SAAQ or Auto Insurance: Who Pays After a Québec Road Accident?
If a crash in Québec causes both injuries and vehicle damage, there may be different processes for each. Understanding the division can help you direct your questions to the correct organization.
Injuries: the SAAQ’s public system
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) administers Québec’s public automobile insurance plan for bodily injuries resulting from automobile accidents, within the requirements of the governing legislation. Whether, when and how to claim injury benefits depends on the circumstances and applicable rules. Consult the official SAAQ website for instructions and deadlines.
Vehicle damage: generally the private insurance process
Repairs to your car’s body panels or paint are generally handled through your private automobile insurance coverage, relevant liability arrangements or your own payment, depending on the facts and contract. The SAAQ’s bodily-injury compensation role should not be confused with paying for an ordinary collision repaint.
Example: rear-end collision
Imagine your vehicle is hit from behind, damaging the bumper, and someone reports neck pain. The bodily-injury question and the vehicle-repair question may follow different systems. Contact the appropriate agencies; this example does not determine fault, benefits or coverage.
Steps after an accident
- Make sure people are safe and obtain emergency assistance when needed.
- Record relevant details and keep photographs if doing so is safe.
- Report the incident as required and contact the insurer about property damage.
- Follow official SAAQ guidance for an injury-related claim.
- Arrange an appropriate vehicle inspection before authorizing repairs.
Where a body shop can help
24K Auto Québec Inc. in Dorval can discuss body-damage assessment, dent and collision repair, refinishing and the scope of an estimate. We do not decide SAAQ entitlements, liability or insurance coverage.
Important limitation
Rules and deadlines can change. For advice about your own rights, consult the insurer, SAAQ or a qualified professional.
24K Auto Québec Inc. — 781 Avenue Halpern, Dorval, Québec H9P 1G5. Call 514-422-9481 or email to discuss auto body damage. Insurance coverage and legal rights should be confirmed with the relevant provider.
