Topic: Insurance Car insurance for newcomers to Canada
With a local Desjardins Agent
For personalized advice and coverage tailored to your needs, work with a Desjardins Agent.
More ways to save on your insurance
Multi-Vehicle
Up to $600 discountNot insured with us yet? Save up to $600 when you insure 2 or more cars with us.
2 .Get 15% off for each insured car, 50% off the Trouble-Free Option® and free Desjardins legal assistance.
Recreational Vehicle
10% discountHave a car and a recreational vehicle? Get 10% off for each recreational vehicle you insure us.
3 .Good Record
Up to 15% discountSave up to 15% if you've had no at-fault accidents, claims or driving offences in the past 6 years.
Zero Violations
Up to 10% discountHave a clean driving record? Save up to 10% if you've had no traffic violations in the last 3 years.
4 Young Drivers
Up to 10% discountAre you 30 or under? Save up to 10% on your car insurance.
25 or under and a caisse member? Get free Desjardins Roadside Assistance.
Why Canadian drivers choose Desjardins
We’re not new to insurance. That’s reassuring.
Since 1944, we’ve helped Canadians protect what matters. When you insure your vehicle with us, you benefit from decades of insurance expertise, financial strength and a commitment to putting your needs first.
2.5 million +
people insured with us in Canada
97.6%
of our clients renew with us every year
800 +
repair shop partners ready to help
Information based on our internal statistics.
Our car insurance coverages
- Mandatory
- Common optional
- Other optional
Mandatory
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).
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
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 your bumper.
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
Other optional coverages
These coverage options let you tailor your insurance to your needs. Some are beneficial depending on your vehicle, its age and your driving habits.
Example: If you have an accident with your 3-year-old car and certain parts can't be repaired, the 5-Year Replacement Cost coverage would pay to replace them with new ones.
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
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®
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.
Why Canadian drivers choose Desjardins
We’re not new to insurance. That’s reassuring.
Since 1944, we’ve helped Canadians protect what matters. When you insure your vehicle with us, you benefit from decades of insurance expertise, financial strength and a commitment to putting your needs first.
2.5 million +
people insured with us in Canada
97.6%
of our clients renew with us every year
800 +
repair shop partners ready to help
Information based on our internal statistics.
Manage your insurance with our app
Log in to Online Services through the app to:
- Add or replace a vehicle
- Store a vehicle or remove it from storage
- Add a driver
- Display your proof of auto insurance (pink slip)
8 - View your insurance documents
- File a claim
4.2 stars
Average rating based on Google Play and App Store reviews as of September 21, 2026
Download the Desjardins Insurance Home-Auto app
FAQ
How is a car insurance premium calculated, and what factors influence it?
Your car insurance premium is calculated based on both your driver profile and the vehicle being insured. Factors that can influence the cost of your car insurance premium include:
- Where you live
- Your age
- Your driving experience
- Your claims history
- The vehicle’s make and model
To learn more about your car insurance premium, read our article: How car insurance premiums are calculated.
How is a car insurance premium calculated in Ontario?
Your car insurance premium is calculated based on both your driver profile and the vehicle being insured. Factors that can influence the cost of your car insurance premium include:
- Where you live
- Your age
- Your driving experience
- Your claims history
- The vehicle’s make and model
To learn more about your car insurance premium, read our article: How car insurance premiums are calculated.
Why does my car insurance premium increase at renewal?
Several market-related factors can contribute to higher insurance premiums across Canada, including overall inflation, rising vehicle theft rates and the increasing impact of severe weather events. Factors specific to your situation can also cause your car insurance premium to increase at renewal, such as your driving record, a change of address or the number of kilometres you drive each year.
Contact us if you have any questions about your premium or your insurance renewal. We’ll help you find the best solution for your needs.
Why does my car insurance premium increase at renewal?
Several market-related factors can contribute to higher insurance premiums across Canada, including overall inflation, rising vehicle theft rates and the increasing impact of severe weather events. Factors specific to your situation can also cause your car insurance premium to increase at renewal, such as your driving record, a change of address or the number of kilometres you drive each year.
Contact us if you have any questions about your premium or your insurance renewal. We’ll help you find the best solution for your needs.
How can I lower my car insurance premium?
To help reduce the cost of your car insurance, you can:
- Bundle your home and auto insurance with the same insurer
- Increase your deductible
- Check whether you're eligible for any discounts or special offers from your insurer
- Review your coverages and adjust them as needed
- Maintain a good driving record
To learn more about ways to save on car insurance, read our article: Your car insurance premium: What goes into pricing and how you could save more.
Does bundling home and auto insurance really help you save money?
Yes. Bundling your home and auto insurance with the same insurer can often help you save money. It can also make your insurance easier to manage and simplify communication with your insurer, especially when filing a claim.
To learn more, visit our Bundle and save on home and auto insurance page.
What changed with Ontario’s auto insurance reform on July 1, 2026?
As a result of Ontario's auto insurance reform, car insurance changed on July 1, 2026, giving you more flexibility in choosing your coverage. Under the new system, certain accident benefits that were mandatory have become optional. This means you can customize your coverage based on your needs and budget.
To learn more, see the article Auto insurance reform: What this means for you.
What is a deductible in car insurance and how does it work?
Your deductible is the amount you have to pay when you make an insurance claim.
Example: You have a $500 collision deductible and you have an at-fault accident that's covered by your policy. If the repairs cost $5,000, you pay the first $500 and your insurance pays the rest.
For certain types of claims (such as a fire or not-at-fault collision), you don’t have to pay a deductible.
To learn more, read our article Insurance deductibles explained: What they are and how they work.
How do I file a car insurance claim?
In the event of an accident, collision, theft or other loss, you can file a claim online, in the Desjardins Insurance Home-Auto app or by phone 24/7. We're here to guide you every step of the way.
To learn more, visit our Car and recreational vehicle insurance claims page.
How do I cancel my car insurance?
The easiest way to cancel your car insurance policy is to call us at 1-888-277-8726 Customer service phone number. This link opens your phone app.. We’re help to help.
Learn more about how to cancel your insurance.
Get a car insurance quote
By phone
Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM (Eastern Time)
Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM (Eastern Time)
Our tips to insure your car
- Topic: Insurance A beginner’s guide to car insurance for young drivers
How does car insurance work in Quebec
Quebec has a hybrid car insurance system, where coverage is provided through a public automobile insurance plan and private insurer.
In the event of bodily injury resulting from a car accident, such as a physical injury or temporary disability, Quebec’s public automobile insurance plan, administered by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), applies whether or not you’re responsible for the accident.
Car insurance purchased from a private insurer includes mandatory Civil Liability coverage. Among other things, this coverage protects against property damage caused to another person and bodily injury to individuals who are not covered by Quebec’s public automobile insurance plan.
You can also add optional coverages to your policy. Depending on the coverages you choose, they may cover damage to your own vehicle.