How to get proof of insurance

Thinking of buying a new car? You're not alone! In the second quarter of 2024, over 511,000 new vehicles were registered across Canada. But before hitting the open road, you'll need an important document handy--proof of insurance. Driving without valid car insurance is illegal in Canada, no matter which Canadian province you live in. And in some scenarios, your dealership or private seller won't allow you to take your car home without it.

While getting proof of insurance before purchasing your vehicle may sound like a hassle, there are numerous online tools and digital insurance slips that make getting coverage faster and easier than ever. To learn how you can get proof of insurance, check out our quick guide below.

What is "proof of insurance?"

Proof of insurance is exactly what it sounds like: a legal document that shows your vehicle is protected by an active auto insurance policy. This insurance document includes your name, policy number, information about the type of coverage you have, and the expiry date.

In past years, drivers in Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Quebec, Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland would receive a pink slip in the mail. While these pink slips are still valid, you can now have digital proof of insurance on your phone, known as eSlips. So, if you're ever pulled over by a police officer or registering your vehicle, you can show digital proof of insurance directly on your mobile device.

Why do you need proof of car insurance before buying a car?

The short answer is because it's the law. In every Canadian province and territory, you must have valid auto insurance in place before you can register a motor vehicle or drive it on public roads.

For example, if you're buying a car from a dealership, they'll ask you to provide proof before selling you the vehicle. The same can be said when working with a private seller, as you will need to produce proof of insurance before the vehicle can be transferred to your name.

Even if you’re just driving the car home, you need to be insured. There is no grace period. Canada’s average new vehicle hit a record high of $65,219 in December 2024. Now, imagine you're driving home or to your insurance company after buying your car, when you get into an accident that causes substantial damage. Without valid digital proof of insurance, you'll be responsible for paying all costs out of pocket.

Generally speaking, it's best to wait to purchase car insurance coverage until you've decided on a car. That way, when your insurer asks for your details and information about the vehicle, you can give them the make, model, trim, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

How to get proof of auto insurance: step-by-step

If you don't have coverage already, here's how you can purchase car insurance:

1. Pick your insurance company

You have the option of working with an insurance provider directly or an insurance broker. Brokers work independently from insurance companies, which gives you the advantage of shopping around for car insurance with different insurance providers. They can also help you compare quotes and customize your auto insurance to fit your needs and budget.

2. Get a quote for car insurance

Whether with a broker or directly with an insurance company, go ahead and ask for a quote. The insurance provider will conduct a risk assessment on you by considering factors like your age (under or over 25?), driving experience, insurance history, where you live, and more before calculating your premiums.

3. Choose the type of auto insurance you want

Next, you'll need to choose what auto insurance policies you want. Common coverage includes:

• Third-party liability coverage

• Accident benefits insurance

• Uninsured motorist coverage

• Collision car coverage

• Comprehensive car coverage

• Accident forgiveness

Note that because car insurance is provincially regulated, you'll need to ensure you meet the minimum insurance requirements for your area. Don't forget to ask about discounts like those for insuring numerous vehicles under a multi-car insurance policy, having a good driving record, and more to save on your coverage!

4. Finalize your insurance documents

Once you've accepted the quote, you can go ahead and pay for your insurance (monthly or annually). After you've paid, your auto insurance will be valid.

5. Get your proof of insurance

You'll get proof of insurance in numerous ways, including:

Physical paper version by mail

A physical paper version, which will be mailed to you in a couple of business days. You should keep this version in your glove box at all times.

Electronic auto insurance card (save to Google or Apple wallet)

An electronic auto insurance card, which you can add to your iPhone wallet app and Android widget directly onto your phone or a PDF version. When saving your digital proof of insurance to your digital wallet or app, ensure that you restrict access to your electronic proof by setting up fingerprint or facial recognition on your phone's lock screen for safekeeping.

Buying a vehicle in a Canadian province? When physical or digital proof of insurance is required

Remember, regardless of where you choose to buy your vehicle from, you'll need to show proof of insurance, whether a physical paper copy or your digital pink slip, to the following:

At a dealership

Dealers won’t let you take the car unless you have valid proof of insurance. Again, you may want to wait to buy auto insurance before you know what vehicle you're buying, so you can have the coverage ready to go when you head over to the dealership.

In some scenarios, the dealership may send over the vehicle information to your insurance company to help with the process.

Buying privately

When buying from a private seller, you must have insurance before proceeding with the vehicle registration. No insurance = no license plates = no driving legally.

Buying out-of-province or online

If you’re buying a car from another province, moving to a new province, or buying from an online seller, you’ll still need local auto insurance before you can register and drive the car where you live.

Leasing a car

If you're leasing instead of buying, you'll still need an insurance pink slip or a digital version of your auto insurance before signing your lease agreement.

What if I lose my proof of insurance card?

If you're pulled over or involved in an accident and can't show valid proof of insurance, you could face fines or other penalties. Here's what you should do:

Contact your insurance provider

Contact your insurance company and inform them you've lost your proof of insurance.

Request a temporary pink slip if needed

Ask for a replacement. A paper version will be mailed to you. In the meantime, download a new electronic auto insurance card onto your phone.

Keep your new proof safe

Once you get a paper copy of your insurance documents, keep them in your glove compartment.

Can I drive home without auto insurance?

No, even if it's a short trip, you can't legally operate a vehicle on a public road in Canada without proof of insurance. But if you're replacing a car, many car insurance companies offer a grace period, usually between 6 and 14 days. During this time, your new car will be covered even if you haven’t informed your insurance agent yet.

However, the exact length of the grace period depends on your insurer, and it’s typically only applicable if you paid cash for the car and your current policy includes a grace period clause.

Is electronic proof (digital pink slips) accepted in all provinces?

Most Canadian provinces will not accept a digital copy of your insurance pink slip. However, you'll need to check with your registry or insurance company to make sure.

How fast can I get proof of insurance?

Purchasing auto insurance and getting proof of insurance is easier than ever. You can get proof of insurance in as little as 30 minutes by heading to your insurance provider's office or purchasing coverage online. Working with a broker can also help you save time and money on your auto insurance coverage.

What happens if I don't have proof of insurance (paper copy or electronic proof)?

Trying to register a vehicle or drive a car without proof of insurance is illegal in Canada. If you are pulled over and are unable to provide proof of insurance to law enforcement, you could:

• Be issued fines.

• Have your driver's licence suspended.

• Have your vehicle impounded.

Beyond driving without proof of insurance being illegal, it can also be costly. In fact, repair and maintenance costs have increased by 22% since 2019, so even a minor accident without proof of insurance could leave you with thousands in bills.

For the best coverage at an affordable rate, contact BrokerLink

Whether you're buying a car from a dealership or a private seller, it's the driver's responsibility to have proof of insurance ready to go. The good news? Getting a paper version and digital proof of your auto insurance card is easier than ever.

Compare multiple quotes today with the help of BrokerLink to save on coverage and get the lowest rate in Canada! We'll have you on your way with customized protection and an electronic version of your pink slip in no time!

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