Auto Insurance by Province
Basic auto insurance is mandatory in every Canadian province and territory. However, each province’s requirements for mandatory coverage vary.
In British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, required auto insurance is sold by government-run insurance companies. Private and government insurers then compete to sell additional coverage options.
In Quebec, the government system covers injury and death claims, and private insurers offer additional coverage for property damage, auto damage and bodily injury liability claims that occur outside of Quebec’s borders.
Liability Coverage
Liability insurance covers the cost of damage that you may do to others in an accident. In most provinces, drivers have the right to sue for pain and suffering. If you are brought to court, liability insurance will cover your legal fees as well. Liability coverage has two components: property damage and bodily injury.
Property damage liability coverage compensates to replace or repair property that you destroy (other vehicles, fences, buildings, etc.) up to the limit amount that you’ve selected. Each province has a set limit that must be purchased. You can also buy additional coverage for property damage.
Bodily injury coverage compensates you if you are legally held liable for the injury or death of another person. As with property damage coverage, each province sets a minimum coverage level and additional coverage may be purchased at the discretion of the driver.
Accident Benefits
Accident benefits are required coverage that includes medical payments, funeral expense benefits, disability benefits and death benefits.
- Medical payments coverage: Medical payments coverage provides funds for medical expenses for you and your passengers as a result of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. It also covers you if you’re injured as a pedestrian or if you injure a pedestrian in an accident.
- Funeral expense benefits: This add-on covers the cost of a funeral if a fatality occurs as a result of an accident.
- Disability income benefits: If you are declared disabled after an accident and cannot work, this coverage will pay you every week based on your gross annual income before the collision.
- Death benefits: This coverage ensures that your partner and children are taken care of in the event of an accident resulting in your death. Payments depend on your wage, your age and the ages of your children.
Armour Insurance Group Ltd. is here to help you navigate the mandated auto insurance requirements for your jurisdiction. Contact us today to learn more about our automobile insurance solutions.
