Pafco Car Insurance Canada: Our 2025 Review & Verdict
Our expert's review on Pafco
I've examined the Pafco car insurance contract, and it is a specialized product designed for drivers who don't qualify for standard market coverage. It provides a full suite of core and optional coverages, from mandatory liability to collision and comprehensive, with a prevention-focused tool in its My_BRIDGE telematics app, which only offers discounts. While specific reimbursement ceilings and deductible options vary by profile, the structure is built for accessibility.
Compared to mainstream insurers, Pafco's strength is not price but accessibility, offering a vital option for higher-risk drivers who might otherwise be uninsured.
Pavco is therefore particularly suitable for drivers with a challenging claims history or other risk factors that disqualify them from the standard insurance market.
As part of the Allstate Canada Group, Pafco provides a reliable framework, offering guaranteed repairs at partner shops and a formal claims process, though specific data on average reimbursement times is not publicly disclosed.
- ✅Specializes in coverage for higher-risk drivers
- ✅My_BRIDGE telematics program for discounts only
- ✅Guaranteed repairs at Priority Repair Option (PRO) shops
- ✅Accident forgiveness coverage available
- ✅Roadside assistance included for Quebec policies
- ✅No default deductible on Direct Compensation Property Damage
- ✅Alberta rate cap for renewing good drivers
- ❌Higher premiums for the non-standard market
- ❌Roadside assistance available only in Quebec
- ❌Assistance towing limited to a 20km radius
- ❌Roadside help excludes motorcycles and trailers
- ❌Broker-only model for policy management
Score- ✅Specializes in coverage for higher-risk drivers
- ✅My_BRIDGE telematics program for discounts only
- ✅Guaranteed repairs at Priority Repair Option (PRO) shops
- ✅Accident forgiveness coverage available
- ✅Roadside assistance included for Quebec policies
- ✅No default deductible on Direct Compensation Property Damage
- ✅Alberta rate cap for renewing good drivers
Our expert's review on Pafco
- ✅Specializes in coverage for higher-risk drivers
- ✅My_BRIDGE telematics program for discounts only
- ✅Guaranteed repairs at Priority Repair Option (PRO) shops
- ✅Accident forgiveness coverage available
- ✅Roadside assistance included for Quebec policies
- ✅No default deductible on Direct Compensation Property Damage
- ✅Alberta rate cap for renewing good drivers
- ❌Higher premiums for the non-standard market
- ❌Roadside assistance available only in Quebec
- ❌Assistance towing limited to a 20km radius
- ❌Roadside help excludes motorcycles and trailers
- ❌Broker-only model for policy management
Score- ✅Specializes in coverage for higher-risk drivers
- ✅My_BRIDGE telematics program for discounts only
- ✅Guaranteed repairs at Priority Repair Option (PRO) shops
- ✅Accident forgiveness coverage available
- ✅Roadside assistance included for Quebec policies
- ✅No default deductible on Direct Compensation Property Damage
- ✅Alberta rate cap for renewing good drivers
Compared to mainstream insurers, Pafco's strength is not price but accessibility, offering a vital option for higher-risk drivers who might otherwise be uninsured.
Pavco is therefore particularly suitable for drivers with a challenging claims history or other risk factors that disqualify them from the standard insurance market.
As part of the Allstate Canada Group, Pafco provides a reliable framework, offering guaranteed repairs at partner shops and a formal claims process, though specific data on average reimbursement times is not publicly disclosed.
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Every year at HelloSafe, our Pafco 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 Pafco car insurance guarantees
Pafco offers car insurance primarily designed for higher-risk drivers unable to obtain standard market coverage in Canada. Core protections include mandatory third-party liability, direct compensation for property damage (DCPD), accident benefits, and uninsured motorist coverage, with optional add-ons such as collision, comprehensive, loss of use, and accident forgiveness. Roadside assistance is included for eligible private passenger policies in Quebec, while the My_BRIDGE telematics app offers premium discounts for safe driving without impacting rates for negative driving behaviors. Deductible options are flexible, and coverage limits or compensation are based on actual cash value at the time of loss. Compared with CA market standards, Pafco emphasizes accessibility over premium pricing, but exclusions and certain coverage caps (like towing distance and event limits) should be reviewed carefully for those relying heavily on ancillary benefits.
| Warranty name | Standard Plan |
|---|---|
| Formula positioning | Specialized for non-standard/high-risk drivers in Canada |
| Type of cover | Personal automobile insurance; mandatory & optional coverages |
| Reimbursement rate (% of damages covered) | Up to policy limit; actual cash value basis |
| Annual reimbursement ceiling (maximum amount reimbursed per year) | Up to policy limit; value depending on coverage selected |
| Policy excess (per claim and/or annually) | Deductible varies by coverage and choice; DCPD usually zero |
| Waiting period (before certain guarantees take effect) | N.C. |
| Minimum/maximum age for subscription | N.C. |
| Prior risk assessment (medical questionnaire, telematics, driving history) | Driving history and telematics (My_BRIDGE) for discount only |
| Payment facilities (monthly, quarterly, annual payments) | N.C. |
| Advance payment of claim-related costs | Repairs covered; deductible paid by customer as chosen |
| Compensation at purchase value/agreed value/replacement value | Actual cash value at time of loss |
| Third-party liability (bodily injury and property damage to others) | $200,000 mandatory minimum; higher limits available |
| Own vehicle damage (collision, regardless of fault) | Optional add-on; covered up to actual cash value, minus deductible |
| Theft of vehicle (partial or total) | Optional comprehensive; up to actual cash value, minus deductible |
| Fire (accidental or criminal) | Covered under comprehensive; up to actual cash value, minus deductible |
| Broken glass (windscreen, windows, sunroof) | Covered under comprehensive; subject to deductible |
| Natural disasters (hail, flood, storm, etc.) | Covered under comprehensive; up to actual cash value, minus deductible |
| Acts of vandalism | Covered under comprehensive; up to actual cash value, minus deductible |
| All-risks damage (accidents of any cause, including at-fault) | Covered under all-perils/comprehensive if purchased |
| Driver personal injury cover (death, disability, medical expenses) | Included under Accident Benefits; mandatory |
| Passenger injury cover | Included under Accident Benefits; mandatory |
| Criminal defence and recourse (basic legal aid after an accident) | N.C. |
| Extended legal protection (for disputes beyond accidents, e.g. purchase, repairs) | N.C. |
| Vehicle accessories and modifications (including electric vehicle batteries and cables) | N.C. |
| Personal belongings inside the vehicle (excluding cash and documents) | N.C. |
| Child equipment (seats, pushchairs) | N.C. |
| Replacement vehicle (during repairs or after total loss) | Optional loss of use or included for not-at-fault claims (DCPD) |
| Towing and roadside assistance (including out-of-charge recovery for EVs) | 3 events/period; up to 20km per tow in Quebec only |
| Use abroad (compliance with minimum local cover; optional full cover abroad) | Canada & US (except Alaska/Hawaii for roadside); coverage complies with local minimums |
| Vehicle use for professional/business purposes (where applicable) | N.C. |
| Driving other vehicles (third-party only or comprehensive, depending on the insurer) | N.C. |
| Trailer or caravan towing cover | ❌ Roadside assistance does not cover trailers. |
Pafco Insurance Features and Coverage
Pafco offers the My_BRIDGE telematics app, enabling customers to receive discounts for safe driving.
Claims can be submitted online or through your broker, with repairs guaranteed by approved shops for as long as you own the vehicle.
Roadside assistance for Quebec is 24/7 but limited to 3 events per year per vehicle, with a 20km tow cap per event.
Loss of use after a not-at-fault accident is generally included, while at-fault or optional rental coverage requires additional purchase.
Understanding Car Insurance Exclusions
Pafco excludes claims resulting from intentional acts, illegal vehicle use, and driving by unlicensed or impaired individuals, in line with standard non-standard insurer practice in Canada.
Roadside assistance is restricted to private passenger vehicles and is not available for motorcycles, snowmobiles, trailers, or commercial vehicles, which is more restrictive than some mainstream competitors.
Coverage under DCPD does not extend to hit-and-run incidents or certain not-at-fault claims unless additional collision or comprehensive coverage is purchased.
Pafco also sets strict limits on roadside assistance, such as three events per policy year and a 20km towing distance cap, with costs beyond these limits fully at the customer’s expense.
Exclusions for personal belongings and coverage outside specified vehicles are not explicitly detailed online and should be confirmed with a broker.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Use of the vehicle |
|
| Driver-related exclusions |
|
| Technical exclusions |
|
| Geographical exclusions |
|
| Contractual exclusions |
|
| Other legal/process exclusions |
|
- Illegal, commercial use excluded
- Motorcycles, trailers, snowmobiles not eligible for roadside
- Unlicensed and impaired drivers excluded
- Intentional acts excluded
- DCPD does not cover hit-and-run
- Losses below deductible not covered
- Limited roadside events (3/year)
- Roadside assistance excludes Alaska and Hawaii
- Extra towing distance at customer’s expense
- No option to remove roadside for premium savings
- Trailers not eligible
- Personal belongings: N.C.
- Non-specified vehicle use: N.C.
The cost of Pafco car insurance
Pafco is positioned in the market as an economical but limited insurer, targeting higher-risk or otherwise non-standard drivers who may not qualify elsewhere.
Coverage options generally reflect standard provincial mandates, with a focus on essential protection rather than premium add-ons, which helps keep rates accessible but can mean fewer optional or advanced benefits.
Deductibles and coverage ceilings are average, but the insurer does not emphasize high reimbursements or generous additional features, in contrast to some mainstream or digital-first competitors.
Pafco provides telematics discounts and includes basic roadside assistance in Quebec, but lacks the comprehensive digital service or wide-ranging customization found among pure direct insurers.
For drivers seeking bare-bones, legal minimum cover at reasonable cost—especially those with a challenging insurance history—Pafco remains a pragmatic, entry-level option.
| Pafco formula | Young driver (18-24, compact) | Standard driver (35-45, intermediate) | Senior driver (60-70, city car) | Driver with at-fault claim (3yrs) | New SUV driver | Driver >25,000km/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (liability only) | $172/month | $128/month | $117/month | $201/month | $144/month | $139/month |
| Standard (liability + comprehensive/collision) | $215/month | $162/month | $151/month | $255/month | $194/month | $188/month |
Compare Pafco’s premiums to other options to ensure you find the best rate for your driving profile and coverage needs.
Compare the best car insurance plans for free!Start comparingPafco car insurance discount codes
| Promotional codes Pafco | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe | 5% on your quote |
Note: promotional codes are subject to change. For the latest promotional codes, go to our comparison of the best car insurance.
How much will I be reimbursed with Pafco?
| Claim or service | Average cost (CA$) | Liability only | Collision only (with liability) | Comprehensive (collision + theft etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement after theft | $22,000 | ❌ | ❌ | Up to $22,000 (excluding excess), out-of-pocket: $0 (excluding excess) |
| Repair after at-fault accident | $5,000 | ❌ | Up to $5,000 (excluding excess), out-of-pocket: $0 (excluding excess) | Up to $5,000 (excluding excess), out-of-pocket: $0 (excluding excess) |
| Broken windshield replacement | $600 | ❌ | ❌ | Up to $600 (excluding excess), out-of-pocket: $0 (excluding excess) |
| Towing after breakdown | $220 | ❌ (except QC, see below) | ❌ (except QC, see below) | Up to $220 in QC only* (excluding excess), out-of-pocket: $0 (excluding excess) |
| Hail damage (body repair) | $2,500 | ❌ | ❌ | Up to $2,500 (excluding excess), out-of-pocket: $0 (excluding excess) |
*In Quebec only: Roadside Assistance covers towing up to 20km for private passenger vehicles; coverage may differ in other provinces.
Pafco Car Insurance Assistance
Pafco’s car insurance policies stand out for including roadside assistance by default in Quebec, but this is not offered in other provinces.
Service includes towing up to 20km, jump-starts, gas delivery, key issues, and winching; however, the number of covered incidents per year is limited, and excess kilometres are chargeable.
Assistance features such as a replacement vehicle, accommodation, alternative transport, or support for animals on board are conspicuously absent, which may be restrictive for drivers seeking full support.
There is no mention of 0 km (home start) coverage, electric vehicle-specific solutions, or legal assistance after an accident.
Policyholders looking for more advanced assistance—beyond basic breakdown relief—will need to source these features elsewhere or consider supplemental options outside Pafco.
| Support Pafco | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 roadside breakdown assistance | ✅ | Available in Quebec only. |
| Towing to repair facility / Extended towing | ✅ | Included in QC: up to 20km. Over 20km, extra charge applies. |
| Assistance from home (0 km) | ❌ | N.C. |
| Replacement vehicle | ❌ | N.C. |
| Alternative transport or accommodation | ❌ | N.C. |
| Vehicle repatriation | ❌ | N.C. |
| Assistance abroad | ✅ | Included only in QC, covers Canada and US (except Alaska and Hawaii). |
| Assistance for electric vehicles | ❌ | N.C. |
| Battery assistance & fuel misfuelling | ✅ | QC only: jump-start, tire change, up to 5L gas delivery included. |
| Legal assistance after an accident | ❌ | N.C. |
| Assistance for animals on board | ❌ | N.C. |
| Key recovery & lock replacement | ✅ | QC only: service for vehicle key issues included in roadside assistance. |
Customer Reviews of Pafco Car Insurance
We have analyzed the reviews on the above-mentioned sites. As positive points, policyholders who have taken out an auto policy with Pafco often cite:
- ✅ The company is willing to insure high-risk or previously declined drivers, which gives access to car insurance when options are otherwise limited.
- ✅ The 24/7 roadside assistance (Quebec only) with towing, tire, and lockout support is appreciated by eligible customers.
- ✅ The My_BRIDGE telematics program offers safe drivers an opportunity to reduce their premiums without penalty risk.
- ❌ Many customers report communication problems with brokers or customer service, leading to delays or misunderstandings.
- ❌ Some policyholders find that claim settlements and repair processes lack transparency or can be lengthy, causing frustration after accidents.
- ❌ Premiums are often reported as higher than average, reflecting the non-standard nature of the clientele but generating dissatisfaction.
- ❌ Assistance benefits are limited in geographic scope and vehicle eligibility, which leaves some clients feeling inadequately protected.
How to contact Pafco
| Customer service Pafco | 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. |
| To report a claim | Contact your broker directly or Ontario Toll Free: 1-877-216-6973 Atlantic Toll Free: 1-866-500-5074 Quebec Toll Free: 1-800-361-2886 Email: websitecontactus@pembridge.com Mail: 27 Allstate Parkway, Suite 100, Markham, Ontario, L3R 5P8 |
| To request and track a refund | Contact your broker, or customer service by email at websitecontactus@pembridge.com No specific forms, timelines or refund method publicly specified. It is advised to provide your policy number and supporting documents related to the refund scenario. |
| To obtain an insurance certificate | Contact your broker or Customer service: websitecontactus@pembridge.com Or mail: 27 Allstate Parkway, Suite 100, Markham, Ontario, L3R 5P8 |
| To contact assistance | For Roadside Assistance (Quebec only): 1-844-533-0134 For general assistance: contact your broker, or main customer line depending on your region above. Email: websitecontactus@pembridge.com |
| To cancel my contract | Contact your broker or email websitecontactus@pembridge.com No official notice period or required documents posted. For most efficient processing, provide your policy number and a written request. |
Ontario Toll Free: 1-877-216-6973
Atlantic Toll Free: 1-866-500-5074
Quebec Toll Free: 1-800-361-2886
Email: websitecontactus@pembridge.com
Mail: 27 Allstate Parkway, Suite 100, Markham, Ontario, L3R 5P8
No specific forms, timelines or refund method publicly specified.
It is advised to provide your policy number and supporting documents related to the refund scenario.
Customer service: websitecontactus@pembridge.com
Or mail: 27 Allstate Parkway, Suite 100, Markham, Ontario, L3R 5P8
For general assistance: contact your broker, or main customer line depending on your region above.
Email: websitecontactus@pembridge.com
No official notice period or required documents posted. For most efficient processing, provide your policy number and a written request.
FAQ
Do I have to pay in advance for repairs or assistance with Pafco?
Pafco generally requires customers to pay for repairs or towing up front, then submit a claim for reimbursement. If you use a Pafco Priority Repair Option (PRO) shop, billing may be handled directly, but always confirm with your broker to understand how payments will be processed in your situation.
How do I cancel my car insurance contract with Pafco?
To cancel your Pafco car insurance, contact your broker with a written request and provide your policy details; a minimum notice period of 30 days is recommended, and additional documents may be required by your broker.
Who qualifies for car insurance with Pafco?
Pafco is primarily for drivers who have difficulty obtaining coverage in the standard insurance market, such as those with past claims, license suspensions, or limited driving experience. Each case is unique, and your broker can help determine if Pafco is an appropriate option for you.
Is roadside assistance included in all Pafco policies?
Roadside assistance is only included with private passenger vehicle policies in Quebec and covers up to three service events per year (towing, jump-starts, tire changes, and more). For customers in other provinces, roadside assistance is not automatically included.
How do I file a claim with Pafco and what documents do I need?
File a claim through your broker or by phone using your province’s dedicated toll-free number. You will likely need your policy number, details of the incident, and supporting documentation such as repair invoices, photos, or police reports, depending on the claim type.
Do I have to pay in advance for repairs or assistance with Pafco?
Pafco generally requires customers to pay for repairs or towing up front, then submit a claim for reimbursement. If you use a Pafco Priority Repair Option (PRO) shop, billing may be handled directly, but always confirm with your broker to understand how payments will be processed in your situation.
How do I cancel my car insurance contract with Pafco?
To cancel your Pafco car insurance, contact your broker with a written request and provide your policy details; a minimum notice period of 30 days is recommended, and additional documents may be required by your broker.
Who qualifies for car insurance with Pafco?
Pafco is primarily for drivers who have difficulty obtaining coverage in the standard insurance market, such as those with past claims, license suspensions, or limited driving experience. Each case is unique, and your broker can help determine if Pafco is an appropriate option for you.
Is roadside assistance included in all Pafco policies?
Roadside assistance is only included with private passenger vehicle policies in Quebec and covers up to three service events per year (towing, jump-starts, tire changes, and more). For customers in other provinces, roadside assistance is not automatically included.
How do I file a claim with Pafco and what documents do I need?
File a claim through your broker or by phone using your province’s dedicated toll-free number. You will likely need your policy number, details of the incident, and supporting documentation such as repair invoices, photos, or police reports, depending on the claim type.
