Is Desjardins Car Insurance Worth It? Our 2025 Review
Our expert's review on Desjardins
Desjardins car insurance presents a solid and highly modular offer for Canadian drivers. Its structure includes mandatory Civil Liability and key optional coverages, with robust ceilings like $2 million for liability and fully adjustable deductibles. A standout feature is the Ajusto® program, which promotes prevention by offering discounts for safe driving. Compared to its main competitors, Desjardins excels as a digitally-focused insurer with strong value in its bundling options, making it particularly well-suited for young drivers, homeowners, and tech-savvy motorists.
As a key part of one of Canada's largest financial groups, Desjardins offers proven stability. While specific data on reimbursement times is not published, the insurer provides a modern and accessible 24/7 claims service through its online portal, mobile app, and dedicated phone line, ensuring support is always available.
- ✅Ajusto® program for usage-based discounts
- ✅Significant home and auto bundling discounts
- ✅Free Legal Assistance with bundled policies
- ✅Excellent new and used car replacement options
- ✅24/7 claims reporting via app, online, and phone
- ✅Flexible deductible with a $0 option
- ✅Comprehensive Trouble-Free Option® package
- ❌Occasional claims processing delays reported
- ❌Policy cancellation only available by phone
- ❌Ajusto® program requires driving habit monitoring
- ❌Accident Forgiveness is an optional add-on
- ❌Rented vehicle coverage not standard
Score- ✅Ajusto® program for usage-based discounts
- ✅Significant home and auto bundling discounts
- ✅Free Legal Assistance with bundled policies
- ✅Excellent new and used car replacement options
- ✅24/7 claims reporting via app, online, and phone
- ✅Flexible deductible with a $0 option
- ✅Comprehensive Trouble-Free Option® package
Our expert's review on Desjardins
- ✅Ajusto® program for usage-based discounts
- ✅Significant home and auto bundling discounts
- ✅Free Legal Assistance with bundled policies
- ✅Excellent new and used car replacement options
- ✅24/7 claims reporting via app, online, and phone
- ✅Flexible deductible with a $0 option
- ✅Comprehensive Trouble-Free Option® package
- ❌Occasional claims processing delays reported
- ❌Policy cancellation only available by phone
- ❌Ajusto® program requires driving habit monitoring
- ❌Accident Forgiveness is an optional add-on
- ❌Rented vehicle coverage not standard
Score- ✅Ajusto® program for usage-based discounts
- ✅Significant home and auto bundling discounts
- ✅Free Legal Assistance with bundled policies
- ✅Excellent new and used car replacement options
- ✅24/7 claims reporting via app, online, and phone
- ✅Flexible deductible with a $0 option
- ✅Comprehensive Trouble-Free Option® package
As a key part of one of Canada's largest financial groups, Desjardins offers proven stability. While specific data on reimbursement times is not published, the insurer provides a modern and accessible 24/7 claims service through its online portal, mobile app, and dedicated phone line, ensuring support is always available.
Why trust Hellosafe?
Every year at HelloSafe, our expert analyses the general terms and conditions and rates of insurance contracts on the market to provide you with a reliable and impartial analysis. Over a million users now trust us every month to help them with their most important financial decisions.
The Desjardins car insurance guarantees
Desjardins provides modular car insurance in Canada with three core options: basic civil liability (mandatory), extended protection through Section B (collision/upset and perils other than collision), and all-risk coverage that combines both for total protection against collision, theft, fire, vandalism, and weather.
Liability limits start from $1 million with the option to increase, while deductibles for Section B can be personalized between $250 and $1,000; extras like 5-Year Replacement Cost and Value Plus Option address new and used vehicle value retention, respectively.
Competitive advantage comes from flexible bundle options like the Trouble-Free Option (accidental death, zero deductible for hit-and-run, and enhanced travel features), free legal assistance when bundling home and auto, and the Ajusto telematics program offering up to a 25% discount for safe driving.
Temporary replacement vehicles, extended travel costs, and accidental death benefits are included in select bundles, with additional choices for enhanced protection such as accident forgiveness and rental/borrowed vehicle coverage.
The main limitation lies in the standard exclusions (commercial use, undeclared modifications, and non-disclosure), which are consistent with Canadian market norms, and that some coverages require explicit selection or are province-dependent.
| Warranty name | Desjardins Car Insurance |
|---|---|
| Formula positioning | Modular: liability only, extended (collision, perils), or all-risk |
| Type of cover | Civil liability, perils (collision/other than collision), optional bundles |
| Reimbursement rate (% of damages covered) | Up to policy limit; subject to deductible |
| Annual reimbursement ceiling (maximum amount reimbursed per year) | NC |
| Policy excess (per claim and/or annually) | $250–$1,000 typically; customizable per Section B |
| Waiting period (before certain guarantees take effect) | NC |
| Minimum/maximum age for subscription | NC |
| Prior risk assessment (medical questionnaire, telematics, driving history) | Driving history and optional Ajusto telematics |
| Payment facilities (monthly, quarterly, annual payments) | Monthly or annual payments available |
| Advance payment of claim-related costs | NC |
| Compensation at purchase value/agreed value/replacement value | Optional 5-year new value or Value Plus for used cars |
| Third-party liability (bodily injury and property damage to others) | $1 million minimum up to $2 million |
| Own vehicle damage (collision, regardless of fault) | Optional Section B2; deductible applies |
| Theft of vehicle (partial or total) | Optional Section B3; deductible applies |
| Fire (accidental or criminal) | Optional Section B3; deductible applies |
| Broken glass (windscreen, windows, sunroof) | Included if selecting perils coverage; deductible may apply |
| Natural disasters (hail, flood, storm, etc.) | Included with perils other than collision option |
| Acts of vandalism | Included with perils other than collision option |
| All-risks damage (accidents of any cause, including at-fault) | Optional all-risk (combines Section B2 + B3) |
| Driver personal injury cover (death, disability, medical expenses) | Bodily injury by SAAQ (Quebec) and accidental death with bundle |
| Passenger injury cover | Included via SAAQ (Quebec) |
| Criminal defence and recourse (basic legal aid after an accident) | Free legal assistance when bundled |
| Extended legal protection (for disputes beyond accidents, e.g. purchase, repairs) | Included in bundled plans; most legal areas |
| Vehicle accessories and modifications (including electric vehicle batteries and cables) | NC |
| Personal belongings inside the vehicle (excluding cash and documents) | NC |
| Child equipment (seats, pushchairs) | NC |
| Replacement vehicle (during repairs or after total loss) | Travel Costs/Bundle covers up to $3,000 |
| Towing and roadside assistance (including out-of-charge recovery for EVs) | 24/7 assistance; details per policy |
| Use abroad (compliance with minimum local cover; optional full cover abroad) | Canada/US; $0 deductible possible with endorsement |
| Vehicle use for professional/business purposes (where applicable) | Excluded unless declared |
| Driving other vehicles (third-party only or comprehensive, depending on the insurer) | Up to $100,000 for rental/borrowed cars with Endorsement 27 |
| Trailer or caravan towing cover | NC |
NC = Not communicated in public sources. Bundles and endorsements described may be province-dependent and conditional.
Good to know
Desjardins supports online and app-based claims filing, digital policy management, and real-time driving feedback via the Ajusto telematics app, with instant quote and customer service accessible 24/7. Bundling with home insurance unlocks free legal assistance and adds a host of privileges under the Trouble-Free Option, streamlining both support and savings for policyholders.
Car insurance exclusions
Desjardins systematically excludes claims arising from the use of the vehicle for delivery or paid transport, unless specifically stated. Damage resulting from participation in races or competitions, even unofficial ones, is not covered. Personal effects on board the vehicle are not indemnified unless an optional cover is added.
Damage caused intentionally by the insured or while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also excluded. It should also be noted that mechanical breakdowns or normal wear and tear of the vehicle do not give rise to any compensation unless a specific mechanical guarantee endorsement is taken out.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Exclusions linked to the use of the vehicle | • Use for delivery or paid transport (unless declared) • Participation in races, speed tests, or competitions • Undeclared vehicle modifications • Use for commercial purposes not specifically disclosed |
| Exclusions linked to the driver | • Driving without a valid driver’s license • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs • Intentional damage or criminal acts by the insured |
| Technical exclusions | • Mechanical breakdown • Normal wear and tear • Gradual deterioration |
| Geographical exclusions | • Damage occurring outside Canada/US for most coverages |
| Contractual exclusions | • Fraud, misrepresentation, or non-disclosure of material changes • Claims not compliant with contractual terms |
| Other notable exclusions | • Damage to personal belongings in the vehicle (unless optional coverage) • Specific restrictions apply to claims under bundled or optional modules |
• Participation in races, speed tests, or competitions
• Undeclared vehicle modifications
• Use for commercial purposes not specifically disclosed
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Intentional damage or criminal acts by the insured
• Normal wear and tear
• Gradual deterioration
• Claims not compliant with contractual terms
• Specific restrictions apply to claims under bundled or optional modules
The cost of Desjardins car insurance
Desjardins holds a mid-range to competitive position in the Canadian market, offering customizable coverage options, notable bundling discounts, and innovative telematics (Ajusto) that can reduce premiums, especially for safe drivers.
Although deductibles and reimbursement ceilings are in line with provincial trends, Desjardins stands out with value-added features such as 5-Year Replacement Cost and the Trouble-Free Option when bundling policies.
Its hybrid model—digital services plus agent support—provides flexibility, but pure digital competitors like Sonnet or Belairdirect may undercut Desjardins on price for tech-driven clients.
The scope of built-in legal assistance and zero-deductible options offers more comprehensive protection than many low-cost direct insurers but can lead to higher premiums, especially with enhanced endorsements.
Overall, Desjardins is best suited for customers seeking a robust combination of flexibility, assistance, and discounts in a feature-rich but balanced price tier.
| Basic plan | Standard plan | Enhanced plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young driver (18-24, compact vehicle) | $98/month | $116/month | $145/month |
| Standard driver (35-45, intermediate) | $64/month | $77/month | $95/month |
| Senior driver (60-70, city car) | $53/month | $62/month | $74/month |
| Driver with at-fault claim (3 years) | $123/month | $142/month | $177/month |
| New SUV driver | $82/month | $96/month | $118/month |
| Driver with more than 25,000km/year | $107/month | $124/month | $149/month |
Compare Desjardins with other insurers to find the best plan and premium for your personal driving profile.
Compare the best car insurance plans for free!Start comparingDesjardins Car Insurance Discount Codes
| Promotional codes Desjardins | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe | -5% on your quote |
Note: promotional codes are subject to change. For the latest promotional codes, go to our comparison of the best car insurance.
How much will you be reimbursed with Desjardins?
| Claim or service | Average price (CA$) | Civil Liability (mandatory) | Collision/Comprehensive (optional) | 5-Year Replacement Cost Option* | Travel Costs Option* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement after vehicle theft | $21,000 | ❌ | Up to actual cash value (excluding excess) | Up to full replacement value (excluding excess) | Up to $3,000 for transport (excluding excess) |
| Repair after at-fault accident | $4,500 | ❌ | Up to actual repair cost (excluding excess) | New parts at full value (excluding excess) | Up to $3,000 for alternate transport (excluding excess) |
| Windshield replacement | $500 | ❌ | Up to $500 (excluding excess) | Up to $500 (excluding excess) | ❌ |
| Towing after breakdown | $200 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Up to $3,000 (excluding excess) |
| Rental car during repairs (after claim) | $900 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Up to $3,000 (excluding excess) |
*Only available if selected as add-on.
Desjardins Car Insurance Assistance
Desjardins car insurance stands out for its strong suite of integrated assistance, particularly the inclusion of 24/7 roadside help and towing whether you break down at home or on the road. The offer of travel costs and a replacement vehicle after a covered loss is a valuable benefit, especially for policyholders frequently travelling or living in rural areas.
Legal assistance is provided for free when bundling with home insurance, a rare and reassuring feature for many clients. While extensive features are present, there's no dedicated mention of support for electric vehicles or for animals on board in official CA documentation. Assistance abroad and vehicle repatriation remain limited or unspecified, which may require additional coverage for regular cross-border drivers.
| Support Desjardins | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 roadside breakdown assistance | ✅ | Emergency assistance available 24/7, including flat tire, battery, and immobilization cases. |
| Towing to repair facility / Extended towing | ✅ | Towing is included, even from home (0 km), as part of standard roadside assistance. |
| Assistance from home (0 km) | ✅ | Assistance provided if vehicle cannot be moved from home address. |
| Replacement vehicle | ✅ | Temporary vehicle available after covered loss if Travel Costs or Trouble-Free Option selected. |
| Alternative transport or accommodation | ✅ | Coverage available for hotel or other transport if stranded far from home, up to $1,500. |
| Vehicle repatriation | ❌ | N.C. |
| Assistance abroad | ❌ | N.C. |
| Assistance for electric vehicles | ❌ | N.C. |
| Battery assistance & fuel misfuelling | ✅ | Battery boost included in standard roadside assistance. Fuel misfuelling: N.C. |
| Legal assistance after an accident | ✅ | Free legal helpline with bundled policies, covers most areas except criminal/tax. |
| Assistance for animals on board | ❌ | N.C. |
| Key recovery & lock replacement | ✅ | Unlock service and key recovery included in roadside assistance. Key replacement: N.C. |
Fuel misfuelling: N.C.
Key replacement: N.C.
Customer Feedback on Desjardins Car Insurance
- ✅ The intuitive and practical mobile application simplifies contract management and claims reporting for many clients.
- ✅ The Ajusto program offers real and personalized savings opportunities for careful drivers.
- ✅ The availability and helpfulness of agents, both online and in branches, are frequently praised.
- ✅ Bundling home and auto insurance leads to noticeable savings and added value for policyholders.
- ✅ Reliable 24/7 roadside assistance and the "Trouble-Free Option" are appreciated by many clients, especially for travel and emergency situations.
- ❌ Unjustified premium increases, even for clients without recent claims, are reported as a source of frustration.
- ❌ Customer service is sometimes considered slow to respond and challenging to reach during busy periods.
- ❌ Some clients experience delays and a lack of transparency in claims processing.
- ❌ Communications around contract renewals or policy changes are sometimes insufficient, leading to confusion.
- ❌ Technical glitches with the mobile app, particularly when submitting documentation, affect a minority of users.
How to Contact Desjardins
| Customer service Desjardins | Contact information |
|---|---|
| To obtain a quote or take out a policy online | You can use the HelloSafe car insurance comparison tool, choose the option that suits you best and click to obtain a quote. Alternatively, visit https://www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com/auto-insurance or call 1-888-277-8726 to speak to a Desjardins advisor. |
| To report a claim | File a claim 24/7 online at https://www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com/claims, on the Desjardins Insurance mobile app, or call 1-888-776-8343. For written correspondence: Desjardins Insurance, 6300 Boulevard Guillaume-Couture, Lévis, QC G6V 6P9. |
| To request and track a refund | Contact the Client Relations Centre at 1-888-277-8726, Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday 8am–4pm, or email via the contact form on the official Desjardins website. Refunds are usually processed by direct deposit or cheque within 10–15 business days after the request is approved. |
| To obtain an insurance certificate | Request your insurance certificate by logging into your Desjardins Online Services account, contacting your local Desjardins agent, or calling 1-888-277-8726. Certificates can be sent by email, digital download, or post mail according to your preference. |
| To contact assistance | For roadside assistance or emergency help, call 1-888-776-8343 (available 24/7 in Canada and the US). For general support, contact the Client Relations Centre at 1-888-277-8726 or use the online contact form at https://www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com/contact-us. |
| To cancel my contract | Call 1-888-277-8726 to cancel. Provide your policy number, written notice (usually 30 days in advance), and sign the cancellation request. You may be required to provide proof of new insurance if you continue driving. Refunds for unused premiums are processed by direct deposit or cheque. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay in advance for repairs or assistance with Desjardins?
If you use a Desjardins-approved repair shop or towing provider, payment is made directly by Desjardins and you only pay your deductible. For other providers, you may have to pay upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement if your claim is approved.
How do I cancel my car insurance contract with Desjardins?
To cancel your contract, call Desjardins at 1-888-277-8726, usually giving at least 30 days’ notice and providing your policy number; no formal documents are needed, but confirmation may be required for refund processing.
What types of coverage does Desjardins car insurance offer?
Desjardins offers mandatory civil liability and accident benefits, with optional modules like collision, all perils, comprehensive, value plus, roadside assistance, travel costs, and legal assistance. Coverage can be fully personalized and adapted to your driving needs.
How quickly are claims processed and how do I receive reimbursement?
Most claims are processed within a few business days once all information and documents are received, especially when using Desjardins’ recommended repair network. Reimbursements are made by direct deposit or cheque, and settlement speed can vary with claim complexity.
Are there discounts or ways to lower my Desjardins car insurance premium?
You can save by bundling home and auto insurance, insuring multiple vehicles, maintaining a clean driving record, enrolling in the Ajusto program for usage-based discounts, or installing approved security features. Eligibility and discount amounts depend on your individual profile.
How do I file and track a claim with Desjardins?
You can submit and track claims 24/7 by phone at 1-888-776-8343, online through your unique account, or via the Desjardins mobile app. A dedicated claims advisor will guide you, and you’ll receive regular updates on claim status throughout the process.
Do I have to pay in advance for repairs or assistance with Desjardins?
If you use a Desjardins-approved repair shop or towing provider, payment is made directly by Desjardins and you only pay your deductible. For other providers, you may have to pay upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement if your claim is approved.
How do I cancel my car insurance contract with Desjardins?
To cancel your contract, call Desjardins at 1-888-277-8726, usually giving at least 30 days’ notice and providing your policy number; no formal documents are needed, but confirmation may be required for refund processing.
What types of coverage does Desjardins car insurance offer?
Desjardins offers mandatory civil liability and accident benefits, with optional modules like collision, all perils, comprehensive, value plus, roadside assistance, travel costs, and legal assistance. Coverage can be fully personalized and adapted to your driving needs.
How quickly are claims processed and how do I receive reimbursement?
Most claims are processed within a few business days once all information and documents are received, especially when using Desjardins’ recommended repair network. Reimbursements are made by direct deposit or cheque, and settlement speed can vary with claim complexity.
Are there discounts or ways to lower my Desjardins car insurance premium?
You can save by bundling home and auto insurance, insuring multiple vehicles, maintaining a clean driving record, enrolling in the Ajusto program for usage-based discounts, or installing approved security features. Eligibility and discount amounts depend on your individual profile.
How do I file and track a claim with Desjardins?
You can submit and track claims 24/7 by phone at 1-888-776-8343, online through your unique account, or via the Desjardins mobile app. A dedicated claims advisor will guide you, and you’ll receive regular updates on claim status throughout the process.
