23.29.00 Merlyn Rosell

Car Insurance Where You Live

Auto insurance is sold by private companies in all of the ten provinces and three territories. However, in BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, government-run insurance companies sell the basic/required minimum auto insurance (typically coverage for injury to yourself and others), and private and government insurers compete to sell enhancements or “top-ups” to the basic policy (e.g., coverage for theft of or damage to the car). In Quebec, injury and death claims are covered under a government-run system, while private insurers offer coverage for automobile and property damage claims, and bodily injury liability claims arising from accidents outside the province.

All insurers – government and private – provide car insurance within a strict framework of provincial laws, supervised by a number of government agencies, including provincial rate review boards as well as federal and provincial regulators. Insurers provide auto insurance that is defined by these laws and regulations.

The basic car insurance policy is defined by provincial governments, but there are numerous choices available in terms of coverage limits, deductibles and optional coverages, so auto insurance coverage can vary from one car owner to the next.

Private insurers are always working to ensure that the mandated auto insurance product in each of the provinces offers good value to consumers. They are also striving to reduce the cost of insurance by educating governments and the public on measures that can reduce the number and cost of automobile collisions on our roads.