Will insurance cover an uninspected car?

Buying a used car isn’t about luck—it’s about having a plan, doing your homework, and being strategic. One key step in this process is getting the car inspected. A thorough car inspection can give you peace of mind by confirming the car is safe and reliable, and it might also catch any potential issues that could cost you a lot down the road.

That said, with safety inspection requirements becoming more stringent, some people might try to skip this step. But have you ever wondered how skipping an inspection could impact your car insurance? Let's find out.

Uninspected cars and your insurance

To legally drive a vehicle in Canada, you need insurance—but before you can get it, if you own an older vehicle or you're bringing your vehicle in from another province or country, you’ll likely need a vehicle inspection (sometimes called a “safety check” or "safety inspection") in the province where you plan to insure it.

A vehicle needs to meet safety and emissions standards to be considered roadworthy. These safety standards are mandatory to help keep our roads safe for everyone. However, the exact rules and local laws for car insurance inspections vary by province and insurance company.

For instance, if your car is 12 years old or older in Alberta, you might need to provide a passing vehicle inspection report to your insurance company within 14 days of getting your insurance. In Ontario, the insurance company can request a passing safety certificate if the vehicle is over 15 years old. In Nova Scotia, you must have your vehicle inspected every two years in order to legally drive it on the road.

Sometimes people who purchase a used vehicle skip visiting a mechanic for a safety inspection, only to realize later that their insurance company actually requires an inspection report. As a general rule, it’s safe to assume that older vehicles or cars from out of province will need an inspection before they can be insured.

If you're not sure whether your vehicle will need a safety inspection to be insured, give your insurance broker a quick call—they’ll help you figure it out.

Why do I need a car inspection to get car insurance?

Getting an inspection isn’t just helpful for you—it’s important for your car insurance company, too. While the mechanic’s report won’t tell them the car’s value, it does give them a clear picture of its mechanical condition and whether it’s safe to drive. That matters because an unfit vehicle can increase the risk of accidents and liability.

If the report flags any issues, you’ll likely need to get them fixed before your insurance company will provide coverage. Usually, you’ll have about ten days to fix the problem. It could be something minor or something more serious, but either way, it’s up to you to cover the repair costs.

Once the repairs are done, you’ll need to provide proof of the repair along with the original inspection report to your insurance company.

My car failed its inspection, and I was involved in an accident—am I still covered?

Whether or not your insurer covers damages from a car accident depends on what caused it and who’s at fault. In some cases, they might cover part of the costs, but not all. It really depends on the situation.

For example, if the accident was your fault and happened because of worn brake pads or a broken taillight—the same thing that caused you to fail a safety inspection—your insurer might deny insurance coverage or only pay a portion of the expenses.

On the other hand, if the accident wasn’t your fault and had nothing to do with why your car failed its inspection, your insurance company might handle it like any other claim, regardless of your inspection status.

The best way to avoid surprises is to talk with your insurance broker. They can walk you through different scenarios and explain how your policy works, so you’ll know what to expect if your car doesn’t pass a safety inspection.

Filing an insurance claim for an uninspected car

Filing an insurance claim for a car that hasn’t been inspected might feel tricky, but following the right steps can make the process smoother. Here’s what to do:

1. Contact your insurance provider

As soon as an incident happens, call your insurance company. The faster you reach out, the quicker they can start processing your claim.

2. Provide all necessary documents

Gather all the relevant paperwork, including your insurance policy details, incident reports, and any photos or evidence from the scene. Having everything ready will help things move along more efficiently.

3. Be upfront about your car

Be upfront and honest about the fact that the car wasn’t inspected or had failed its inspection at the time of the incident. Transparency is key here—it’s better to address it head-on rather than have it come up later.

4. Wait for the adjuster

Once your claim is submitted, an insurance adjuster will review the details. They’ll assess the situation, inspect the damage, and determine what, if anything, your policy covers.

5. Follow up

Don’t hesitate to check in with your insurance company or broker for updates. Regular communication can keep your claim on track and show you’re engaged in the process.

While an uninspected car may complicate your claim, each situation is unique. Depending on the cause of the incident and the terms of your policy, your insurer may still provide partial or full coverage. To avoid future issues, have your car inspected and fix any problems as soon as possible.

Getting a vehicle inspection after a car accident

After an accident, getting your vehicle inspected is an essential step to make sure it’s safe and roadworthy. This isn’t just about fixing what you can see—it’s about uncovering hidden damage that might not be obvious but could still affect your car’s performance and safety.

During the inspection, certified professionals will carefully check critical components like the frame, suspension, brakes, and safety systems, including airbags and seat belts. They’ll also assess the condition of the body, lights, tires, and electronic systems to ensure everything is in working order.

Taking care of any damage right away is crucial, not just for how your car performs but for your safety and the safety of others on the road. A proper inspection ensures that nothing is overlooked, giving you peace of mind before you get back behind the wheel.

These inspections are typically done using specialized equipment by trained experts, so you can trust that any issues will be identified and addressed before your vehicle is considered fit to drive again.

Provincial regulations and vehicle inspection requirements

Each province and territory has its own rules and regulations for car inspection requirements. Let's break down a few of them to help you understand how they work:

Alberta

In Alberta, vehicles coming into the province or those involved in a collision need a safety inspection to help keep highways safe. Out-of-province inspections must be done at a licensed facility by a journeyperson technician. If you have a salvage vehicle, it will also need to be inspected by a licensed technician and registered before it can be re-registered in Alberta. All inspection facilities operate under the Vehicle Inspection Program (VIP) to ensure standards are met.

British Columbia

BC’s Vehicle Inspection & Standards program is all about keeping the roads safe by ensuring that only the most roadworthy vehicles are on the highways. Trade-qualified mechanics across the province who are authorized through Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) as Authorized Inspectors (AIs) carry out these inspections, performing a detailed check of your car’s performance and mechanical systems.

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll get a comprehensive report explaining the results. If your vehicle passes, you can move forward with registering it in BC. However, not all vehicles need a provincial safety inspection. These exceptions include:

• New vehicles
• Low-speed electric vehicles
• Trailers
• Motorcycles
• Vehicles with a net weight of 3,501 kg or more registering in BC from another jurisdiction

Ontario

In Ontario, you’ll receive a safety standards certificate after passing an inspection. This certificate shows that your vehicle met the minimum safety standards on the day it was issued. Ontario requires you to have a safety standards certificate if you are:

• Registering a rebuilt vehicle
• Transferring a used vehicle to a new owner (unless it’s going to your spouse)
• Registering a vehicle in Ontario that was purchased or brought in from another province, territory, or country
• Changing a vehicle’s status from “unfit” to “fit”

While you can buy and register a vehicle without a certificate, you won’t be able to put your licence plates on it until you have it, which means you cannot drive your vehicle as you must have valid plates to be on the road.

To get a certificate, your car will need to pass an inspection at a station licensed by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). You can usually spot licensed inspection stations by looking for a sign that says "Motor Vehicle Inspection Station."

Quebec

In Quebec, your vehicle undergoes a mechanical inspection. A mechanical inspection is a visual check of a vehicle’s key components, performed by an inspection agent authorized by the SAAQ. It’s focused on the parts listed in the Road Vehicle Mechanical Inspection Guide.

Some vehicles are required to go through mechanical inspections, either occasionally or on a regular schedule, like every six or 12 months. These include:

• Hand-crafted vehicles
• Used vehicles brought in from outside Québec
• Rebuilt vehicles that were severely damaged and now have a technical compliance certificate
• Vehicles that have been stored for over 12 months
• Discarded vehicles
• Vehicles that haven’t been approved for public road use for more than 12 months
• Off-road vehicles that owners now want to use on public roads

When should I get a vehicle inspection done?

When you’ll need a car inspection depends on the laws in your province, but there are some common situations across Canada where inspections are typically required:

• If you’re selling your car and transferring ownership of a used vehicle, an inspection is often needed
• Rebuilt vehicles usually need to pass an inspection before they can be registered
• If you’re registering a car in your current province that came from another province or country, an inspection might be required to ensure it meets local safety standards
• Some car insurance companies may ask for an inspection as part of their policy requirements

How can I get a vehicle inspection done?

You can have your vehicle inspected, usually by a licensed mechanic, by bringing it to a licensed inspection station in your province or territory. This will look different depending on where in Canada you live.

For example, in Ontario, your car will need to pass an inspection at a station licensed by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), whereas, you will need the inspection performed by an inspection agent authorized by the SAAQ in Quebec.

What type of car insurance does an uninspected car need?

Uninspected cars need the same types of car insurance coverage as a car that has passed its vehicle inspection. In Canada, this can look different depending on which province or territory you live in.

Across Canada, liability car insurance and accident benefits coverage are mandatory for car insurance coverage. After that, it varies by location. Some provinces require uninsured motorist coverage, and others require direct compensation-property damage coverage.

On top of that, there are additional coverage options that are popular among Canadian drivers, including collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and accident forgiveness. Collision coverage covers accident-related damage to your vehicle, and comprehensive coverage covers non-accident-related damages, like fire, vandalism, and theft. Accident forgiveness protects your premiums from increasing after your first at-fault accident, though coverage varies by province.

How to avoid insurance issues with an uninspected car

No one likes dealing with insurance problems, especially when they can be easily avoided. Here are some simple steps you can take to stay ahead of potential problems:

Get your car inspected

If your vehicle needs an inspection, don’t put it off. An inspection ensures your car is roadworthy and can help prevent complications with your insurance in case of an accident. Plus, many policies require proof of a passed inspection to maintain coverage.

Fix issues right away

If an inspection reveals any issues, get them fixed right away. Not only will this keep your car safe, but it also prevents insurance companies from denying a claim because of unresolved mechanical problems.

Keep up with regular maintenance

Routine maintenance —like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks—keeps your car in good condition. It also helps you catch small issues before they become big (and expensive) problems that might affect your ability to pass a car inspection.

Be honest about your vehicle

Always provide accurate information to your insurer. If your car has unique features, has been rebuilt, or has any modifications, let them know upfront to avoid surprises later.

Know your policy

Take time to understand your insurance policy. If something isn’t clear, ask your insurance broker for clarification. Knowing what’s covered—and what’s not—can save you stress in the future.

Learn more with BrokerLink

Once your vehicle passes its safety inspection, the next step is getting car insurance. But let’s be honest—shopping around and calling multiple insurance companies can feel overwhelming. That’s where BrokerLink comes in!

We’ll do the legwork for you, helping you find a policy that fits your needs and budget. Our expert insurance advisors are here to answer all your questions about car insurance and even share tips on maintaining your car in Canada.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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FAQs: will insurance cover an uninspected car?

Do I need an inspection to insure a car in Alberta?

Not necessarily, but it's up to the insurance company if they want an inspection done or not. For example, if your car is 12 years old or older, you may need to submit a passing vehicle inspection report to your insurance company within 14 days of starting your coverage. To find out if you'll need one, reach out to your insurance company or insurance broker.

When do I need an inspection for vehicle registration?

When you’ll need a car inspection depends on the laws in your province or territory, but in general, you can expect to require an inspection to register your vehicle if it's a rebuilt vehicle or if you're registering a vehicle that was bought in another province, territory, or country.

How much does car maintenance cost?

The cost of car maintenance depends on several factors, like your vehicle’s make and model, where you’re getting the work done, at a dealership or an independent repair shop, and the region or city you’re in. Plus, labour rates and part availability can change over time, so those costs might fluctuate as well. For an accurate estimate, it's best to get a few quotes from multiple repair shops or mechanics.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.