Car Insurance for Learner Drivers in Quebec

The process of adding your learner driver to Quebec auto insurance is straightforward, but accuracy matters. Here is what you need:

The learner’s full name, date of birth, and address.

The Class 5 learner’s licence number issued by the SAAQ.

The date the learner’s licence was issued.

Driving history from any other province or country, if applicable.

Confirmation of the SAAQ-accredited driving school the learner is enrolled in or has completed.

Estimated frequency of use - occasional, secondary, or principal.

Once you provide the required information, the policy update is usually processed within the same business day. Coverage only begins after the insurer officially approves the addition, so always wait for written confirmation.

Practical Ways to Reduce the Cost of Insuring a Learner Driver

Compare Quotes Through a Broker

This is the single most effective step. Insurance rates for learner drivers can vary significantly between insurers. Comparing multiple quotes through a broker helps you find the best coverage at a competitive price.

Enrol Early in a Telematics Program

Many Quebec insurers offer telematics discounts for safe driving habits tracked through a mobile app. Discounts can range from 10% to 25%.

Use the Good Student Discount

Students under 25 with strong grades may qualify for discounts of 5% to 10% from some insurers.

Bundle With Home or Tenant Insurance

Combining auto insurance with home, condo, or tenant insurance can help reduce premiums on both policies.

List the Learner Accurately

Listing the learner accurately as an occasional or secondary driver can affect the premium. Incorrect classification may impact coverage.

Choose a Higher Deductible

Raising the collision deductible from $500 to $1,000 typically reduces the premium by 15% to 25%. Just make sure you can afford the deductible if a claim happens.

Transfer Foreign or Out-of-Province Driving History

Some insurers recognize foreign or out-of-province driving history, which may help reduce premiums for new Quebec drivers.

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Mistakes Quebec Households Make When Insuring a Learner Driver

Driving Without Adding the Learner to the Policy

If a learner has an accident while driving your car and is not declared on your policy, the insurer can deny the claim. The savings from skipping this step never outweigh the risk.

Misclassifying the Learner’s Use

Listing a learner who actually drives daily as “occasional” to lower the premium is misrepresentation. Insurers verify usage during claims investigations. Misclassifying coverage can void it.

Skipping the Comparison Step

Many parents simply accept their existing insurer’s premium increase when adding a learner. This is one of the most expensive mistakes in Quebec. The same learner can be priced very differently across insurers.

Ignoring the SAAQ-Accredited School Discount

Some Quebec insurers offer a small discount for learners enrolled in or completing a SAAQ-accredited driving course. This benefit is rarely volunteered - you have to ask.

Not Adjusting Coverage After the Probationary Licence

When a learner driver gets a probationary licence and starts driving more often, their driver category should be updated. Otherwise, your coverage may no longer match actual vehicle use.