Hybrid — public no-fault bodily injury (SAAQ) + private property damage
Auto insurance in Quebec
What's required, what's optional, and how claims work — with every figure sourced and dated.
The system
Quebec has a distinct hybrid regime under the civil-code / AMF framework. Bodily injury is public no-fault through the SAAQ — you're compensated for injuries regardless of fault and generally can't sue for them. Property damage is private insurance with a mandatory liability minimum (commonly $50,000).
What's mandatory
The statutory minimum third-party liability in Quebec is $50,000. Bodily injury: public no-fault compensation via SAAQ (not private AB). Property damage: private insurance with mandatory liability minimum. Civil-code / AMF regime.
Quebec's mandatory minimum applies to private property-damage liability (commonly $50,000); bodily-injury compensation comes from the public SAAQ regardless of fault. The bigger reason to buy higher liability is driving in other provinces or the US, where you can be sued and costs run far higher — most drivers carry $1–2 million.
What's optional (and worth understanding)
Collision, comprehensive, and higher property-damage liability are available through private insurers (the Q.P.F. No. 1 form).
How to save legally
Legal ways to lower a Quebec premium: bundle home and auto, raise your collision/comprehensive deductible, keep a clean record, drop unneeded optional coverage on an older car, and compare private insurers for the property-damage portion — the AMF oversees the market.
What's specific to Quebec
Quebec is a separate legal system. Bodily-injury claims go to the public SAAQ, not a private insurer or a lawsuit; property-damage disputes run through your insurer and the AMF. Prescription (limitation) periods follow the Civil Code and differ from the rest of Canada — often around three years for personal actions, but confirm. Everything is French-first.
How claims and disputes work
Property-damage complaints run through the insurer then the AMF (which handles complaints) and conciliation; bodily-injury (SAAQ) matters go through SAAQ review and the Administrative Tribunal of Québec.
Out-of-country health
Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) reimburses limited amounts for emergency care outside Quebec/Canada. Travel medical essential. See the Travel & Snowbird tool to size the gap.
Quebec is a separate legal system (civil code, distinct prescription periods, French-first). Treat it as its own jurisdiction, not an English-Canada variant.
Quebec at a glance — sourced facts
- Auto system
- Hybrid — public no-fault bodily injury (SAAQ) + private property damage
- Source · Verified July 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can I sue after a car accident in Quebec?
- For bodily injuries, generally no — the public SAAQ compensates you regardless of fault under a no-fault regime. For vehicle and property damage, claims are handled by private insurers, and you may pursue an at-fault driver for property losses.
- What is the minimum car insurance in Quebec?
- $50,000 of private property-damage liability is the common minimum; bodily-injury compensation is provided by the public SAAQ. Most drivers carry far more liability, especially if they drive outside Quebec.
- Who pays for my injuries in a Quebec crash?
- The SAAQ, Quebec's public auto-injury plan, pays injury benefits regardless of who was at fault. Private insurance handles vehicle and property damage.
- Who regulates auto insurance in Quebec?
- The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) regulates the private property-damage market and handles complaints; the SAAQ administers public bodily-injury compensation.
Figures verified July 2026 against the sources shown. Auto rules change — confirm current requirements with your regulator or broker before relying on them. Education, not advice; no coverage is sold here.