The SAAQ insures all Quebecers injured in a road accident, whether in Québec or elsewhere. Here's what you need to know.
If you live in Québec, you’re covered by the public automobile insurance plan administered by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), whether you were:
- Injured in a road accident in Québec or elsewhere;
- Responsible for the accident or not;
- Involved as a driver, passenger, passer-by or other.
Protection
The plan includes:
- Reimbursement for some medications, supplies and health care you may need because of the accident;
- Reimbursement for clothing or accessories damaged in the accident;
- Financial compensation if the accident caused after-effects or loss (of income, a year's study, your ability to care for someone).
Important: The public plan does not replace private liability insurance. It covers you only for personal injury or damage. Neither injuries caused to others nor property damage are covered. The SAAQ recommends that before driving outside the province, you take out private insurance (third-party liability).
If you have an accident
1. Here's what to do if you have a road accident abroad.
If you're in a position to act, gather the information you need. After the accident, stay at the scene. Don’t sign any documents, accept any money or admit any liability until you’ve contacted the SAAQ.
Call the local police and ask for a copy of the accident report.
Take notes:
- Names and addresses of the other people involved in the accident, and details of their insurers;
- Names and addresses of witnesses;
- Make and number plate of the other vehicles involved;
- Details of the accident (position of vehicles, road conditions).
Take photos of the accident scene (brake marks, injuries, damage).
2. If you‘re not admitted to hospital, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Have all your accident-related symptoms recorded in your medical report, even if they seem minor.
Keep all your receipts and medical documents.
Were you hospitalized abroad following a road accident? The SAAQ may be able to reimburse you for the portion of the costs that the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) does not.
3. Call the SAAQ.
Call 1-800-463-6898 (Canada/United States) or 1-418-646-9884 (elsewhere in the world) as soon as possible, and no later than three years after the accident.
Did the road accident happen while you were on the job? In that case, the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) will compensate you. You have six months after the accident to file a claim.
Your recourse
If you have any questions about a road accident or a compensation claim, contact the SAAQ or, if the accident is work-related, the CNESST.
Do you disagree with a decision made in your compensation case?
- SAAQ file: take your grievance to the SAAQ first. If necessary, then take your case to the Tribunal administratif du Québec (TAQ).
- CNESST file: take your grievance to the CNESST first. If necessary, then take your case to the Tribunal administratif du Travail (TAT).
Not satisfied with the services you received from one of these public agencies? Contact the Protecteur du citoyen. Our services are free and confidential.
Also see: Holidays outside Québec: will I have to pay for health services?
