Paying your full premium up-front tends to be less money in the long run, compared to making multiple, monthly payments. So make sure you understand the coverage you need when shopping around for car insurance. Regardless of the rules in your province, not having the right auto insurance policy in place will leave you financially vulnerable if you're ever involved in an incident. The other system is a tort-based system – many consider this to be inefficient as you'll need to deal with the at-fault driver's insurer to seek compensation.

Several provinces have shifted towards a no-fault insurance system in which you only deal with your own insurance company when seeking financial compensation for a collision you were involved in (regardless of fault). In fact, in every province, you can customize your policy's coverages and amounts to further suit your personal needs.Īnother thing to understand about auto insurance in Canada is the differences between the accident claim systems.

There, you buy injury coverage from the government and property damage from a private insurer.Įven though each province set's a minimum standard for coverage, most people purchase a more comprehensive insurance policy. Quebec, on the other hand, is a hybrid system that offers the cheapest car insurance rates. Alberta, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada have private insurance companies vying for your business which is why comparing car insurance quotes online is an effective strategy for uncovering lower rates. Even though auto insurance is legally mandated Canada-wide, the coverage requirements for a standard car insurance policy vary provincially (and it heavily depends on whether the province runs on a public or private insurance system).īritish Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are public insurance markets where you buy auto insurance from the government (with the option of purchasing supplemental coverage from private insurers).

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