Compare Saskatchewan Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide to car insurance in Saskatchewan! Discover the ins and outs of Saskatchewan Car Insurance, from mandatory coverage to optional add-ons.

Whether you're a seasoned driver or just hitting the road, unlock how to find the best and cheapest car insurance plan that covers all your needs. Use our free online tool to compare the best Saskatchewan Car Insurance plans and get personalized quotes right here.

How does car insurance work in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan has a unique system for car insurance compared to other provinces in Canada.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the only provider of mandatory auto insurance in the province. It handles everything from issuing driver's licenses and vehicle registration to managing the auto insurance program.

This basic coverage includes third-party liability for damage to other's property or injuries, as well as coverage for your vehicle's physical damage and personal injury if you're hurt in a collision.

Unlike most private insurers, SGI doesn't base rates on factors like age, gender or location. Instead, they focus on your driving record, with safe drivers receiving lower rates.

Options available:

• Basic coverage, as mentioned earlier, is mandatory.
• On top of that, SGI offers optional coverages you can choose from to customize your plan.
• These might include increasing your liability limits, lowering your deductible or adding protection for lost wages.

While you can't shop around for basic coverage, you can get optional coverage from SGI or potentially from a private broker who would work with SGI for that part of your insurance. Alternatively, you can use our comparator to compare your options. Get personalized quotes from Canada's best providers with our free tool.

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Saskatchewan car insurance: Mandatory coverage

Saskatchewan's mandatory car insurance includes three main types of coverage:

1. Third-party liability: Covers injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident. The minimum mandatory coverage is $200,000, but you can choose to increase this limit with optional coverage.
2. Basic auto damage coverage: This covers repairs to your vehicle if it's damaged in an accident, typically included in the cost of your vehicle registration.
3. Accident benefits (unless the Tort option is chosen): Covers medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost wages and other costs you incur if you're injured in a collision. There's an alternative option called Tort, which allows you to sue the at-fault driver for compensation, but in that case, you wouldn't receive Accident Benefits.

Saskatchewan car insurance: What are optional coverage options?

Saskatchewan's mandatory coverage provides a good foundation, but optional coverage from SGI lets you tailor your insurance plan to your specific needs.

Here are some common optional coverages available:

• Increased third-party liability: The mandatory limit is $200,000, but if you cause a serious accident with significant injuries or property damage, that might not be enough. You can increase this limit to provide more financial protection.
• Lower deductible: The basic plan comes with a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before SGI kicks in. Optional coverage allows you to lower your deductible for collision and comprehensive portions of your insurance, reducing your upfront costs in case of a claim.

You also get some enhanced coverage options, such as:

• Collision or upset: Covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, including rollovers caused by swerving or hitting uneven terrain.
• Comprehensive Car Insurance: Protects your car from perils other than collisions, such as theft, fire, hail, vandalism and weather events.
• Loss of use (rental reimbursement): If your car is significantly damaged or stolen, this coverage helps cover the cost of renting a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired or recovered.
• Replacement cost coverage: Ensures you receive the full replacement value of your car (up to a certain limit) if it's written off due to a covered peril, regardless of depreciation.
• Road hazard glass coverage: Specifically covers repair or replacement of your car's windshield and windows if they're damaged by flying objects like rocks or debris.

How much is car insurance in Saskatchewan per month?

Car insurance rates in Saskatchewan are quoted annually, but we can estimate the monthly cost based on averages. Here's what to consider:

The average cost of car insurance in Saskatchewan is around $1,235 per year — roughly $103 per month.

This is just an average, and your actual cost will vary depending on several factors that SGI considers, such as:

• Your driving record (safe drivers get lower rates)
• The type of vehicle you drive (e.g., sports cars typically cost more to insure)
• Your age (younger drivers might pay more)
• Where you park your vehicle at night (higher-risk areas might come with a surcharge)

To get an accurate, personalized quote, you can use our comparator which acts like a Saskatchewan car insurance calculator for you.

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How to get a Saskatchewan driver's license?

Getting a driver's license in Saskatchewan involves following a graduated licensing system with different stages.

Generally, you need to be at least 16 years old to apply. However, if you're enrolled in a High School Driver Education program, you can start at 15.

Here are the steps involved:

Knowledge & signs exams

• Prepare by studying the Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook and taking its online practice quizzes.
• Schedule an appointment (or walk-in for Saskatoon and Regina) at a driver exam office to take the written and vision tests.
• Pay the $25 fee and pass these exams to receive a learner's license (Class 7).

Learner stage

• Practice driving with a licensed driver over 18 years old who has held a valid license for at least two years.
• Saskatchewan recommends completing an approved driver education program during this stage, though it might not be mandatory depending on your experience.

Road test

• SGI will assess your driving experience. It might request verification from another province or country if needed.
• Book a road test (costs $55) and demonstrate your ability to handle the vehicle safely according to traffic laws.

Graduated license stages (depending on the outcome of your road test)

• Novice Licence: May require completing a driver education program and comes with restrictions like night-time driving limitations and having a qualified driver accompany you.
• Full Licence: After meeting the requirements of the novice stage, you'll graduate with a full Class 5 driver's license with fewer restrictions.

How do I save on Saskatchewan car insurance?

Saskatchewan's car insurance system differs from most provinces as it's government-run. This means you can't shop around for the mandatory coverage provided by SGI.

There are still ways to potentially save on your overall car insurance costs:

• Maintain a clean driving record: This is the biggest factor influencing your rates. Avoiding traffic violations and accidents will significantly lower your insurance premiums.
• Choose the right coverage: Evaluate your needs carefully. Do you need all the bells and whistles of optional coverage, or would a basic plan with some key add-ons suffice? SGI offers optional coverages like increased liability or lower deductibles. Consider your risk tolerance and budget when making these choices.
• Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible lowers your premium but increases your upfront costs in case of a claim.
• Consider telematics (UBI): Usage-based insurance (UBI) programs track your driving habits through a device installed in your vehicle. Safe drivers with good practices like avoiding late-night driving or speeding can see significant discounts on their premiums.
• Vehicle choice: The type of vehicle you drive significantly impacts your insurance cost. Opting for a fuel-efficient, safety-rated car with a lower theft rate can lead to lower premiums.

You can also bundle your insurance. If you own a home, inquire about bundling your car insurance with your home insurance policy with SGI. This might lead to a discount.

And don’t forget to shop for optional coverage (private brokers). While you can't shop around for mandatory coverage, you can explore optional coverage from private brokers who work with SGI. They might offer competitive rates for add-ons that complement your SGI plan. You can also use our comparator for the same.

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All our guides on car insurance in Saskatchewan

• Car Insurance in Regina: How It Works, Cost, Best Plans