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
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Québec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

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.

• Government of Alberta – Automobile Insurance
• Government of Alberta – Automobile Collisions and Insurance
• Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) – Frequently Asked Questions
• Alberta Superintendent of Insurance – Direct Compensation for Property Damage Implementation effective – January 1, 2023
• Alberta Government – Standard Owner’s Automobile Policy – updated January 4, 2022

• ICBC Autoplan Insurance – Basic Insurance and Enhanced Care
• ICBC – Buying Car Insurance: What Know About Buying Insurance

• Manitoba Public Insurance – Insuring Your Vehicle
• Manitoba Public Insurance – Autopac Insurance Products
• Manitoba Public Insurance – 2023 Guide to Autopac

• Financial and Consumer Services Commission NB – Automobile Insurance
• New Brunswick Standard Owner’s Policy – N.B.P.F. No. 1

• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Insurance Requirements
• Newfoundland and Labrador Standard Automobile Policy, NL – S.P.F. No. 1, 2020
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Frequently Asked Questions for Voluntary Sector
• Automobile Insurance Changes 2020 – Answers to Consumer Questions

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

• Automobile Policy (owner's form) for Nova Scotia – NSPF No.1, 2018
• Nova Scotia – Finance and Treasury Board – Insurance Forms
• Automobile Insurance Contract Mandatory Conditions Regulations, 2018
• Nova Scotia – Office of the Superintendent of Insurance Bulletins – Minor Injury Cap 2023

• Ontario Automobile Policy, OAP1, 2022
• Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, O. Reg. 34/10
• FSRA – What is in a Standard Auto Insurance Policy?
• What you need to know about opting out of Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD) coverage in Ontario (as of Jan. 1, 2024)

• Prince Edward Island – Insurance Regulation
• Standard Automobile Policy for Prince Edward Island, PE – S.P.F. No.1, 2015
• Prince Edward Island Office of Superintendent of Insurance – Bulletin: Automobile Insurance Minor Injury Cap – Annual Indexation 2014-2023
• Direct Compensation – Property Damage (DCPD) Questions and Answers

• Québec’s Public Automobile Insurance Plan in Brief
• Québec Auto Insurance Policy Form Q.P.F. No.1, 2014
• Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec – The Insurance Policy for all Quebecers 2022
• Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec – Compensation Table for 2023

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.

• SGI Basic Auto Injury Insurance
• SGI Your Guide to No Fault Coverage Personal Auto Injury Insurance 2023
• SGI Your Guide to Tort Coverage Personal Auto Injury Insurance 2023
• SGI Guide to Choosing Personal Auto Injury Insurance 2023
• SGI Basic Auto Damage Insurance

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.