover you. Our brokers have access to a network of sub-standard specialized insurers that accept these profiles. Here’s how the offer and typical surcharges work.
| Location | Estimated | surchargeDuration restrictions | Back to standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st offence, blood alcohol level < 120 mg | +80% to +150% | Immobilizer 1 year | 36 months |
| 1st offence, blood alcohol level > 160 mg | +150% to +250% | Immobilizer 2 years | 48 months |
| Breathalyzer | refusal+150% to +250% | Immobilizer 1 to 2 years | 48 months |
| Drug impairment | +175% to +275% | Immobilizer 1 to 3 years | 48 months |
| 2nd offence | +200% to +300% | Immobilizer 3 years | 60 to 72 months |
| 3rd offence and more | +250% to +400% | Immobilizer 3 years to life | Variable |
*2026 indicative ranges. Your actual premium depends on the vehicle, age, region, rest of your file and the program you choose. Free personalized quote in 3 minutes.
Obligation to make a complete declaration — art. 2408 C.C.Q.
You must declare any criminal convictions, any licence withdrawal or revocation, any ongoing SAAQ evaluations and any ignition interlock obligations when you apply for insurance. Hiding this information is a serious misrepresentation.
Consequences: nullity of the contract, refusal of compensation in the event of a claim, civil proceedings, and registration in the file of false declarations. In addition, driving without valid insurance is a separate offence under the Automobile Insurance Act ($500 to $1,500 fine). The honest declaration is always more advantageous.
Steps to get your car insurance after a conviction
Check your SAAQ licence
Get your SAAQ driving record (free on saaq.gouv.qc.ca). It confirms the date of conviction, the ignition interlock device and the current type of licence.
Install the ignition interlock device (if required)
Choose a supplier approved by the SAAQ (LifeSafer, Ignition Interlock, Smart Start, Draeger). Installation takes 1-2 hours and costs about $200, plus monthly fees.
Fill out the sub-standard form
Our sub-standard submission form takes you 3 minutes. Report the exact offence, the date, the blood alcohol level or substance, the SAAQ conditions.
Comparison of specialist insurers
A dedicated broker submits your file to several sub-standard insurers (Echelon, Optimum, Facility Association, etc.). Offers received within 24 to 48 hours.
Issuance and proof of insurance
Electronic signature, payment in instalments possible, same-day issuance of the Certificate of Insurance for the SAAQ and registration.
Rehabilitation of the file (36 to 60 months)
Punctual payments, no at-fault claims, compliance with SAAQ conditions. After 36 to 60 months, we resubmit your file to standard insurers to lower your premium.
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Free quoteTalk to a brokerSpecial situations covered
🍺 Drinking and Driving (80 mg+)
Conviction: s. 320.14(1)(b) Cr. C. — blood alcohol level between 80 and 160 mg. Moderate surcharge, 1 year immobilizer.
🌿 Drugs and Driving (THC)
S. 320.14(1)(c) — presence of drugs above the authorized threshold. Treatment similar to alcohol depending on the concentration.
🚫 Refusal to comply
S. 320.15 — refusal to provide a breath sample. Penalties equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 160 mg.
💥 Causing injury or death
Ss. 320.14(2) and (3) — maximum surcharges, Facility Association program often mandatory for 3 to 5 years.
🔁 Recidivism
2nd or 3rd conviction — few private insurers accept, but the Risk Allocation Plan is a guaranteed solution.
📱 Dangerous driving
Art. 320.13 — dangerous driving, racing, aggravated texting while driving. Similar substandard treatment.
How to reduce your premium after a conviction
Impeccable record over 36 months
No offences, no at-fault claims, no late payments. After 3 years, your premium can drop by 30% to 50%.
Higher deductible
Going from $500 to $1,000 or $2,000 deductible reduces your premium by 10% to 25%. Choose according to your ability to pay in the event of a claim.
Take recommended courses
Alcofrein program, defensive driving course, SAAQ evaluations respected. Some insurers offer a discount on proof of rehabilitation.
Service throughout Quebec
Our AMF-certified brokers assist Quebec drivers with an impaired driving record throughout the province: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Lévis, Terrebonne, Saint-Jérôme, Drummondville, Granby and Thetford Mines. All support is done remotely (phone, email, electronic signature) and your certificate of insurance is issued the same day.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Impaired Impairment Insurance
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