Quebec's auto insurance plan entitles everyone residing in Québec to compensation for injuries sustained in any road accident involving an automobile, whether the injured party is the driver, a passenger, a cyclist or a pedestrian. This coverage applies all over the world, and does not require identifying who was at fault.

Under the Automobile Insurance Act, the owner of a motor vehicle on Québec roads must hold a liability insurance contract of at least $50,000.

Auto insurance plans in Quebec, Canada are managed by the SAAQ (Québec motor vehicle bureau).The SAAQ is also responsible for issuing driver's licences and car registration certificates.

You need a licence to drive on Québec roads. The SAAQ applies precise rules in issuing a Québec driver's licence or exchanging a driver's licence issued outside Canada for a Québec licence. People who are not permanently established as residents in Québec may drive, under certain conditions.

If you have a valid driver's license issued outside Québec, you are allowed to drive a passenger car without a Québec license for the first 90 days after your arrival. To be allowed to drive beyond this time period, you must obtain a Québec license.

To get a Québec driver's licence or to exchange a driver's licence issued outside Québec for a Québec licence, the first step is to contact the SAAQ by telephone to make an appointment. If you are not a Canadian citizen you must call one of these telephone numbers:

• From the Montréal area: 514 954-7771
• From elsewhere in Québec: 1 888 356-6616

You will also need to register your vehicles if you are moving and becoming a resident of Montreal, Quebec. Normally an insurance company will not insure you with a car that is registered out of the country, so to get Canadian insurance the Quebec private auto insurer will likely first require you to register your car there. In Québec, all road vehicles must be registered, except for certain exemptions under the Highway Safety Code.

To register your vehicle, go to a SAAQ office. Registration for your vehicle is not free and must be renewed annually by the date specified. With your first registration, the SAAQ will give you a certificate which you must keep and a license plate which must be attached to the back of your vehicle. Thereafter, you simply need to pay the annual fee; the bill will be sent to your home by mail. To find out what it will take to register your US vehicles in Montreal we would advise that you contact the SAAQ so that you can bring the correct documents with you to the office.

To get a Canadian car insurance quote, click here. Our Canadian affiliate or the SAAQ should be contacted to give you more information on what steps you will need to take to get your 2 cars insured in Montreal, Canada.