Saskatchewan

Auto insurance in Saskatchewan is provided by a government-run insurance company, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). Since 1945, Saskatchewan consumers have had very little choice in how and where they buy their car insurance. If they are dissatisfied with the service provided by SGI or the premiums they are being charged, drivers in Saskatchewan do not have the same options as do drivers in other provinces – the option to switch insurance companies.

Everyone who wants to drive a car in Saskatchewan must, by law, buy a minimum amount of collision and comprehensive insurance and has the option to buy more to suit his or her needs. Saskatchewan drivers must purchase the compulsory minimum insurance from SGI. Government and private insurers compete for business selling optional (fire, theft, comprehensive) coverage.

A competitive business environment is a powerful incentive for insurers to deliver the best service and to understand and meet consumers’ needs. Auto insurance is no exception to this rule. As consumers’ needs change, private insurance companies respond by offering innovative new products and services. Product innovations such as first accident forgiveness, replacement cost coverage, roadside assistance, and payment plans were all adopted in competitive jurisdictions long before they were available in provinces with government-run auto insurance systems.

All provinces in Canada have some form of no-fault accident benefits that are paid to all accident victims. The difference across the provinces is the degree to which tort (the right to sue) or no-fault (access to accident benefits) is emphasized. Saskatchewan is a no-fault province, but residents have the option to have their auto insurance through atort system. This choice has been available to Saskatchewan residents since January 1, 2003. Over 6000 Saskatchewan residents, representing more than .6% of the population, have opted for the tort system.

Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Saskatchewan

As of May 1, 2013

Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$200,000 is available for any one accident; however, if a claim involving both bodily injury and property damage reaches this figure, payment for property damage will be capped at $10,000
	If no-fault option selected:	If tort option selected:
Medical payments:	Up to $6,382,084/person	Up to $24,954/person for non-catastrophic, up to $187158for catastrophic injury
Funeral expense benefits:	$9,573	$6,239
Disability income benefits:	90% of net wages based on gross annual income of maximum $86,463 year; nothing is payable for the first 7 days of disability unless catastrophically injured	$376/week if totally disabled for up to two years; $188/week if partially disabled for up to two years; maximum $19,552 per year
Death benefits:	45% of deceased's net income; min. $65,840 to spouse; 5% of calculated death benefits to each dependent child; if no spouse, $14,631to each surviving parent or child (21+), to a max. $65,840; up to $43,893 spouse education; death of dependent child $29,262	45% of deceased's net income to a minimum $56,147 to spouse; 5% of calculated death benefits to each dependent child; if no spouse or dependent, estate  receives up to $12,477
Impairment benefits:	Up to $182,888/person for non-catastrophic, up to $223,373 for catastrophic injury	Up to $12,477 /person for non-catastrophic, up to $162,204 for catastrophic injury
Right to sue for pain and suffering?	No	Yes, subject to deductible of $5,000
Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	Yes.	Yes.
Administration:	Government (government and private insurers compete for optional and excess coverage)	Government (government and private insurers compete for optional and excess coverage)
Notes:	Saskatchewan is a no-fault province where residents can opt out of the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP), or no-fault, in favour of a tort plan.First-party all perils* insurance is compulsory in Saskatchewan (deductibles vary according to type of vehicle).

Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Saskatchewan

Introduced September 2005

How do I become a Learner?

To enter the Learner Phase (Class 7), you must:

• Be at least 16 (or 15 if you are enrolled in a high school driver education program)
• Take a vision test
• Take a driving knowledge test
• Have a parent or guardian’s consent, if you are under 18

How long will I be in the Learner Phase?

You must be in the Learner Phase for nine months, excluding interruptions for non-renewal, refusal, or suspensions.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Learner Phase?

You must drive with a supervising driver, who is experienced, fully licensed (not a probationary driver), and who is in the seat nearest you and the controls. You cannot have passengers between midnight and 5 a.m. who are not immediate family members (except for the supervising driver).You cannot have more passengers than you have seatbelts. You cannot be a supervising driver or get a commercial driver’s licence or a school bus endorsement. You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

What else should I know?

You must take either a high school driver education course (at least 30 hours in-class and six hours in-car) or at least six hours of in-class and six hours of in-car instruction from a driving school.

You are subject to all the penalties and fines that apply to other drivers.

How do I enter the Novice 1 Phase?

To enter the Novice 1 Phase (Class 5) from the Learner Phase, you must be at least 16 and you must pass the Class 5 road test.

How long will I be in the Novice 1 Phase?

You must be in the Novice 1 Phase for six months, excluding interruptions for non-renewal, refusal, or suspensions.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Novice 1 Phase?

You can have only one passenger who is not a family member; other passengers must be immediate family members. You cannot have more passengers than you have seatbelts. You cannot be a supervising driver, or get a commercial driver’s licence or a school bus endorsement. You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

What else should I know?

You must avoid breaking any traffic rules during this period. If your driving record is not satisfactory, you may have to attend an interview. You could also have your Novice 1 Phase extended. You could be asked to take a defensive driving program, driver improvement training or another driving exam.

How do I enter the Novice 2 Phase?

You enter the Novice 2 Phase (Class 5) at the end of the Novice 1 Phase.

How long will I be in the Novice 2 Phase?

You must be in the Novice 2 Phase for 12 months, excluding interruptions for non-renewal, refusal, or suspensions. During these 12 months, you cannot have an at-fault collision, a traffic conviction or a suspension. If you do, you must restart the 12-month period.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Novice 2 Phase?

You cannot have more passengers than you have seatbelts. You cannot be a supervising driver, or get a commercial driver’s licence or a school bus endorsement. You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

What else should I know?

You must avoid breaking any traffic rules during this period. If your driving record is not satisfactory, you may have to attend an interview. You will also have your Novice 2 Phase extended.

Quebec

Auto insurance in Quebec is provided by both a government insurer and private insurers. The government insures against injuries to people, and private insurers cover you for property damage.

In the case of bodily injury, Quebec has a pure no fault system, which means there is no right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering or additional medical and economic expenses. For more information, see the web site for government insurer The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec .

For property damage, there are more than 100 private insurers selling auto insurance in Quebec. They compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Quebec must by law buy a minimum amount of third-party liability insurance with a private insurer and has the option to buy more to suit their needs. Liability covers you for property damage inside Quebec and personal injury and property damage outside Quebec.

IBC’s Quebec regional office has its own website. If you would like to learn more about Quebec auto insurance issues, click here

Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Quebec

As of April 1, 2012

Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$50,000; liability limits relate to property damage claims within Quebec and to personal injury and property damage claims outside Quebec
Medical payments:	No time or amount limit; includes rehabilitation
Funeral expense benefits:	$4,826
Disability income benefits:	90% of net wages based on gross annual income of maximum $66,000/year,; nothing is payable for the first 7 days of disability; indexed
Death benefits:	Death anytime; depends on gross annual income multiplied by a factor varying between 1-5, depending on age of the victim, $64,400 minimum, $330,000 maximum to spouse; dependent child based on age gets from $30,588-56,352; if no surviving spouse/dependants $51,617 to parents or estate
Impairment benefits:	Scheduled up to $225,822
Right to sue for pain and suffering?	No
Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	No
Administration:	Bodily injury: government; property damage: private insurers
Notes:	Lawsuits are not permitted with respect to injuries sustained in automobile accidents in Quebec. Victims and their dependants (if residents of Quebec) are compensated by their government insurer for their injuries whether or not the accident occurs in Quebec. Accident victims who do not reside in Quebec are entitled to compensation only to the extent that they are not responsible for the accident, unless otherwise agreed between the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec and authorities of the victims’ place of residence; additional compensation may be available from their own insurers.

Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Québec

Introduced June 30, 1997

How do I get a Learner’s licence?

To get a Learner’s licence, you must:

• Be at least 16
• Take a vision test
• Take a driving knowledge test
• Get parental consent if you are under 18

How long will I be in the Learner’s stage?

You will be in the Learner’s stage for at least 12 months. However, if you successfully complete an approved beginner driver education course, this can be reduced to eight months. You can leave the Learner’s stage no earlier than age 16 years and eight months. A Learner's licence is valid for a maximum of eighteen months.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Learner stage?

You must drive with an accompanying rider, who is a fully licensed driver with at least two years of experience and a blood alcohol level of less than .08, and who is in the front seat.  A Probationary licence holder is not qualified to serve as an accompanying rider.

You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero. If you drink, you may get four demerit points on your record and a three-month licence suspension. You can drive only Class 5 vehicles.

What else should I know?

If you get four demerit points for any reason, your licence will be suspended for three months. After your suspension is over, your Learner’s licence will be valid for an extra three months.

How do I enter the Probationary stage?

To enter the Probationary stage, you must pass the Class 5 road test. You will need parental consent if you are under 18.

How long will I be in the Probationary stage?

You must be in the Probationary stage for 24 months with a valid licence (i.e., no suspensions) or until age 25, whichever comes first. You can leave the Probationary stage no earlier than 18 years, eight months.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Probationary stage?

You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

What else should I know?

If you get four demerit points for any reason, your licence will be suspended for three months. After your suspension is over, your Probationary licence will be valid for an extra three months.

If you are age 25 or older, you will get a full licence when you pass your driving test; you will not be required to go through the Probationary stage.

Prince Edward Island

Auto insurance in P.E.I. is provided by more than 50 private companies that compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in P.E.I. must by law buy a minimum amount of insurance and has the option to buy more to suit their needs.

Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on their car to get them around. When Islanders are involved in accidents, their insurance companies help them get better, support them if they are unable to work and protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it.

In Canada, provincial governments decide which mandatory benefits are included in the auto insurance product. The challenge is finding the right balance between affordable price for all drivers and adequate coverage for those who have to make a claim. For instance, if government makes the product very generous, it could become too expensive for many drivers.

Changes to P.E.I.’s auto insurance system in November 2003 helped improve that balance of affordability and adequate coverage. But more can be, and is being, done to ensure Islanders are receiving the best coverage for the best possible price.

Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Prince Edward Island

As of May 1, 2013

Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$200,000 is available for any one accident; however, if a claim involving both bodily injury and property damage reaches this figure, payment for property damage will be capped at $10,000
Medical payments:	$25,000/person; four-year time limit
Funeral expense benefits:	$1,000
Disability income benefits:	Maximum $140/week; 104 weeks partial disability; lifetime for totall disability;; must be disabled for at least seven days to qualify; unpaid housekeeper $70/week, maximum 12 weeks
Death benefits:	Death within 180 days after accident (or two years if continuously disabled prior to death); death of head of household $10,000, plus $1,000 to each dependent survivor after first; death of spouse $10,000; death of dependant $2,000
Impairment benefits:	Through tort action
Right to sue for pain and suffering?	Yes. If injury deemed a "minor" maximum award is $2,500
Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	Yes
Administration:	Private insurers

Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Prince Edward Island

Introduced April 1, 2007

How do I enter Stage 1 (Instruction Permit - Class 7)?

To get an Instruction Permit (commonly called Beginners Permit), you must:

• Be at least 16
• Take a written exam
• Take a vision test
• Get consent from both parents or a legal guardian if you are under 18

How long will I be in Stage 1?

You will be in Stage 1 for one year (365 days) before you can take a road test to get your Class 5 license and enter Stage 2 of the Graduated Licensing program. If you are enrolled in a driver education program, you can take your first road test after 275 days to enter Stage 2.

What are the restrictions while I am in Stage 1?

You must drive with an accompanying driver who has been fully licensed for a minimum of four years and has a blood alcohol level of less than .05. This instructor must be the only other person in the front seat.

Members of the accompanying driver’s immediate family are the only other passengers allowed in the vehicle. You cannot have more people in the vehicle than you have working seat belts.

If you are 21 or under, you may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

You cannot drink when you are going to be driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

You may not use handheld cell phones or other handheld communication or entertainment devices while in the Graduated Licensing program. Hands-free cell phones are permitted.

What else should I know?

While in Stage 1, you must have an identifying decal on your windshield. The decal is a bright yellow sticker with a large black “L” in the center. For a motorcycle driver in Stage 1 the “L” decal will be placed on the back of the helmet.

If you are convicted of any offences that carry demerit points, which includes seat belt fines, the Instruction Permit will be suspended. The first offence will result in a 30 day suspension, and a second offence will last 90 days. As a newly licensed driver, you can be charged if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt.

If you are not enrolled in a Driver Education Course, you must complete the Novice Drivers Course.

All drivers re-instated from a demerit point suspension are place on a 1-year mandatory Demerit Point Probation. Any violations carrying demerit points during this period will result in further suspensions.

How do I enter Stage 2 (Class 5)?

If you are enrolled in a driver education program, you can take your first road test to enter Stage 2 after waiting 275 days. If you are not enrolled in driver education, you must wait 365 days. When you successfully pass the road test you will enter Stage 2.

How long will I be in Stage 2?

You will be in Stage 2 for 365 days, provided you have not had any suspensions during this period.

What are the restrictions while I am in Stage 2?

You cannot drink when you are going to be driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

You can only have one non-family member as a passenger. The other passengers must be members of your immediate family, and there cannot be more passengers than there are working seatbelts.

If you are 21 or under, you may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. While in Stage 2, you can apply for an Exemption for Work Purposes to be exempt from this curfew. You may also drive between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. if you have a passenger who has had a valid driver’s license for at least four years and does not have a blood alcohol level of .05 or more.

You may not use handheld cell phones or other handheld communication or entertainment devices while in the Graduated Licensing program. Hands-free cell phones are permitted.

What else should I know?

While in Stage 2, you must have an identifying decal on your windshield. The decal is a bright yellow sticker with a large black “G” in the center. For a motorcycle driver in Stage 2 the “G” decal will be placed on the back of the helmet.

If you are convicted of a seat belt fine while in the Graduated Drivers License Program, your license will be suspended. The first offence will result in a 30-day suspension, and a second offence will last 90 days. As a newly licensed driver, you can be charged if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt.

All drivers re-instated from a demerit point suspension are place on a 1-year mandatory Demerit Point Probation. Any violations carrying demerit points during this period will result in further suspensions.

How do I enter Stage 3?

If you have not had any suspensions and 365 days have passed since the date showing on your Driver’s License, you are now entering Stage 3. If you have the new PEI Driver’s License you can tell by looking at your license. There is a line on the license that says First License/Prem Permis and a date. This date tells you when you first received your Class 5 license.

How long will I be in Stage 3?

Stage 3 lasts for 365 days.

What are the restrictions while I am in Stage 3?

You cannot drink when you are going to be driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.

You may only have as many passengers in the vehicle as there are seatbelts.

You may not use handheld cell phones or other handheld communication or entertainment devices while in the Graduated Licensing Program. Hands-free cell phones are permitted.

What else should I know?

While in Stage 3, you must have an identifying decal on your windshield. The decal is a bright yellow sticker with a large black “G” in the center. For a motorcycle driver in Stage 3 the “G” decal will be placed on the back of the helmet.

If you are convicted of a seat belt fine while in the Graduated Drivers License Program, your license will be suspended. The first offence will result in a 30-day suspension, and a second offence will last 90 days. As a newly licensed driver, you can be charged if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt.

All drivers re-instated from a demerit point suspension are place on a 1-year mandatory Demerit Point Probation. Any violations carrying demerit points during this period will result in further suspensions.

GDL drivers cannot upgrade to a Class 1, 2,3 or 4 until they have successfully passed each stage of the program

Ontario

Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on a car to get around. But this peace of mind comes at a cost. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Ontario must, by law, buy aminimum amount of insurance. In Ontario, over 140 private insurance companies offer auto insurance to customers and compete on the basis of:

• price
• coverage
• service

In addition to the minimum amount of insurance required by law, Ontarians have the option of buying more coverage to suit their needs. When Ontarians are involved in accidents, insurance companies:

• help them get well
• support them if they are unable to work
• protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it

• Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Ontario

  
  As of May 1, 2013
  

  Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$200,000 is available for any one accident; however, if a claim involving both bodily injury and property damage reaches this figure, payment for property damage will be capped at $10,000
  Medical payments:	Up to $3,500 for minor injury; up to $50,000/person for non-minor and non-catastrophic injury for up to 10 years; up to $1 million for catastrophic injury; attendant care up to $36,000 for non-minor and non-catastrophic injury up to 104 weeks; up to $1 million for catastrophic injury
  Funeral expense benefits:	$6,000 (if optional indexation coverage is purchased, this amount may be higher)
  Disability income benefits:	Income Replacement Benefit: 70% of gross wages to maximum $400/week, minimum $185/week for 104 weeks (longer if victim is unable to pursue any suitable occupation); nothing is payable for the first seven days of disability Non-earner Benefit (disabled unemployed persons, students enrolled in education full time, or students who completed their education less than one year before the accident and are not employed): $185/week for 104 weeks; 26-week wait; limit two years; if student (as defined above) is still disabled after 104 weeks, Non-earner Benefit is $320/week. Not available if the insured is eligible for, and elects to receive, the income replacement or caregiver benefit
  Death benefits:	Death within 180 days of accident (or three years if continuously disabled prior to death); $25,000 minimum to spouse, $10,000 to each surviving dependant, $10,000 to each parent/guardian (if optional indexation coverage is purchased, these amounts may be higher)
  Impairment benefits:	Through tort action
  Right to sue for pain and suffering?	Yes, if injury meets severity test (called “threshold”), and subject to deductible. Lawsuit allowed only if injured person dies or sustains permanent and serious disfigurement and/or impairment of important physical, mental or psychological function. The court assesses damages and deducts $30,000 ($15,000 for a Family Law Act claim)
  Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	Yes. Income replacement award above no-fault benefit is based on net income after deductions for income tax, Canada Pension and Employment Insurance. Injured person may sue for 70% of net income loss before trial, 100% of gross after trial; also for medical, rehabilitation and related costs when injury meets severity test for pain and suffering claims
  Administration:	Private insurers

• Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Ontario

  
  Introduced September 1, 2005
  

  How do I enter the first stage (Class G1)?

  To get a Class G1 licence, you must:

  • Be at least 16
  • Take a vision test
  • Take a driving knowledge test

  How long will I be in the G1 stage?

  You will be in the G1 stage for 12 months. However, if you successfully complete a ministry-approved beginner driver education course, this can be reduced to eight months. You can leave the G1 stage no earlier than age 16 years and eight months. You must finish both the G1 stage and the G2 stage within five years.
  

  What are the restrictions while I am in the G1 stage?

  You must drive with an accompanying driver, who has to be a fully licensed driver with at least four years of experience and a blood alcohol level of less than .05, and who is the only other person in the front seat. You cannot have more people in the back seat than you have working seatbelts. You cannot drive on 400-series highways or other high-speed expressways such as the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway and the Conestoga Parkway, unless you are with a licensed driving instructor. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.
  

  What else should I know?

  If you get two demerit points, you will receive a warning letter. If you get six demerit points, you may have to go for an interview. If you get nine demerit points, your licence will be suspended for 60 days. You can also get a 30-day suspension if you get a ticket for a violation of your licence use conditions.
  

  How do I enter the G2 stage?

  To enter the G2 stage, you must pass the Class G2 road test.
  

  How long will I be in the G2 stage?

  You must be in the G2 stage for 12 months.
  

  What are the restrictions while I am in the G2 stage?

  You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero. You must not have more passengers in the vehicle than the number of working seatbelts.
  Also, if you are 19 or under, the number of young passengers you can carry is limited between midnight to 5 a.m.  For the first six months, G2 drivers 19 or under can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under. After the first six months, and until you earn a full G licence or turn 20, you can carry only three passengers aged 19 or under. These restrictions do not apply if a full G-licensed driver with at least four years’ experience accompanies you in the front seat, or if your passengers are immediate family members.
  

  What else should I know?

  If you get two demerit points, you will receive a warning letter. If you get six demerit points, you may have to go for an interview. If you get nine demerit points, your licence will be suspended for 60 days. You can also get a 30-day suspension if you get a ticket for a violation of your licence use conditions.
  To graduate to a full G licence, you must pass the Class G road test. The earliest you can do this is age 17 years and 8 months.

Nunavut

Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Nunavut

As of April 1, 2012

Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$200,000 is available for any one accident; however, if a claim involving both bodily injury and property damage reaches this figure, payment for property damage will be capped at $10,000
Medical payments:	$25,000/person, including rehabilitation, excluding health insurance and other medical plans; time limit is four years
Funeral expense benefits:	$1,000
Disability income benefits:	80% gross weekly wages to a maximum $140/week; 104 weeks temporary disability; lifetime if totally disabled; nothing is payable for the first 7 days of disability; unpaid housekeeper $100/week, maximum 12 weeks
Death benefits:	Death within 180 days (or two years if continuously disabled prior to death); death of head of household $10,000; death of spouse $10,000; each dependent survivor after first $2,000; if only one survivor, spouse or dependant, principal sum ($10,000) increased by $1,500
Impairment benefits:	N/A
Right to sue for pain and suffering?	Yes
Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	Yes
Administration:	Private insurers

Nova Scotia

Auto insurance in Nova Scotia is provided by more than 60 private companies that compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Nova Scotia must by law buy a minimum amount of insurance.

Vehicle owners must have coverage for third party liability, accident benefits, and to protect them in case they are in accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified motorists. It is also possible to buy purchase additional liability coverage as well as optional collision and comprehensive coverage – but this is not required by law.

Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on a car to get around. When Nova Scotians are involved in accidents, their insurance companies help them get better, support them if they are unable to work, and protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it.

In Canada, provincial governments decide which mandatory benefits are included in the auto insurance product.

The Nova Scotia government enacted reforms in 2003 that helped reduce the cost of auto insurance. Since then, the average cost of auto insurance in Nova Scotia has dropped almost 27% – from $1,069 in August 2003 to $783 in October 2012. Nova Scotia drivers currently pay some of the lowest auto insurance rates in the country and enjoy generous accident benefits.

In 2012 and 2013, as part of the Fair Auto Insurance Reforms, the provincial government made additional changes to Nova Scotia’s auto insurance system.

Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Nova Scotia

As of April 1, 2013

Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$500,000 is available for any one accident
Medical payments:	$50,000/person, including rehabilitation, excluding health insurance and other medical plans; time limit is four years
Funeral expense benefits:	$2,500
Disability income benefits:	80% of gross weekly income (less any payments for loss of income); 104 weeks partial disability; lifetime if totally disabled (incapable of performing essential duties); maximum $250/week; must be disabled for at least 7 days to qualify; unpaid housekeeper, if completely disabled, $100/week for maximum of 52 weeks
Death benefits:	Death within 180 days (or two years if continuously disabled prior to death); death of head of household $25,000, plus $1,000 to each dependent survivor after first; death of spouse/partner $25,000; death of dependant $5,000
Impairment benefits:	N/A
Right to sue for pain and suffering?	Yes, but if injury a “minor injury,” maximum award is $8,100
Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	Yes
Administration:	Private insurers
Notes:	Optional Section B benefits are not available as of April 1, 2012. Instead, they are built in the standard coverage.

Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Nova Scotia

Introduced October 1, 1994

How do I get a Learner’s (Class 7) licence?

To get a Learner’s licence you must:

• Be at least 16
• Take a vision test
• Take a driving knowledge test
• Get parental consent if you are under 18

How long will I be in the Learner stage?

You will be in the Learner stage for at least six months. This can be reduced to three months if you successfully complete an approved beginner driver education course. A Class 7 (Learner’s) licence is valid for one year, after which it must be renewed.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Learner stage?

You must drive with a fully licensed driver with at least a regular Class 5 licence, and who is in the front seat in a position to help if necessary. You cannot have passengers except for your supervising driver.

You cannot drive under the influence of alcohol – your blood alcohol level must be zero.

You are permitted to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. only if accompanied by a fully licensed driver.

What else should I know?

If you have any alcohol in your blood, you may get a suspension. Should you get a suspension, it will delay your graduation to the Newly Licensed driver stage by three months if you took a recognized driver education or training program, and six months if you did not.

If you get two demerit points while in the Learner stage, you must go to an interview. If you get four demerit points, you will be given a six-month suspension.

How do I become a Newly Licensed (Class 5N) driver?

To move to the Newly Licensed stage, you must successfully complete a road test.

How long will I be Newly Licensed?

You must be in the Newly Licensed stage for 24 months. You can leave the Newly Licensed stage no earlier than age 18 years and three months.

What are the restrictions while I am Newly Licensed?

You cannot drive under the influence of alcohol – your blood alcohol level must be zero.

You can have only one passenger in the front seat, and no more passengers in the back seat than you have working seatbelts.

You are permitted to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. only if accompanied by an experienced licensed driver. If you need to drive to work during those hours, you can apply for an “Exemption from Nighttime Driving Curfew.”

What else should I know?

If your licence is suspended for any reason, you must start the whole 24-month process over.

If you get four demerit points while in the Newly Licensed stage, you must go to an interview. If you get six demerit points, your driver's licence will be suspended. You cannot upgrade beyond a Class 5 licence during this stage.

To graduate from the Newly Licensed stage to become a fully licensed driver, you must successfully complete a six-hour defensive driving course or complete the full Driver Training Course (25 hours theory, 8 hours driving time). A copy of your graduation certificate must be provided, in person or by mail, to any Registry of Motor Vehicles office for recording purposes.

For more information, please visithttp://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/licence/gradlic.asp

Northwest Territories

Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Northwest Territories

As of April 1, 2012

Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$200,000 is available for any one accident; however, if a claim involving both bodily injury and property damage reaches this figure, payment for property damage will be capped at $10,000
Medical payments:	$25,000/person, including rehabilitation, excluding health insurance and other medical plans; time limit is four years
Funeral expense benefits:	$1,000
Disability income benefits:	80% gross weekly wages to a maximum $140/week; 104 weeks temporary disability; lifetime if totally disabled; nothing is payable for the first 7 days of disability; unpaid housekeeper $100/week, maximum 12 weeks
Death benefits:	Death within 180 days (or two years if continuously disabled prior to death); death of head of household $10,000; death of spouse $10,000; each dependent survivor after first $2,000; if only one survivor, spouse or dependant, principal sum ($10,000) increased by $1,500
Impairment benefits:	N/A
Right to sue for pain and suffering?	Yes
Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	Yes
Administration:	Private insurers