Cancelling the policy

    You can cancel your policy at any time and for any reason by giving notice in writing to
your insurer. Are you cancelling your policy because you’ve received a more attractive
proposal from another insurer? Check to see whether it’s really worth it, as your insurer
may charge you a penalty, as set out in the cancellation table appended to your policy;
the longer the remaining policy term, the higher the penalty.
 
Your insurer has the right to cancel your auto insurance policy within 60 days of its
coming into force regardless of the reason. After this period, your insurer can only
cancel your policy if the risk has increased or if you haven’t paid your premium.

Renewing your policy

   Your auto insurance is renewed automatically. The insurer is
required to send the insured or the insured’s broker a notice of
renewal 30 days prior to the policy maturity date. Renewal is
automatic unless either you or your insurer gives notice to the
contrary.

   You should know that your insurer can decide not to renew your
policy at maturity. Some of the reasons most often given include
misrepresenting facts, high number of claims and non-payment
of the premium.

Fichier central des sinistres automobiles (FCSA)

   The FCSA is a database which tracks all automobile claims filed in the past six years
(accident, theft, vandalism, etc.). Insurers refer to it to check your automobile claims
experience.

Custodian of the vehicle

Since April 1, 2009, claims are attributed to the custodian of the vehicle, namely the
person at the wheel or the person who had charge of the vehicle when the accident
happened. For example, if you lend your car to your son and were he to have an
accident, the incident will be entered in your son’s file, not in yours.

Consulting your claims record or correcting errors

You may consult your FCSA file at any time. And if you believe that it contains an error,
you can have it checked. To do so, go to www.infoinsurance.ca, print the form for this
purpose and follow the instructions.

Buying auto insurance

Who is insured?

  In Quebec, everyone who owns a vehicle is required to purchase
auto insurance. Here are some things to consider.

  Auto insurance covers the vehicle and the drivers.

Generally, the main user of the vehicle is called the

principal driver and the other users are called

occasional drivers. When setting the premium,

the insurer factors in the claims experience of the

principal driver and that of the occasional drivers.

Does your son drive your car? You need to tell your

insurer to avoid any complications should there

be a claim.

Who can sell you insurance?

Insurance brokers: brokers offer the products
of insurance companies with which they
have agreements.
Insurance agents: agents work for a specific
insurance company.
Before you decide to do business with either a broker
or an agent, check out prices, the products being
proposed and the quality of the service.
Buying auto
insurance
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