The average cost of car insurance in Quebec is around $900 per year in 2026, one of the lowest in Canada thanks to the public compensation plan for bodily injury (SAAQ).
1. What the SAAQ covers (free with your registration)
- Compensation for bodily injury (you, passengers, pedestrians).
- Coverage regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
- Worldwide coverage (except the United States).
2. What you have to pay for in private insurance
- Third-party liability (mandatory): minimum $50,000. In practice, we recommend $1-2 million.
- Collision and comprehensive (optional): covers damage to your vehicle (theft, fire, vandalism, accident).
- Endorsements: replacement-cost coverage, new-vehicle value, rental car, etc.
3. Average premium by profile
| Profile | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Experienced driver, clean record, small city car | ~$600/year |
| Average driver, clean record, SUV | ~$900/year |
| Young driver (under 25) | ~$1,800-$2,500/year |
| Driver with tickets/accidents | ~$1,500-$3,000/year |
| New luxury pickup truck (F-150 King Ranch, RAM Limited) | ~$1,200-$1,800/year |
4. Factors that affect your premium
- Age and experience: under 25 = higher premium.
- Driving record: the last 5 years are reviewed.
- Type of vehicle: sports or luxury = more expensive to insure.
- Postal code: risk of theft/accidents by region.
- Annual mileage: fewer kilometres = cheaper.
- Use: pleasure vs work/business.
- Sex: in practice, slightly differentiated.
5. Tips to save
- Shop around: 30-50% difference between insurers for the same profile. Compare at least 3 quotes.
- Raise your deductible: going from $250 to $500 typically saves 10-15%.
- Bundle auto + home: multi-product discount of 10-20%.
- Pay annually instead of monthly: saves 5-10%.
- A recognized defensive driving course: discount of 5-15%.
What about insurance for a financed vehicle?
If your vehicle is financed, the lender generally requires collision and comprehensive coverage in addition to third-party liability, because the vehicle is its security. Factor this into your total monthly budget.
Before you buy, ask for an insurance quote for the vehicle you have in mind. Our inventory lists the VIN, which lets insurers give you an accurate quote in a few minutes.