Saskatchewan Car Insurance

Learn about Saskatchewan auto insurance

Saskatchewan, the “Land of the Living Skies”, is in the heart of the prairies. Most people rely on vehicles to get around, even in larger towns such as Regina and Saskatoon. This makes car insurance an essential part of your transportation budget.

Fortunately, auto insurance is much more affordable in Saskatchewan than in other provinces. With just over 1 million residents in the province, fewer people, less traffic, and more open roads than in other regions. Maintaining a good driving record and comparing your insurance options is still important.

NOTE: ThinkInsure does not currently offer auto insurance in Saskatchewan.

Key takeaways about Saskatchewan car insurance

Insurance rates are higher in Saskatchewan than the Canadian average but still much more affordable than in other provinces.
Basic coverage is available through Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)
Auto Fund is the mandatory coverage. You can get optional coverage through private insurers.

What is Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)?

The provincial government operates car insurance in Saskatchewan through Saskatchewan Government Insurance. SGI is a non-profit crown corporation. It was created in 1945. The Saskatchewan Auto Fund is the province’s compulsory auto insurance program. It also administers driver licensing and vehicle registration and sets insurance rates for the province.

How does Saskatchewan car insurance work?

Saskatchewan operates under a government-run insurance system. You must purchase all mandatory coverage from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). This is the only source for mandatory car insurance in Saskatchewan – known as “Auto Fund.” You do have the option to purchase additional insurance through private insurers.

Getting coverage in Saskatchewan is different than in other provinces. Insurance is bundled in with your plate and registration. When you register a vehicle you are required to pay a flat fee. You will also receive a basic insurance package on your plates. The basic plate insurance will cover damage, personal injury, and liability.

Another thing that is unique about Saskatchewan car insurance is collision insurance and comprehensive insurance is mandatory, unlike other provinces where it's optional. This is designed to replace Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) coverage.

Competition among insurers and policy selection is limited in the province due to the government monopoly. Optional plans are available through a network of independent insurance brokers.

Does Saskatchewan have no-fault insurance?

Yes. The province does have a no-fault insurance system. You deal with your insurer regardless of who is at-fault for a collision. This is the default insurance option.

What are the steps to get auto insurance in Saskatchewan?

You can visit the SGI website to get insurance for mandatory plans. . You get optional coverage through private insurance companies.

Mandatory Saskatchewan car insurance

Basic plate coverage, also called license plate insurance, is mandatory for all vehicles in Saskatchewan. When you register your vehicle, you pay a flat rate registration fee and get a basic insurance package. It includes :

$200,000 in third-party liability.
All perils insurance for damage to your automobile (includes collision and comprehensive).
$7 million in personal injury insurance from a collision.
Liability insurance for damage your car causes to other vehicles, property, or personal injury.
Basic coverage includes a $700 deductible.

Basic auto injury insurance

You have two types of basic auto injury insurance to choose from – no-fault (this is the default) and tort coverage. Your coverage limits will vary based on your auto injury insurance type. Here’s a breakdown.

No-fault

Medical payments: up to $8,225,842 per person.
Funeral expense benefits: $12,336.
Disability income benefits: 90% of net wages based on gross annual income of a maximum of $110,914.
Impairment benefits: Up to $235,725/person for non-catastrophic injury and $287,904 for catastrophic injury.
Right to sue for pain and suffering: No.
Right to sue for economic loss: Yes.

Source: SGI No Fault Coverage

Tort

Medical payments: Up to $32,193 per person for non-catastrophic and $241,451 for catastrophic injury.
Funeral expense benefits: $8,049.
Disability income benefits: $560 per week if totally disabled for up to 2 years; $280 per week if partially disabled for up to 2 years.
Impairment benefits: Up to $16,097/person for non-catastrophic injury and $209,258 for catastrophic injury.
Right to sue for pain and suffering: Yes, subject to a $5,000 deductible.
Right to sue for economic loss: Yes.

Source: SGI Tort Guide

Optional Saskatchewan auto insurance

You have the option to add additional protection. Most drivers increase their liability and accident benefit limits. You can add one of the following:

Collison insurance: Protects you if you have an at-fault collision.
Comprehensive insurance: Protects you from non-accident damage - theft, vandalism, falling objects, weather damage.
All perils: Combines collision and comprehensive coverage.
Specified perils: Coverage for specific items listed in your policy.

You can add this coverage to your policy using a private insurance company. Plans can be obtained through an insurance broker.

How much is car insurance in Saskatchewan?

According to IBC, the average cost of car insurance in Saskatchewan is $1,235 per year. This is close to the national average cost. Only 3 provinces pay more - B.C., Alberta, and Ontario.

Based on the annual average of $1,235, the average cost of car insurance in Saskatchewan per month is approximately $103. Some drivers will pay more or less based on their specific needs, driving history and other factors.

How are Saskatchewan car insurance rates determined?

The Saskatchewan Auto Fund operates based on the principle that all drivers are equal unless they have a poor driving history. So, the provinces do not consider a driver's age or gender to set insurance premiums. The goal of this approach is to keep rates more affordable.

Since 2017, Saskatchewan has used the Canadian Loss Experience Rating (CLEAR) to make adjustments to insurance prices annually. The CLEAR table determines the possibility of vehicle claims and resulting repairs.

The province also uses the Safe Driver Recognition Program and a Safety Rating Scale to encourage you to drive safely and stay accident-free.

Like other provinces in Canada, the following factors are used to determine car insurance in Saskatchewan :

Age, gender, and location
Driving record and experience
The type of vehicle you drive
Automobile use
Your coverage

About safe driver recognition program

You are rewarded for accident-free driving and are assigned a discount based on the number of years you remain accident-free. You also lose points for certain driving incidents.

Here is a breakdown of the available discounts using the Safe Driver Program :

Neutral Zone (0 points): No discount.
Good Driver Zone (+1 to +10): For each year you drive incident-free, you earn a safety rating point that gives you 2% off your basic insurance.
Great Driver Zone (+11 to +20): 20% discount on your basic insurance. Plus, you earn a cushion to protect you from losing part or all of your discount.
Safest Driver Zone (+20 to +25): 20 years of accident-free driving qualifies you for a 20% discount. You earn an extra 1% discount for each additional year you drive incident-free up to 25%.

How can I get the lowest car insurance in Saskatchewan?

Even though mandatory car insurance is only available through SGI, there are still ways you can find affordable auto insurance in Saskatchewan. Here’s how :

Stay accident and claims free
Choose an insurance-friendly vehicle
Compare your options for optional insurance
Qualify for discounts using the safe driver recognition program and safety rating scale

Compare your coverage options using the SGI insurance calculator

A car insurance calculator is an important tool you can use to estimate insurance costs. You can estimate the costs by using the Saskatchewan car insurance calculator on the SGI website. A vehicle registration and insurance rate calculator allows you to compare options.

To complete a quote, you will need to provide the following information:

Registration start date
Vehicle make, model, year, use
Registration class
Your safety rating

You will receive an estimate for insurance and registration costs. You will also be able to set your insurance payment terms.

How can I renew my car insurance policy in Saskatchewan?

You can renew your car insurance policy online through the MySGI portal. You can also visit a motor licence issuer. You will need to complete a renewal form and your expiring vehicle registration.

Saskatchewan car insurance FAQs

Is auto insurance required in Saskatchewan?

Yes. You are required to have a minimum amount of auto insurance to legally drive in Saskatchewan. You get this coverage through Auto Fund.

What is the minimum coverage required in Saskatchewan?

You are required to have $200,000 in third-party liability insurance and all perils insurance (this includes collision and comprehensive) through SGI. Minimum coverage also includes accident benefits.

Does Saskatchewan have tort coverage?

Yes. You have the option to choose tort over no-fault coverage. You can opt out of the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP). If you choose tort, different claims rules apply, including a change in accident benefit limits.

What is the fine for driving without insurance in Saskatchewan?

You will receive a $580 fine for your first driving without insurance offence. A second offence will result in a 7-day vehicle seizure. You can also expect to see an increase in your premiums.

What's the minimum legal driving age in Saskatchewan?

You can start the licencing process when you are 16 years old. You can expedite the process by enrolling in a high school driver’s education program. This allows you to start at 15 with parental consent.

How do I get a driver’s licence in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan operates using a graduated driver’s licencing system. There are four licencing steps you will need to complete :

Class 7 learner licence (level 1) : You can start at 15 if you complete the high school driver education program. You must pass a vision test, a test about road signs, and a written knowledge test about road rules. Zero BAC when driving.
Class 5 novice 1 driver's licence (level 2) : Must be 16 with parental consent. You need to complete 9 months as a Class 7 driver. You need to complete mandatory driver training and pass a road test. Zero BAC when driving.
Class 5 novice 2 driver licence (level 3) : You need to complete 6 months as a novice 1 driver. You will receive your novice 2 licence in the mail.
Class 5 driver’s licence (full licence) : You must be a novice 2 driver for 12 consecutive months. You cannot have any traffic convictions or licence suspensions during this time. You must also not be the cause of any collisions. Once you complete the GDL program you will receive your full licence in the mail.

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2024-07-25