Mandatory auto insurance requirements

From British Columbia to Nunavut and Prince Edward Island, every province and territory has unique mandatory auto insurance coverage requirements. Make sure you understand what coverage you need to drive your car wherever you are.

Know what you’re responsible for in each province

Auto coverage provides protection for personal injury and property damage. Across Canada, the minimum coverage you are required by law to purchase is also referred to as mandatory coverage. Where and how you can purchase auto insurance coverage is set out by provinces and territories. For example:

In Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island and Yukon you can buy from a private insurer.
In British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, you must buy mandatory minimum coverage from the government insurer, and can purchase optional coverages from private insurers.
In Québec, you must buy bodily injury coverage from the government insurer and property damage coverage from a private insurer.

The following general information is provided for educational purposes only and is subject to change. It’s important to refer to provincial and territorial government and regulator resources for specifics about current mandatory auto insurance requirements.

Some helpful government sources are listed below for your reference.

We recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.

The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Alberta is $200,000 in Third Party Liability, Direct Compensation – Property Damage, and Accident Benefits coverage.
Additional coverage – such as Collision and Comprehensive – can be purchased from a licensed insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these Alberta government sites to learn more about current requirements, auto reforms and prescribed auto insurance policies:
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in British Columbia is Basic Autoplan which includes up to $200,000 of Basic Vehicle Damage, $200,000 in Third Party Liability, up to $1 million in Underinsured Motorist Protection and Inverse Liability Protection.
You must obtain coverage through the government insurer, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these BC government sites to learn more about current requirements:
- ICBC Autoplan Insurance – Basic Insurance and Enhanced Care
- ICBC – Buying Car Insurance: What Know About Buying Insurance
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Manitoba is Autopac – Basic which includes Personal Injury, All Perils and up to $500,000 in Third Party Liability.
You must obtain coverage through Autopac agents of the government insurer, Manitoba Public Insurance.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these Manitoba government sites to learn more about current mandatory requirements:
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in New Brunswick is $200,000 in Third Party Liability (Section A), Direct Compensation – Property Damage (Section A.1), Accident Benefits (Section B) and Uninsured Automobile Insurance (Section D).
Additional coverage – such as Collision or Upset Insurance, Comprehensive Insurance, SEF 44 Family Protection Endorsement and GAP Insurance – can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these New Brunswick government sites to learn more about current mandatory requirements, optional coverages and related info:
- Financial and Consumer Services Commission NB – Automobile Insurance
- New Brunswick Standard Owner’s Policy – N.B.P.F. No. 1
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador is $200,000 in Third Party Liability (Section A), Direct Compensation – Property Damage (Section A.1), and Uninsured/ Unidentified Automobile Coverage (Section D).
Additional coverage – such as higher liability limits, Section B Accident Benefits Coverage, Physical Damage for newer vehicles and Endorsements – can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these Newfoundland and Labrador government sites to learn more about current mandatory requirements and related info:
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in the Northwest Territories is $200,000 in Third Party Liability, Uninsured/Unidentified Automobile Coverage, and Accident Benefits.
Additional coverage – such as higher liability limits – can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
The current mandatory requirements are prescribed under "Part 5, Automobile insurance" of the Northwest Territories Insurance Act, R.S.N.W.T 1988 c.1-4
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Nova Scotia is $500,000 in Third Party Liability (Section A), Direct Compensation – Property Damage (Section A.1), Accident Benefits (Section B), and Uninsured/Unidentified Automobile Coverage (Section D).
Additional coverage can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these Nova Scotia government sites to learn more about current mandatory requirements:
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Nunavut is $200,000 in Third Party Liability, Accident Benefits, and Uninsured/Unidentified Automobile coverage.
Additional coverage can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
The current mandatory requirements are prescribed under "Part 5, Automobile insurance" of:
- (Nunavut) Consolidation of Insurance Act, R.S.N.W.T. 1988 c. i-4 amended 2011
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Ontario is $200,000 in Third Party Liability, Direct Compensation – Property Damage, Accident Benefits, and Uninsured Automobile coverage.
Additional coverage can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these Ontario government and regulator sites to learn more about current mandatory requirements:
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Prince Edward Island is $200,000 in Third Party Liability (Section A), Direct Compensation – Property Damage (Section A.1), Accident Benefits (Section B) and Uninsured Automobile Coverage (Section D).
Additional coverage can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these Prince Edward Island government sites to learn more about current mandatory requirements and related info:
All Québecers are covered by Québec's public automobile insurance plan which includes no-fault coverage for bodily injury or death as a result of an accident and is administered by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). The premium for bodily injury coverage is included in the cost of your driver's licence.
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Québec also includes $50,000 in Civil Liability, which must be obtained from a private insurance company.
Additional coverage can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these Québec government sites to learn more about current mandatory requirements:
Trouble finding mandatory auto coverage in Quebec? Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) agents will guarantee minimum liability coverage for every Québec car owner and try to find more comprehensive insurance for your needs.
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Saskatchewan is $200,000 in Third Party Liability, basic auto damage insurance (included in the cost of your vehicle registration) and Accident Benefits (unless Tort injury coverage is chosen).
Motor vehicle owners must obtain coverage through the government insurer, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
Visit these SGI sites to learn more about current mandatory requirements and difference between "no-fault" and "tort" coverage:
The minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Yukon is $200,000 in Third Party Liability and Accident Benefits.
Additional coverage can be purchased from an insurance representative.
Because requirements can change, we recommend you consult with a local qualified insurance representative for up-to-date information.
The current mandatory requirements are prescribed under the Yukon Insurance Act, Schedule of Benefits, O.I.C. 1988/090.

Working with an insurance representative who understands your auto insurance requirements can help you choose the best coverage for your vehicle.”

Mandatory auto insurance requirements

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