Car insurance in Montreal

Getting car insurance in Montreal will likely cost more than Quebec’s provincial average of $717. Most drivers can expect to pay at least $800 in the city for the minimum level of coverage. You’ll need to get the most basic level of coverage from a private insurer. That said, accident benefits and other mandatory benefits are provided by Quebec’s public insurer, known as SAAQ or Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.

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Average cost of car insurance in Montreal

You’ll typically pay more than $800 per year to insure your vehicle in Montreal (which is above the provincial average of $717). This amount typically accounts for the cost of third-party liability but doesn’t include collision or comprehensive insurance.

You’ll usually pay more on average for car insurance in Montreal than you will in other cities in Quebec. This is because it’s the largest city in the province, which means it’s subject to more risk factors than smaller towns. These include a higher amount of traffic congestion, more pedestrians, more thefts and narrower streets.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the average price you’ll pay is a ballpark figure only. This is because the overall cost of your car insurance will depend on a number of personal factors that are unique to you. These include your age, gender, driving experience, claims history, car type and neighbourhood.

Cheapest car insurance in Montreal

It’s hard to say where you can find the cheapest car insurance in Montreal. You can apply for third-party liability with a private insurer and you’ll be able to add on extended coverage such as collision and comprehensive at the same time.

There are some situations that will help you secure lower premiums. For example, it’s more than likely that you’ll pay less if you live on the outskirts of the city instead of in the downtown core. It’s also safe to say that you’ll save money if you’re over the age of 25, have a perfect driving record or drive under 5,000km per year.

Which company offers the best car insurance in Montreal?

It’s difficult to pinpoint which company offers the best car insurance in Montreal since this will depend on a number of personal factors. This is why it makes the most sense for you to compare the rates on offer from multiple providers to find the best deal for your unique set of needs and budget.

The only way you can do this is by requesting quotes using your own personal information to determine which company will give you the lowest prices in combination with the best level of coverage. Available providers you might want to compare include Allstate, The Co-operators, TD Insurance, The Personal, La Capitale, CAA, Aviva and Intact.

Minimum provincial requirements for Montreal car insurance

You can get third-party liability in Montreal by comparing quotes from private insurers. Accident benefits are provided by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Minimum coverage includes the following:

• Liability insurance. Covers the costs of vehicle damage for another driver if you cause an accident (minimum $50,000).
• Accident benefits. Pays for your medical bills and time off work if you get into an accident – whether you’re at fault or not.
• Uninsured motorist coverage. Reimburses you for various expenses if you get into a collision with an uninsured motorist or hit-and-run driver.

Are there eligibility requirements for car insurance in Montreal?

Eligibility requirements

To apply for car insurance in Montreal, you’ll typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a valid Canadian driver’s licence
• Own the vehicle you wish to insure
• Be willing to purchase the minimum amount of liability coverage

How to apply

If you think you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for car insurance coverage with these simple steps:

1. Request quotes from the car insurance company you want to use to get third-party liability or extended insurance.
2. Provide the necessary documentation – such as a valid driver’s licence and proof of purchase for your vehicle.
3. Get verified and work with your car insurance company to negotiate the terms of your policy.

Bottom line

It will likely cost you more to get car insurance in Montreal than it will in the rest of Quebec. This is because Montreal is the biggest city in the province and driving here comes with its own set of risk factors. Find out how much you’ll likely have to pay to get car insurance in Montreal and compare providers today to lock in the best insurance for your unique set of needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions

• Should I increase my third-party liability coverage to a higher amount?

  You can increase your insurance to a higher amount but it’s not really necessary. That’s because you can’t be sued by another driver for injuries sustained in a crash in Quebec. This means that any third-party liability you purchase will only go towards paying for vehicle damage for another driver in an accident that’s your fault. This will likely come out to under $50,000, which is the minimum level of coverage.

• How much does car insurance cost in Montreal?

  The most basic level of insurance in Montreal will likely cost you at least $800 per year. This is more than the provincial average since those living in big cities will often pay higher rates than those living in small towns or remote locations. You can also expect to pay hundreds more than this amount if you add extended insurance such as collision or comprehensive onto your policy.

• What kinds of discounts can I get on my car insurance?

  The types of discounts you can get on your car insurance will depend on what provider you go with. Discounts are often applied based on your age, claims history, driving habits, how many vehicles you insure and whether you bundle your insurance.

• How do I file a claim if I get into an accident in Montreal?

  You’ll need to reach out to your insurance company to find out how to file a claim. This will usually include making a log of what kind of vehicle damage you have. You’ll usually also have to provide some documentation to prove your claim.