Alberta
Auto insurance in Alberta is provided by almost 70 private companies that compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Alberta must by law buy a minimum amount of insurance (see minimums page) and has the option to buy more to suit their needs.
Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on their car to get them around. When Albertans are involved in accidents, their insurance companies help them get better, support them if they are unable to work and protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it.
In Canada, provincial governments decide which mandatory benefits are included in the auto insurance product. The challenge is finding the right balance between affordable price for all drivers and adequate coverage for those who have to make a claim. For instance, if government makes the product very generous, it could become too expensive for many drivers.
Recent changes to Alberta’s auto insurance system helped improve that balance of affordability and adequate coverage (see auto reforms). But more can be, and is being, done to ensure Albertans are receiving the best coverage for the best possible price.
British Columbia
Car insurance in this province is provided by a government-run insurance company, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Since 1973, BC consumers have had very little choice in how and where they buy their car insurance. If they are dissatisfied with the service provided by ICBC or the premiums they are being charged, drivers in BC do not have the same option as do drivers in other provinces – the option to switch insurance companies.
BC consumers do have some of the same choices available to other Canadians when it comes to optional car insurance. Drivers can purchase collision, fire and theft insurance from the private car insurance companies competing for business in BC. These companies are committed to ensuring consumers have the benefit of competition and choice, where government inaction has made it difficult to do so.
A competitive business environment is a powerful incentive for insurers to deliver the best service and to understand and meet consumers’ needs. Auto insurance is no exception to this rule. As consumers’ needs change, private sector insurance companies respond by offering innovative new products and services. Product innovations such as first accident forgiveness, replacement cost coverage, roadside assistance, and payment plans were all adopted in competitive jurisdictions long before they were available in provinces with government-run auto insurance systems.
After the BC government’s 2001 election-campaign commitment to increase competition in auto insurance, a lengthy examination of the role and mandate of ICBC was conducted. The recommendations for insurance reforms that came out of that review fell short of creating a fully competitive market and giving consumers full choice and competition in automobile insurance. Drivers in BC must still buy their mandatory insurance from government-run ICBC.
Private-sector auto insurers continue to work to ensure that consumers in BC have competition and choice in where, how and from whom they buy auto insurance.
Manitoba
Auto insurance in Manitoba is provided by a government-run insurance company, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). Since 1971, Manitoba consumers have had very little choice in how and where they buy their car insurance. If they are dissatisfied with the service provided by MPI or the premiums they are being charged, drivers in Manitoba do not have the same options as do drivers in other provinces – the option to switch insurance companies.
A competitive business environment is a powerful incentive for insurers to deliver the best service and to understand and meet consumers’ needs. Auto insurance is no exception to this rule. As consumers’ needs change, private insurance companies respond by offering innovative new products and services. Product innovations such as first accident forgiveness, replacement cost coverage, roadside assistance, and payment plans were all adopted in competitive jurisdictions long before they were available in provinces with government-run auto insurance systems.
All provinces in Canada have some form of no-fault accident benefits that are paid to all accident victims. The difference across the provinces is the degree to which tort (the right to sue) or no-fault (access to accident benefits) is emphasized. Manitoba auto insurance operates in a “pure” no-fault environment. This means that if you are injured in a car collision, you are entitled to a standard and pre-established set of benefits provided by the government-run insurer. If your needs should change or you require additional financial support, you cannot – under any circumstances – sue for more.
New Brunswick
Auto insurance in New Brunswick is provided by more than 65 private companies that compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in New Brunswick must by law buy a minimum amount of insurance (see minimums page) and has the option to buy more to suit their needs.
Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on their car to get them around. When New Brunswickers are involved in accidents, their insurance companies help them get better, support them if they are unable to work and protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it.
In Canada, provincial governments decide which mandatory benefits are included in the auto insurance product. The challenge is finding the right balance between affordable price for all drivers and adequate coverage for those who have to make a claim. For instance, if government makes the product very generous, it could become too expensive for many drivers.
Changes to New Brunswick’s auto insurance system in July 2003 helped improve that balance of affordability and adequate coverage (see auto reforms). But more can be, and is being, done to ensure New Brunswickers are receiving the best coverage for the best possible price.
Newfoundland and Labrador Auto insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador is provided by more than 50 private companies that compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Newfoundland and Labrador must by law buy a minimum amount of insurance (see minimums page) and has the option to buy more to suit their needs.
Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on their car to get them around. When Newfoundlanders are involved in accidents, their insurance companies protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it. And, for drivers who buy accident benefits, insurers help them heal from injuries and support them if they are unable to work.
In Canada, provincial governments decide which mandatory benefits are included in the auto insurance product. The challenge is finding the right balance between affordable price for all drivers and adequate coverage for those who have to make a claim. For instance, if government makes the product very generous, it could become too expensive for many drivers.
Recent changes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s auto insurance system helped improve that balance of affordability and adequate coverage (see auto reforms). But more can be, and is being, done to ensure Newfoundlanders are receiving the best coverage for the best possible price.
Nova Scotia
Auto insurance in Nova Scotia is provided by more than 60 private companies that compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Nova Scotia must by law buy a minimum amount of insurance (see minimums page) and has the option to buy more to suit their needs.
Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on their car to get them around. When Nova Scotians are involved in accidents, their insurance companies help them get better, support them if they are unable to work and protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it.
In Canada, provincial governments decide which mandatory benefits are included in the auto insurance product. The challenge is finding the right balance between affordable price for all drivers and adequate coverage for those who have to make a claim. For instance, if government makes the product very generous, it could become too expensive for many drivers.
Changes to Nova Scotia’s auto insurance system in October 2003 helped improve that balance of affordability and adequate coverage (see auto reforms). But more can be, and is being, done to ensure Nova Scotians are receiving the best coverage for the best possible price.
Ontario
Auto insurance in Ontario is provided by over 140 private companies that compete for customers by offering different mixes of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Ontario must, by law, buy a minimum amount of insurance (see minimums page), and has the option to buy more to suit his or her needs.
Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on a car to get around. But this peace of mind comes at a cost. When Ontarians are involved in accidents, insurance companies help them get well, support them if they are unable to work and protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it. Changes to the auto insurance system (see reforms page) have made this peace of mind more affordable. Going forward, auto insurers will work with the government to make sure the system is providing good value to consumers, and will continue to look for new ways to offer auto insurance at the lowest possible price to all Ontarians.
Prince Edward IslandAuto insurance in P.E.I. is provided by more than 50 private companies that compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in P.E.I. must by law buy a minimum amount of insurance (see minimums page) and has the option to buy more to suit their needs.
Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on their car to get them around. When Islanders are involved in accidents, their insurance companies help them get better, support them if they are unable to work and protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it.
In Canada, provincial governments decide which mandatory benefits are included in the auto insurance product. The challenge is finding the right balance between affordable price for all drivers and adequate coverage for those who have to make a claim. For instance, if government makes the product very generous, it could become too expensive for many drivers.
Changes to P.E.I.’s auto insurance system in November 2003 helped improve that balance of affordability and adequate coverage (see auto reforms). But more can be, and is being, done to ensure Islanders are receiving the best coverage for the best possible price.
Québec
New Driver Requirements
Auto insurance in Quebec is provided by both a government insurer and private insurers. The government insures against injuries to people, and private insurers cover you for property damage.
In the case of bodily injury, Quebec has a pure no fault system, which means there is no right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering or additional medical and economic expenses. For more information, see the web site for government insurer The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec .
For property damage, there are more than 100 private insurers selling auto insurance in Quebec. They compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Quebec must by law buy a minimum amount of third-party liability insurance with a private insurer and has the option to buy more to suit their needs. Liability covers you for property damage inside Quebec and personal injury and property damage outside Quebec.
IBC’s Quebec regional office has its own website. If you would like to learn more about Quebec auto insurance issues, click here .
Saskatchewan
Auto insurance in Saskatchewan is provided by a government-run insurance company, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). Since 1945, Saskatchewan consumers have had very little choice in how and where they buy their car insurance. If they are dissatisfied with the service provided by SGI or the premiums they are being charged, drivers in Saskatchewan do not have the same options as do drivers in other provinces – the option to switch insurance companies.
Everyone who wants to drive a car in Saskatchewan must, by law, buy a minimum amount of collision and comprehensive insurance (see minimums page) and has the option to buy more to suit his or her needs. Saskatchewan drivers must purchase the compulsory minimum insurance from SGI. Government and private insurers compete for business selling optional (fire, theft, comprehensive) coverage.
A competitive business environment is a powerful incentive for insurers to deliver the best service and to understand and meet consumers’ needs. Auto insurance is no exception to this rule. As consumers’ needs change, private insurance companies respond by offering innovative new products and services. Product innovations such as first accident forgiveness, replacement cost coverage, roadside assistance, and payment plans were all adopted in competitive jurisdictions long before they were available in provinces with government-run auto insurance systems.
All provinces in Canada have some form of no-fault accident benefits that are paid to all accident victims. The difference across the provinces is the degree to which tort (the right to sue) or no-fault (access to accident benefits) is emphasized. Saskatchewan is a no-fault province, but residents have the option to have their auto insurance through a tort system. This choice has been available to Saskatchewan residents since January 1, 2003. Fewer than 5000 Saskatchewan residents, representing less than .05% of the population, have opted for the tort system.
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