What factors determine auto insurance rates in Prince Edward Island?
Auto insurance rates in P.E.I. are determined by a number of factors:
- Your age and gender.
- Your driving record and vehicle usage.
- How long you've held a driver's licence.
- The number of miles you put on your vehicle.
- Whether or not you use your vehicle for business.
- Whether or not you've been in or caused an accident.
- Whether or not you've taken a driver's education course.
- Whether or not you've violated the Highway Safety Code.
How do Prince Edward Island auto insurance rates compare to other provinces?
P.E.I. drivers pay some of the lowest car insurance rates in Canada. In fact, a 2020 study calculated that drivers in the province pay an average of only $816 a year on auto insurance — that's about half the cost of a comparable policy in Ontario or B.C. In Canada, only Quebecers pay less for car insurance.
Average auto insurance rates by province
| Province | Average Rates |
|---|
| Ontario | $1,505 |
| British Columbia | $1,832 |
| Alberta | $1,316 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $1,168 |
| Manitoba | $1,140 |
| Northwest Territories | $978* |
| Nunavut | $963* |
| Yukon | $812* |
| Nova Scotia | $891 |
| Saskatchewan | $1,235 |
| New Brunswick | $867 |
| Prince Edward Island | $816 |
| Quebec | $717 |
Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2020, "BC - Better Auto Insurance."
*Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2017
How can I get cheap auto insurance in Prince Edward Island?
Islanders can use a number of different strategies to get cheap car insurance:
- Pay premiums on time.
- Compare quotes among competing insurers.
- Insure all your vehicles with the same company.
- Bundle your home insurance with your auto insurance.
- Choose appropriate, but not excessive, insurance coverage.
- Choose a car with low repair costs and/or a great safety record.
- Use winter tires when needed (insurers offer discounts).
- Maintain a good driving history (always drive carefully and obey the rules of the road).
Is auto insurance required in Prince Edward Island?
Yes. The law in P.E.I. requires all motorists to have auto insurance.
What is the minimum requirement for auto insurance in Prince Edward Island?
P.E.I. drivers must have a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability coverage. They need uninsured motorist coverage too.
What kind of auto insurance system does Prince Edward Island have?
P.E.I. operates under a no-fault system. Drivers deal with their own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Prince Edward Island?
If you're caught driving without insurance, you can be fined $5,000 to $50,000. You could also face a licence suspension, and your vehicle might get impounded.
What is the minimum legal driving age in Prince Edward Island?
To obtain a stage 1 (learner's) licence, you must be 16 years old and pass a knowledge and vision test. With a stage 1 licence, you can drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver with 4 or more years of experience.
How do I get a probationary licence in Prince Edward Island?
To obtain a stage 2 (probationary) licence, you must hold the stage 1 licence for 365+ days (or 275 days if you complete a certified Driver Education Program) and pass a road test.
How do I get a full licence in Prince Edward Island?
After successfully holding your stage 2 licence with no suspensions for 365+ days, you can obtain your full stage 3 licence.
