CRIMINAL RECORD AND INSURANCE
Home and Auto Insurance with a Criminal Record in Quebec
Obtaining insurance despite a criminal record is possible in Quebec. Our specialist brokers work with non-standard insurers to find you the right coverage, in complete confidentiality.
At a glance
Can you get insurance with a criminal record in Quebec?
Yes, it is possible to get car and home insurance even with a criminal record in Quebec. Contrary to popular belief, having a criminal record does not automatically mean being refused by all insurers. There are specialized insurance companies in the non-standard market that accept clients with criminal histories.
Standard insurers (Intact, Aviva, L’Unique) generally refuse files with a criminal history. That’s why it’s essential to go through a specialized insurance broker like Assur360, who knows the insurers willing to accept these profiles and can negotiate the best terms for you.
⚠️ Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
Impaired driving offences are the most penalizing in car insurance. They lead to a significant additional premium (sometimes 200 to 400% more) and a limitation to non-standard insurers for 3 to 6 years. If you are in this situation, contact us immediately: our brokers work with insurers such as Pafco and Echelon who accept these files.
Scroll vs criminal record: what is the difference?
Many people confuse the scroll with the criminal record. Understanding the difference is essential to your insurance journey.
The Scroll
The docket is a public registry of courts that contains the history of all court proceedings (civil and criminal). Anyone can consult the docket online via the website of the Ministry of Justice. Insurers systematically consult him.
Criminal record
The criminal record is a federal registry maintained by the RCMP that contains only criminal convictions. It can be erased after a certain period of time via a record suspension (formerly sorry). The scroll, on the other hand, remains accessible even after a pardon.
Types of Violations and Impact on Your Insurance
Not all violations have the same impact on your ability to obtain insurance. Here is an overview of the main categories and their consequences.
| Type of Offence | Impact on car | insuranceImpact on home | insuranceDifficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impaired | driving200-400% surcharge, non-standard insurers only | Moderate | impact🔴 High |
| Dangerous | drivingLarge additional premium, possible | restrictionsLow | impact🟠 Medium |
| Hit and run | Significantadditional premium, frequent refusals | Low | impact🟠 Medium |
| Fraud/misrepresentation | Almost systematic refusal, residual | marketAlmost systematic | refusal🔴 High |
| Arson / vandalism | Moderate | impactVery frequent | refusal🔴 High |
| Theft / Receiving Stolen Property / Breaking and Entering | Moderate | impactSignificant | additional premium🟠 Medium |
| Assault/Uttering Threats | Low to moderate | impactLow to moderate | impact🟡 Low |
| Other offences (drugs, mischief) | Impact varies according to nature | Variable | impact🟡 Low to medium |
Insurers specializing in criminal cases
Many insurers in Quebec accept customers with a criminal record. These companies specialize in the non-standard market and evaluate each case individually.
Pafco
Number one non-standard auto specialist in Quebec. Accepts records involving impairment, excessive demerit points, hit-and-run, and criminal record. Learn more about Pafco.
Echelon
Non-standard insurer with a good risk appetite for drivers with a criminal history. Competitive pricing for less severe cases. Auto and home options.
Lloyd’s (via MGA)
Tailor-made solutions for the most complex cases via underwriting agents (MGA). Accepts profiles that others decline. Customized policies based on the level of risk.
How much does insurance with a criminal record cost?
The cost of insurance with a criminal record depends on several factors: the type of offence, the number of offences, the length of time since the last offence and your overall profile. Here are some indicative price ranges for car insurance.
| Location | Estimated | car premiumPremium vs. Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal record (minor offences, 5+ years) | $1,200 — $2,000 / year | +25 to 50% |
| Impaired Driving (Recent) | $2,500 — $5,000 / year | +200 to 400% |
| Hit-and-run / dangerous | driving$2,000 — $3,500 / year | +100 to 250% |
| Multiple offences / heavy | record$3,500 — $7,000 / year | +300 to 500% |
💡 Advice from our expert brokers
The good news: premiums go down over time. Each year without violations or claims improves your record. After 3 years without incident, some standard insurers start to accept your file. After 6 years, your premiums are closer to the regular market. Don’t lose hope — patience is your best ally.
Situations our brokers can address
Our Assur360 specialized brokers have the experience to find insurance solutions in the most complex situations. Here are the most common cases we deal with.
✅ Criminal record or scroll
✅ Impaired driving
✅ Criminal hit-and-run
✅ Dangerous driving
✅ False declaration of insurance
✅ Licence suspension for alcohol in the blood
✅ Too many demerit points
✅ Non-renewal by an insurer
✅ High frequency of complaints
✅ Foreign Driver’s License
Home insurance with a criminal record
Home insurance with a criminal record presents similar challenges to car insurance, but with important nuances. Insurers mainly assess whether the offence is related to property (arson, theft, break and enter, vandalism).
If your offence is not related to property (e.g., impaired driving, assault), the impact on your home insurance will generally be less severe than on your car insurance. Some standard insurers may even accept your file.
On the other hand, if your record includes offences related to arson or insurance fraud, getting home insurance will be much more difficult. In these cases, only specialist insurers via Lloyd’s or the residual market will be able to help you.
Steps to get your insurance
Fill out the online form
Complete our 3-minute submission form. All information is treated 100% confidentially.
A specialized broker contacts you
An experienced broker in non-standard records calls you to understand your situation and gather the necessary details.
We compare insurers for you
Your broker submits your file to several specialized insurers (Pafco, Echelon, Lloyd’s) to obtain the best conditions.
You choose and are covered
We present the available options with prices. You choose the one that’s right for you, and your coverage starts immediately.
Rehabilitation times and impact on premiums
The good news is that the impact of a criminal record on your premiums decreases over time. Insurers mainly evaluate the last 3 to 6 years. Here are the typical insurance rehabilitation times.
| Incident-free | periodEffect on your record |
|---|---|
| 0 — 3 years | Non-standard insurers only. Highest additional premiums. Patience required. |
| 3 — 5 years | Beginning of improvement. Some standard insurers are starting to consider your file. Premiums falling. |
| 5 — 6 years | Significant improvement. More standard insurers accept your file. Premiums are getting closer to the regular market. |
| 6+ years | Almost normalized profile. Access to standard insurers with competitive premiums. Record suspensions possible. |
The importance of being honest with your insurer
It is absolutely essential to report your criminal record to your insurer. Leaving out this information is a misrepresentation that can result in the cancellation of your policy and the denial of any claims.
If you are involved in an accident and your insurer discovers an undeclared criminal record, they can legally refuse to pay your claim and retroactively cancel your policy. You would then be personally liable for all damages, which could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
An Assur360 broker will help you present your file in the best possible way while respecting your reporting obligation. This is the safest and most advantageous strategy in the long term.
Insurance with criminal record by region in Quebec
Our specialized brokers serve clients with a criminal record throughout Quebec. Whether you are in Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Longueuil, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières or Saguenay, we can help you find insurance that is right for you.
Premiums vary slightly depending on your region. Drivers in Montreal usually pay the highest premiums due to the density of traffic. In the regions, rates can be 10 to 20% lower. No matter where you live in Quebec, our brokers have access to the same specialized insurers and can get you the best possible conditions.
Useful links
Frequently asked questions — Criminal record and insurance
Can you get car insurance with a criminal record in Quebec?
What is the difference between a scroll and a criminal record?
How much does car insurance with a criminal record cost?
Do I have to declare my criminal record to my insurer?
Can you insure your house with a criminal record?
How long will it take for my premium to drop?
How to insure yourself after impaired driving?
Can the Insurance Bureau of Canada help me?
Does a record suspension (pardon) help with insurance?
What happens if I drive without insurance in Quebec?
Why trust Assur360?
CONFIDENTIAL AND NON-JUDGMENTAL
Get your insurance despite your record
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