In Canada, yes. Driving a vehicle on public roads without the required auto insurance is illegal in every province and territory because auto insurance is mandatory to operate a vehicle on public roadways.
What the law usually requires
Even though the exact rules vary by province, the requirements generally come down to two things:
- You must have valid insurance coverage that meets the minimum required coverages for that province or territory.
- You must be able to show proof of insurance when asked, such as during a traffic stop. In some places, not being able to produce proof is its own offence even if you are actually insured.
Manitoba example
In Manitoba, it is an offence to drive without the required insurance, and police can require you to produce proof of insurance. Manitoba Public Insurance also warns that if you drive uninsured you can be charged and your vehicle can be seized.
Common consequences if you are caught
Penalties depend on where you are, but the most common consequences include:
- Large fines, often much higher than typical traffic tickets
- Vehicle impoundment or seizure
- Driver’s licence suspension
- Much higher insurance costs later, or difficulty getting coverage at all
- Major personal financial risk if you crash, because you can become personally responsible for injuries and property damage
In many places, repeat offences can bring much harsher penalties.
“No insurance” vs “insured but forgot proof”
These are not the same situation:
- No valid insurance is usually treated as the more serious offence.
- If you are insured but forgot proof, you might still get a ticket, but you may be able to reduce or resolve it by later providing valid proof, depending on local rules.
Bottom line
Driving without insurance is illegal and can turn into a costly problem quickly. If you are not sure your policy is active or properly covers the vehicle and how you are using it, it is safest to confirm before you drive.
