Are “digital insurance certificates” legal in Quebec?

Did you know that Quebec was the first province in all of Canada to rethink the way that it handles “proof of insurance,” i.e. insurance certificates? August 2019 marked the first date where the car insurance industry updated its typical practices to allow drivers from all over the province to use digital insurance certificates as proof of coverage. This made a lot of motorists sigh in relief, as digital insurance certificates are accessible via mobile devices and easier/quicker all around to access. It is mandatory for drivers to always have some evidence of insurance coverage on them when driving – but now that no longer needs to be a tangible, physical pink sheet.

What are digital insurance certificates? Why is it more beneficial to have electronic proof of insurance than it is to have physical evidence? In this blog, Panda7 plans to go over digital insurance certificates in Quebec and how they may make proof of insurance easier and more accessible for drivers everywhere.

What is a “digital insurance certificate?”

Digital insurance certificates, which are also known as electronic proof of auto insurance (EPAI), are used to help motorists always possess some form of valid proof of insurance as EPAIs are accessible through mobile devices. If a cop were ever to pull you over and ask for proof of insurance, Quebec authorities are now able to consider the digital format (as opposed to a pink card) just as valid as their conventional form. Both formats are accepted in the province.

EPAIs are available for any vehicle in the province that is covered by basic third-party liability. This includes personal vehicles, business vehicle, motorcycles, snowmobiles, RVs, trailers, ATVs, as well as any other motorized vehicles. Digital certificates may also be available for utility vehicles that are insurable under a business’ commercial auto insurance policy.

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

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

• Valid and accessible throughout Quebec, as well as other provinces in Canada. Currently, five other provinces in Canada recognize digital proof of insurance as valid: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Alberta. Even some U.S. states recognize EPAIs!
• 24/7 access – if you ever misplace your physical pink card, not to worry. So long as you have your mobile phone on your person, you’re all set!
• Digital certificates can update automatically if you should need to make a change to your coverage or a change to the vehicle being insured. Unlike a pink card, which would take a few business’ days to arrive in your mail, your digital certificate of insurance is constantly up-to-date.
• A digital certificate of insurance is easily shared via text, email, or even Apple AirDrop.

Where are digital insurance certificates valid?

Electronic vehicle insurance certificates are recognized throughout Quebec and by all Quebec law enforcement departments. Five provinces – Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia all recognize the validity of EPAIs, but other provinces may still not recognize the validity of EPAIs. If you live in another province or are driving through another province, it’s still a good idea to keep physical evidence of insurance (i.e., your pink card!) on you at all times as proof of insurance. Moreover, not all United States’ states will accept EPAIs. If you’re travelling, keep a hard copy!

While EPAIs are a huge step in the right direction for car insurance (and even for the planet, as it cuts down on paper waste!) they’re not bulletproof. If you forget your phone or your phone dies, your digital certificate won’t be accessible. Moreover, travelling outside of Quebec could prove difficult if you solely rely on your digital proof of insurance. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so try to keep your paper copy on hand – or even just in your glove compartment!

Note also that if you plan to share your digital proof of insurance, your personal information is viewable on there. By sharing it with an additional party, you’re waiving any confidentiality of your information because the person who receives your digital certificate will also receive any updates added to it (unless they delete it from their device once they no longer need it.)

If you have any questions about your car insurance or your digital certificate, don’t hesitate to discuss with Panda7’s auto insurance experts. We want you to make the most out of EPAIs to ensure that your life can be made as easy as possible. Purchasing insurance is one thing – but ensuring it’s always readily accessible for viewing if you should ever need it is another. Give us a call today or, if you’re in the market for auto insurance (or even just want better rates!) get an auto insurance quote with us.