Are "digital insurance certificates" legal in Quebec?

Did you know that Quebec was the first province in Canada to rethink how it handles "proof of insurance," meaning insurance certificates? In August 2019, the auto insurance industry updated its standard practices to allow drivers across the province to use digital insurance certificates as proof of coverage. This brought a sigh of relief to many motorists, as digital insurance certificates are accessible via mobile devices and are easier and faster to access. While it is mandatory for drivers to always carry proof of insurance coverage while driving, a physical pink slip is no longer required.

What are digital insurance certificates? Why is it more advantageous to have electronic proof of insurance than physical proof? In this blog post, Panda7 plans to review digital insurance certificates in Quebec and how they can make proof of insurance easier and more accessible for drivers everywhere.

What is a "digital insurance certificate"?

Digital insurance certificates, also known as electronic proof of insurance (EPI), are used to help drivers always have some form of valid proof of insurance, as EPIs are accessible via mobile devices. If a police officer stops you and asks for proof of insurance, Quebec authorities can now consider the digital format (as opposed to a pink card) just as valid as the traditional one. Both formats are accepted in the province.

EPAIs are available for any vehicle in the province that is covered by basic liability insurance. This includes personal vehicles, business vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, RVs, trailers, ATVs, and any other motorized vehicle. Digital certificates may also be available for commercial vehicles that are insurable under a company's commercial auto insurance policy.

A valid EPAI from your insurance company must include the local police telephone number, VIN, vehicle model, full name of insured, policy start and end dates, and summary of insurance coverage for the vehicle.

It's easy to misplace a small piece of paper, no matter how pink it is (some aren't even pink at all!). If you lose your pink card, it can take several days to receive an official/revised copy. Having a digital certificate can save you a lot of time. Here are some advantages:

• Valid and accessible throughout Quebec, as well as in other Canadian provinces. Currently, five other Canadian provinces recognize the validity of digital proof of insurance: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Alberta. Even some U.S. states recognize EPAs!
• Access at any time – if you misplace your physical pink card, don't worry. As long as you have your mobile phone with you, everything is ready!
• Digital certificates can be updated automatically if you need to change your coverage or the insured vehicle. Unlike a paper insurance card, which takes a few business days to arrive in the mail, your digital insurance certificate is always up to date.
• A digital insurance certificate is easily shared via SMS, email, or even Apple AirDrop.

Where are digital insurance certificates valid?

Electronic auto insurance certificates are recognized throughout Quebec and by all Quebec police services. Five provinces—Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia—recognize the validity of electronic insurance certificates, but other provinces may not. If you live in or are traveling through another province, it's always a good idea to carry proof of insurance (i.e., your pink card!) with you at all times. Also, not all U.S. states accept electronic insurance certificates. If you're travelling, keep a paper copy!

While digital proof of insurance (DBI) is a big step in the right direction for car insurance (and even for the planet, since it reduces paper waste!), it's not foolproof. If you forget your phone or it dies, your digital certificate won't be accessible. Furthermore, travelling outside Quebec could be difficult if you rely solely on your digital proof of insurance. Better safe than sorry, so try to keep your paper copy handy, or even just in your glove compartment!

Please note that if you plan to share your digital proof of insurance, your personal information will be visible on it. By sharing it with another party, you relinquish the confidentiality of your information, as the person receiving your digital certificate will also receive updates (unless they delete it from their device once they no longer need it).

If you have any questions about your car insurance or digital certificate, feel free to discuss them with the car insurance experts at Panda7. We want you to get the most out of EPAI to make your life easier. Buying insurance is one thing, but making sure it's always easily accessible when you need it is another. Call us today, or if you're in the car insurance market (or just want better rates!), get a car insurance quote from us.