Car insurance in Quebec: Quote and buy online today

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Drive safe and save up to 35% with Sonnet Shift

Want more control over your auto insurance premium? With Sonnet Shift – you can have it! Sonnet Shift rewards you for making smart choices behind the wheel.

Our free, easy-to-use smartphone app monitors your driving and scores it. Every three months you could earn savings of up to 35% for driving safely, and at renewal, you could be rewarded for driving less through our Mileage Discount.

Get Quebec car insurance that’s tailored to you

Do you spend your weekdays navigating rush hour traffic in Montreal? Driving from Laval to Quebec City to visit friends and family? No matter where you’re living and driving in Quebec, make sure you have the best auto insurance for your needs. That’s where Sonnet has you covered. Get customized coverage, in language you can understand, at a competitive price – and do it all online. We’ve changed car insurance in Quebec for the better, so your drive is worry-free. 

Why do you need car insurance in Quebec?

In Quebec, if you own a vehicle, by law you must have car insurance. But that’s not the only reason to have insurance. Think of it as a future investment. The average cost of having to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged or in an accident in Quebec is $6,542. Plus, if you cause damage or injuries to other people while driving, you’ll be responsible for those costs too. Accidents happen, even to good drivers. Having car insurance offers financial help when they do.

What does car insurance in Quebec cover?

Whether you lease, finance or own your car, you need certain basic coverages to be able to legally drive. There are also additional coverages available to increase protection for yourself and your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of what standard car insurance covers in Quebec. You should always review your auto policy, so you know exactly what you’re covered for – and what you’re not.

Mandatory car insurance coverage in Quebec

Civil Liability

You must have liability coverage in order to drive in Québec. It protects you and other drivers financially in case of an accident where you’re at fault. Liability covers any damages, injuries or losses experienced by another driver or individual.

Bodily Injury

In Québec, bodily injury is covered by the government’s public automobile insurance plan – the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec. The SAAQ protects Québecers in the event of injury or death as a result of an auto accident, no matter who’s at-fault.

Collision or Upset

This covers loss or damage to your vehicle and its contents caused by specific events. These events include an accident with another vehicle where you’re at fault or an accident with an object (like a guardrail or a tree). You’re also covered if your car rolls over, or if your vehicle is subject to a hit and run and reported to police within 24 hours.

Although it’s optional, this coverage is considered essential. Without it, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your vehicle if these events happen. If you lease or finance your car, this coverage is usually required by your lessor or lender.

Comprehensive

It’s not just when you’re driving that your vehicle could be damaged. Comprehensive insurance in Québec has your vehicle covered for damage from things like falling objects, vandalism, fire, theft, lightning, windstorm and earthquake. Comprehensive coverage is usually mandatory if you’re leasing or financing your vehicle.

Optional auto insurance coverage in Quebec

Accident Forgiveness

Clean record for the last 6 years? We won’t increase your rate due to your first at-fault accident and we automatically apply this protection again if after another 6 years you’ve got a clean record.

Heads up! Accident Forgiveness applies to your first at-fault claim only. If you have another at-fault accident, your Accident Forgiveness will be removed from your policy. You’ll be rated for both accidents – and any at-fault accidents after that.

Rental Extension Bundle

• Rental and Travel Costs. We’ll set you up with a rental car comparable to your own after a covered loss, while your car’s being repaired or replaced (up to your policy limits). Or, we’ll cover other regular travel costs – like taking a cab or the bus to work.

• Damage to Non-Owned Vehicle Coverage. We’ll cover you for the loss or damage to any borrowed or rented vehicle comparable to your own.

Vroom Service Bundle
  • Roadside Assistance. We’ll reimburse you for up to $50 for related emergency expenses.
  • New/Used Vehicle Replacement. We’ll replace your vehicle without any adjustment for depreciation.
  • Hit-and-Run Deductible Waiver. We’ll waive your deductible up to $1,000 in the event of a hit-and-run, as long as it’s reported within a reasonable time (like a day).

How much is auto insurance in Quebec?

Car insurance rates in Quebec are decided based on unique information about each driver. Car insurance companies in Quebec base their pricing on your driving record, auto insurance claims history, and how you use your car. They also look at the type of vehicle you drive and what part of Quebec you live in. Want to know exactly how much your insurance will cost? It’s easy. Just get an online car insurance quote to find out.

Canadian University Alumni

More than just a degree – save on auto and home insurance in Quebec with Sonnet’s Canadian University Alumni discount.

Key factors affecting your Quebec car insurance rates

Car insurance in Quebec works a bit differently than other provinces, but there's still a lot that goes into your auto insurance quote. Here are a few things car insurance companies in Quebec look at when determining your rates:

Your driving record 

Your driving record, insurance history and past tickets can have a major impact on your Quebec car insurance rates. Common traffic violations that could affect your insurance include: speeding, distracted driving, failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, driving without wearing a seatbelt, and illegal turns.

The good news? You can add ticket forgiveness to your policy – it protects you from a rate increase after your first minor ticket.

The car you drive 

Auto theft is rising across Quebec, and thieves target certain vehicles more than others. If you want cheaper car insurance in Quebec, avoid cars on the most-stolen vehicles list when shopping for your next ride. 

Your location affects your insurance price

Where you live in Quebec matters because things like traffic and crime can increase the chance of a claim. If you live in a big city like Montreal, Quebec City or Laval, you might pay more than someone in a smaller town like Trois-Rivieres or Sherbrooke. 

Your daily commute 

More time on the road means higher risk of an accident – and higher insurance costs. Taking the Metro, REM or STM for your daily commute could get you cheaper auto insurance in Quebec compared to someone driving the A-20 or the Met every day. 

The coverage you choose 

Car insurance in Quebec includes mandatory coverages and optional add-ons like collision or upset and comprehensive. These extras might cost a bit more upfront, but they protect you from hefty out-of-pocket bills if your vehicle is damaged or stolen. 

How to get affordable car insurance in Quebec

Looking to lower your car insurance costs? We’ve got a few ways for you to save on auto insurance in Quebec without compromising on coverage. 

Bundle home and auto

Bundling your home and auto insurance means more money in your pocket.

Get your group and affinity discount

More than 2,000 organizations – like Telus, Tangerine and Deloitte – offer group discounts on Quebec car insurance through Sonnet. Start a quote and search for yours.

Put your diploma to work

Get more from your degree. Canadian university alumni can save big on car insurance in Quebec with our group and affinity discount.

The Sonnet difference

We make insurance easy to handle online, reward safe drivers and show up when you need us most. 

You're in control – we're here to help

Quote, buy, manage your policy or start a claim – all online. Questions? Email, chat or call. 

Get rewarded for safe driving

Sonnet Shift can save you up to 35% – plus 10% more for driving less.

Ready when you need us

With 24/7 claims support, connect with a real person when it matters most.

Quebec auto insurance: frequently asked questions

Getting an auto insurance quote with Sonnet is quick and easy – with plenty of help along the way. Check out our blogs and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for helpful tips about car insurance.

Blogs
FAQs
How do you start a car insurance claim in Quebec?

Quebec car insurance works in two parts. Injury claims go through the public plan, Société de l'assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ). Your private insurance covers damage to vehicles or property. 

If someone was injured

You can file a claim with SAAQ online, by mail or in person. You’ll need details like your health card number, the accident date and any receipts or medical reports. 

If there's damage to a vehicle or property 

Contact us as soon as possible. At Sonnet, you can file a claim online or by phone. Have your policy number ready, along with photos, accident details and any supporting documents

Once you submit your claim, we'll review the details, determine who was at fault and guide you through the next steps. 

How do I know how much auto insurance coverage I need?

There are a couple of things you need to consider:

Liability limits. We'll cover you and the people on your policy for valid claims, and the cost of settling those auto insurance claims, if you're held liable for injuries or damage to someone else's property as a result of an auto accident. Tip: Minimize how much you could be financially liable for in the case of a major accident by increasing this limit.

In Quebec, we cover the damages to your vehicle as well as those to someone else’s property. However, injuries are covered under the Quebec public insurance plan, SAAQ.

Extra coverages. If your vehicle would cost more than the deductible amount to repair it, you might consider adding Collision: Your Fault and/or Comprehensive coverage. (In Quebec, Collision coverage is called “Collision and Upset”, and Comprehensive is known as “All Perils Other than Collision and Upset”.) If your vehicle is involved in a collision with another object or tips over, Collision coverage will help cover the damage. Comprehensive covers your vehicle against loss or damage other than what's covered by Collision. This includes falling or flying objects, missiles and vandalism, and all the things listed under Specified Perils.

Have questions about our auto insurance coverage? Just get in touch via chat or email. We’re always happy to help!

How do I get the eSlip or pink slip for my new car insurance in Quebec?

Once you've purchased your car insurance, we’ll send you an email with a link to activate your Sonnet account. Your pink slip and proof of insurance will be accessible directly through your account dashboard. Here you can also get the steps to add your eSlip right to your phone’s digital wallet.

If you would like to download an eSlip, here are the steps to add it to your phone:

  1. Download the Sonnet Insurance app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play store app (Android).
  2. Log in to your account in the app using the same email and password you set up for your Sonnet account.
  3. For first-time users, tap the ‘Get your eSlip’ banner over the ‘More’ tab. Agree to the terms and conditions for eSlips. Choose your vehicle (for single policies) or choose your policy then vehicle (for multiple polices).
  4. eSlips will automatically update in your digital wallet app after a policy change or renewal. If you notice that it hasn’t automatically updated, tap on the ‘More’ tab, then tap ‘Pink Slip’. Choose your vehicle (for single policies) or choose your policy then vehicle (for multiple polices).
  5. Your eSlip will automatically be added to your phone’s digital wallet.

Heads up! If you are an iOS (iPhone) user, the Background App Refresh setting must always be turned ON. This setting allows eSlips to automatically update when you make a policy change or renew your policy.

Follow these steps to turn this setting ON:

  1. Go to your iPhone Settings and scroll down until you see the Sonnet Insurance App.
  2. Simply tap the Background App Refresh toggle, so it is ON (green).

Want to view your physical pink slip in your account? Follow these steps: 

  1. Log in to your account and click on the ‘Easily access your digital pink slip’ card.
  2. For single policies click ’Download’. For multiple policies, choose your policy number and then click ‘Download’.

We’ll also send you a hard copy of your pink slip through the mail (which takes about 5 business days).

Haven’t received your liability slip in the mail? First, double check the mailing address listed on your account. You can do this by signing into your account and selecting Settings. If your mailing address is incorrect or you would like to request a new pink slip be mailed, contact us.

How can I save on my auto insurance in Quebec?

We give you our best price tailored specifically for you. Here are plenty of ways to save on car insurance in Quebec:

  • Check our group and affinity discounts. Sonnet offers discounts for Canadian university and college alumni, employees, professional groups and more. Plug in your details while you're getting a quote to see if you're eligible for any of our group and affinity discounts.
  • Save with a clean record. No claims for six years? You could save. 
  • Stay conviction-free and save. Good driving behaviour deserves to be rewarded. 
  • Add another vehicle to save. Insure more than one vehicle with us and you may qualify for a multi-vehicle discount. 
  • Save more by bundling. Bundle your home and auto insurance to save even more. 
  • Save as an alumni or student. Save when you're a Canadian university or college alumni or student. 

How do you calculate the cost of car insurance in Quebec?

In Quebec, the public insurance plan, Société de l'assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ), covers injuries from car accidents. At Sonnet, we handle the part that protects your car and covers damage you might cause to someone else's property. We use a mix of personal details and public information about your vehicle to calculate your car insurance rates in Quebec, including: 

  • Number of past claims
  • Information about you (e.g. how many years you’ve been a licensed driver)
  • Traffic violations (e.g. speeding tickets)
  • Where you live
  • Your vehicle and how you use it

Using these details and a mix of math and statistics, you get our most competitive price for  Quebec – savings included. You'll get your car insurance quote in just minutes. Ready to buy? Purchase online right away. Need more time? Save your quote and lock in your price for 45 days or until your coverage start date – whichever comes first.

Is auto insurance mandatory in Quebec?

Yes. In order to legally drive in Quebec, car owners must hold civil liability coverage of at least $50,000. This covers property damage or injuries you may cause to others.

Depending on your needs you might want to add optional protection for damage to your car, like collision. Collision isn’t required by law. But, it’s highly recommended if you want to avoid paying costly bills out of pocket should your car get damaged in an accident.

Have questions about your policy? Just get in touch via chat or email. We’re always happy to help!

What is full coverage insurance?

Full coverage can differ from one insurer to the next, and can also change depending on whether you own, lease, or finance your car.

“Full coverage” generally means that you have comprehensive, collision and liability coverage. However, sometimes insurance companies include extra coverages as part of this package, like rental cars or ticket forgiveness.

If you lease or finance your car, your lessor or financing company may have additional or specific coverage requirements for your vehicle as a condition of your agreement with them. It’s always best to compare your agreement and policy to be sure.

Will my Sonnet car insurance cover me as an Uber or Lyft driver in Quebec?

When you purchase car insurance in Quebec through Sonnet, you're getting personal auto insurance. Our personal insurance policies don't cover you when you use your vehicle for business or commercial purposes, including driving for rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber. 

Important: Some ridesharing services provide commercial insurance on your behalf when you drive for the company. Even with this insurance, driving for a rideshare company isn't covered by your Sonnet policy. Learn more about how to get coverage if you drive for Uber or Lyft. 

How does car insurance work in Quebec?

Quebec car insurance works in two parts. Injury claims go through the public plan, Société de l'assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ). Your private insurance covers damage to vehicles or property. 

At Sonnet, getting insured starts with a quote. You'll answer a few questions about yourself, your vehicle and how you use it. We'll then show you the mandatory coverage, along with optional coverages you can add for extra protection. 

Once you're insured, if you get into an accident or your vehicle is damaged, you can make a claim online or by phone. We'll be there to support you every step of the way. 

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