In Canada, all provinces require that their residents who operate a motorized vehicle obtain insurance for damages to other parties. To provide you with a quick look at how car insurance in Canada functions, here is an overview of insurance systems in place in each province:
Car Insurance in Alberta
Alberta has approximately 75 accredited insurance companies. Car insurance offers coverage that can be as high as $200,000. Medical costs are covered for an amount up to $50,000. Alberta operates a tort liability insurance system.
Car Insurance in British Columbia
The ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is the exclusive body providing insurance in B.C. The public insurer offers minimum $200,000 coverage in the event of personal injury or property damage. British Columbia operates a tort liability insurance system.
Car Insurance in Manitoba
The car insurance system in Manitoba is public and entirely no-fault. You are covered for $200,000 for personal injury or for property damage, or for having caused a death, when your responsibility has been established.
Car Insurance in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, over 65 insurance companies are accredited to provide car insurance. The province has no public insurance system, although this has remained a significant political issue for the past three decades. Minimum coverage for damage to other parties is $200,000, and is limited to $200,000 for property damage exceeding $200,000. New Brunswick operates a tort liability insurance system.
Car Insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador
Over 50 private insurers are accredited to offer car insurance to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Minimum coverage is $200,000; if damages exceed this amount, it is possible to legally pursue other parties to obtain additional compensation.
Car Insurance in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, over 60 private insurance providers are accredited to offer car insurance to residents. Car insurance is mandatory for an amount of $500,000; this covers any legal pursuits, personal injury or property damage, and for having caused a death. Nova Scotia operates a tort liability insurance system.
Car Insurance in Ontario
The province of Ontario operates a hybrid car insurance system combining no-fault and tort liability. In the event of an accident, your insurer establishes responsibility and indemnifies you in part, buy you can also legally pursue another party for additional compensation. Minimum coverage is $200,000 for damages to other parties. Ontarians can choose from between roughly 150 private insurance providers.
Car Insurance in Prince Edward Island
The car insurance system in Prince Edward Island is very similar to those in place in other Maritime provinces. Approximately 50 private insurance companies are accredited to provide insurance. Drivers must be covered for at least $200,000 for property damage and damages to other parties. Prince Edward Island operates a tort liability insurance system.
Car Insurance in Quebec
In Quebec, the public insurer SAAQ covers all cases of personal injury. Private insurance companies cover property damage, as well as personal injury and property damage sustained outside the province. The minimum coverage is $50,000. Quebec operates an entirely no-fault insurance system.
Car Insurance in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan operates a public car insurance system. The state’s insurer SGI offers collision and comprehensive insurance to all motorists, who can also obtain additional insurance plans from private insurers. Coverage is $200,000 if motorists are legally pursued for personal injury or property damage, or for having caused a death.