SAAQ Insurance & Claims Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Quebec driver's vehicle is stolen. Which private insurance section typically covers the loss?
- Section A – Civil Liability
- Section B-1 – Collision
- Section B-2 – Comprehensive (all perils except collision) (Correct answer)
- Section C – Uninsured Automobile
Correct answer: Section B-2 – Comprehensive (all perils except collision)
Theft is covered under Section B-2 (comprehensive/all perils except collision) of Quebec automobile insurance policies.
Question 2: Under Quebec's SAAQ compensation plan, which of the following is NOT covered as a bodily injury benefit?
- Income replacement indemnity
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Death benefits for dependants
- Repair costs for a damaged vehicle (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Repair costs for a damaged vehicle
SAAQ covers bodily injury consequences (income loss, medical care, death benefits) but vehicle repair is a property matter handled by private insurance.
Question 3: How long does a Quebec resident generally have to file a bodily injury claim with SAAQ after an automobile accident?
- 30 days
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 1 year
- 6 months
Correct answer: 3 years
Under the Quebec Automobile Insurance Act, a victim has 3 years from the date of the accident (or from when injury became apparent) to file a claim with SAAQ.
Question 4: A Quebec policyholder disagrees with their private insurer's settlement offer for vehicle damage. What is the first formal step available?
- File a complaint with the SAAQ directly
- Request an appraisal by an independent expert under the policy (Correct answer)
- Sue the insurer in small claims court immediately
- Contact the SAAQ to arbitrate the dispute
Correct answer: Request an appraisal by an independent expert under the policy
Quebec auto policies include an appraisal clause allowing either party to call for independent expert appraisal when they disagree on the amount of loss.
Question 5: Which factor most directly affects the premium for civil liability insurance on a Quebec private auto policy?
- The vehicle's colour
- The driver's claims history and demerit points (Correct answer)
- The vehicle's mileage at purchase
- The number of doors on the vehicle
Correct answer: The driver's claims history and demerit points
Insurers use the driver's accident history and demerit point record as primary rating factors for civil liability premiums in Quebec.
Question 6: If a Quebec vehicle owner's civil liability insurance is cancelled for non-payment, what immediate consequence occurs?
- The driver may still operate the vehicle for 30 days under a grace period
- The SAAQ may suspend the vehicle's registration (Correct answer)
- Only the driver's licence is suspended
- The insurer must notify SAAQ within 90 days
Correct answer: The SAAQ may suspend the vehicle's registration
Insurers notify the SAAQ when a policy is cancelled, which can trigger suspension of the vehicle registration until valid insurance is in force.
Question 7: A Quebec driver is involved in an accident with an uninsured driver from another province. Which coverage protects the Quebec driver's property damage?
- SAAQ public plan
- Section A civil liability
- Section B collision coverage (if held) (Correct answer)
- Section C uninsured motorist
Correct answer: Section B collision coverage (if held)
Property damage from an uninsured driver is covered by the policyholder's own collision coverage (Section B-1), subject to the deductible; SAAQ only covers bodily injury.
SAAQ Insurance & Claims Management 3
A Quebec driver's vehicle is stolen.
Which private insurance section typically covers the loss?