Car insurance coverage
Learn about our coverage types to customize your insurance for your needs.
With a local Desjardins Agent
For personalized advice and coverage tailored to your needs, work with a Desjardins Agent.
3 types of car insurance coverage
1. Mandatory coverage
Civil Liability is the only coverage required by law in Quebec. It covers injuries or damage you cause to others or their property.
Example
If you hit your neighbour's fence while backing out of your driveway, Civil Liability insurance pays to fix the fence (but not any damage to your car).
2. Common optional coverages
These coverage options cover damage to your vehicle. They aren't always mandatory, but they might be if you lease or finance your car.
To be protected against most risks, add these options to your mandatory auto insurance coverage.
Example
You dent your bumper by hitting your neighbour's fence. If you have Collision and Upset in addition to your mandatory coverage, your insurance pays to fix the fence and your bumper.
3. Other optional coverages
These coverage options let you tailor your insurance to your needs. Certain ones are beneficial depending on the type of vehicle you have, how old it is and your driving habits.
Example
If you have an accident with your 3-year-old car and certain parts can't be repaired, 5-Year Replacement Cost coverage would pay to replace them with new ones.
What is a premium?
Your premium is the amount you pay monthly or annually for your insurance. It's calculated based on different factors, including:
- The make, model and year of your car
- Where you live
- The coverage you choose
- Your driving record
- Your credit report, with your consent
- Other drivers on your policy
What is a deductible?
Your deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket when you make a claim.
Example: Let's say you choose a $500 deductible when you get your insurance. If you have an accident that's covered by your policy and the repairs cost $3,000, you pay the first $500 and your insurance pays the remaining $2,500.
Our car insurance coverages
Select a coverage type to see more or scroll down to see them all.
Mandatory coverage
Civil Liability
Section A
Covers:
- Damage to someone else's property from an accident that's your fault
- Bodily injuries caused to someone who isn't covered by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) from an accident that's your fault
- Damage to your car from an accident that's someone else's fault
Quebecers who are injured or lose their life in car accidents are covered under the public automobile insurance plan. In the event of injury or death from a traffic accident, contact the SAAQ to file a compensation claim.
What coverage amount to get
- Minimum amount for our car policies: $1 million
- For added peace of mind, for example if you drive outside Quebec: $2 million
Contact us about what coverage amount is right for your needs.
Common optional coverages
Collision and Upset
Section B2
Covers damage to your car:
- If you're in an accident with another vehicle or object
- If your car rolls over
- If you're struck by a hit-and-run driver
You can choose to skip this coverage, unless your car is leased or financed and your lender requires it.
All Perils other than Collision or Upset
Section B3
Covers damage to your car from a range of factors not included in Collision and Upset, such as:
- Fire, theft or vandalism
- Flying or falling objects
- Certain weather events
- Collision with an animal or a person
You can choose to skip this coverage, unless your car is leased or financed and your lender requires it.
Other optional coverages
5-Year Replacement Cost
Endorsement 43 – A and E
Keeps your new car from losing value for up to 5 years in the event of total or partial loss.
- If your car is declared a total loss, this means it would cost more to fix it than the car is worth. In this case, you'll receive a new car with similar features.
- If your car is declared a partial loss, damaged parts that can't be repaired will be replaced with new ones.
Value Plus Option
Endorsement 43 – B and F
The Value Plus OptionTM keeps your used car from losing value for up to 5 years in the event of total or partial loss.
If your car is declared a total loss, you'll be paid one of the following, depending on what you choose when you get your insurance:
- The price you paid for your car, increased by 5% per year, or
- The value of your car at the time of the loss, increased by 10% per year
If your car is declared a partial loss, we'll repair or replace the damaged parts and cover their loss of value, up to $1,000.
$0 Deductible
Eliminates your deductible if you cause an accident or if your car is stolen or vandalized.
Travel Costs
Endorsement 20a
Reimburses you:
- Up to $3,000 if you need to take a taxi, use public transit or rent a car after an insured loss
- Up to $1,500 for meals and accommodation if the loss occurs while you're travelling in Canada or the United States
Damage to Someone Else's Vehicle
Endorsement 27
Covers you up to $100,000 if you have an accident with a vehicle rented or borrowed for a short period in Canada or the US.
Does not apply in countries other than Canada or the US. Travelling to other countries and want this type of auto insurance coverage? Check the insurance that comes with your credit card. If you have a Desjardins Odyssey® credit card, you might already be covered.
Trouble-Free Option
Endorsements 34, 20a, 27 and 41
The Trouble-Free Option® combines 2 popular coverages:
- Travel Costs
- Damage to Someone Else's Vehicle
And also gives you:
- $15,000 in the event you or your spouse die as a result of a car accident
- A $0 deductible if your car is declared a total loss, or in the case of a hit-and-run
Accident-Free Protection
Prevents your premium from going up the first time you cause an accident. Also known as accident forgiveness coverage.
Want to rent out your car with Turo?
Turo is a car sharing platform. They have their own commercial insurance that covers your car while it's rented out. If you want to list your car with Turo, just let us know first.
How to save on your insurance
One way to lower your insurance rate is to take advantage of our savings and discounts.
Get your car insurance online
Get an online quote and, if you're eligible, buy your car insurance without having to call us.
Get a car insurance quote
With a local Desjardins Agent
For personalized advice and coverage tailored to your needs, work with a Desjardins Agent.
FAQ
No, but the other person's car insurance will cover you. Keep in mind that if you cause an accident while driving someone else's car, their premium may go up.
Note: If you have Damage to Someone Else's Vehicle coverage, we'll reimburse you up to $100,000 if you have an accident with a borrowed or rented vehicle in Canada or the US.
Car insurance premiums can increase for different reasons, some out of your control.
Examples of reasons under your control
- Your driving habits changed
- You're driving more than you used to
- You bought a new car
- You added another driver to your policy
Examples of reasons out of your control
- The number of claims made by our clients went up
- Modern cars are becoming more expensive to repair
- There's more traffic where you live
- There are more accidents on the road
If your premium went up, we have discounts and tips to help you lower it.
For auto insurance, you can request a quote online and even buy it online in some cases. Otherwise, you'll be able to schedule a call with us to complete your purchase.
Once you have insurance with us, you can also manage your file online:
- View your insurance documents
- Update your payment information
- File a claim
- Tell us you're putting a vehicle in storage
- Change your address
In Quebec, car insurance policies have 3 main sections:
- Section A, about mandatory civil liability coverage that protects you if you injure someone or damage someone's property
- Section B, about coverage that protects against damage to your vehicle
- Endorsements, or extra coverage options that let you enhance your insurance to meet your needs
An endorsement is a change to your car insurance policy, such as the addition or removal of coverage.
For example, Endorsement 27 (Damage to Someone Else's Vehicle) gives you additional coverage if you have an accident with a vehicle rented or borrowed for a short period in Canada or the US.
Contact us
Client Relations Centre
Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM
1-888-277-8726 This link will launch your default phone software.
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