Compare coverage options and see if Desjardins fits your needs
When shopping for car insurance, you might have encountered Desjardins while comparing quotes or seen their advertising across Canada. Understanding what this major insurer offers—and what they don’t—can help you determine if their coverage aligns with your protection needs and budget.
This review examines Desjardins car insurance coverage options, regional availability, mobile features, and service models to help you make an informed decision about your auto insurance.
What Desjardins Offers
Desjardins has operated in the Canadian insurance market for over 75 years, establishing themselves as a household name. As the second-largest property and casualty insurance group in the country, they serve millions of policyholders across multiple provinces.
The company underwrites policies through two entities: Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company handles coverage in Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick, while Desjardins General Insurance Inc. serves Quebec customers. Both underwriters operate under the Desjardins Group umbrella.
Standard Coverage Types
Desjardins car insurance includes the mandatory coverage required by provincial regulations, along with optional protections you can add to your policy.
- Third-party liability: Covers damage or injury you cause to others while driving
- Accident benefits: Provides compensation for injuries sustained in a collision
- Direct compensation for property damage: Covers damage to your vehicle in certain scenarios
- Collision coverage: Pays for repairs after an accident regardless of fault
- Comprehensive coverage: Protects against theft, vandalism, weather damage, and other non-collision incidents
The specific coverage requirements and options vary depending on your province of residence, as each jurisdiction maintains different regulatory standards for auto insurance.
Regional Availability
Desjardins car insurance is available in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Alberta. If you live outside these provinces, you’ll need to explore alternative insurance providers.
- Not available in: British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, or any of the territories
- Provincial differences: Coverage options and pricing structures differ between Quebec and other provinces due to Quebec’s unique hybrid insurance system
This limited geographic reach means many Canadian drivers cannot access Desjardins products, even if they prefer working with this insurer.
Digital Features
Desjardins offers digital tools for managing your policy and potentially reducing your premiums through usage-based insurance.
Ajusto Mobile App
The Ajusto app tracks your driving behaviour using your phone’s sensors and assigns you a driving score. This score can influence your insurance premium, rewarding safer driving habits with potential discounts.
- Driving data collection: The app monitors acceleration, braking, cornering, and phone use while driving
- Score visibility: You can view your driving score and track improvements over time
- Premium impact: Better driving scores may result in lower insurance rates at renewal
Online Services
Desjardins provides online quoting and purchasing options, though the digital checkout process isn’t guaranteed for all customers. If you don’t meet certain underwriting criteria, you may need to complete your purchase by phone with a sales representative.
Once you’re a policyholder, you can file and manage claims online, via the mobile app, by phone, or in person at approved repair shops. This flexibility allows you to choose the method that works best for your situation.
Pricing and Discounts
Car insurance premiums vary significantly based on your driving record, vehicle type, location, and coverage selections. Desjardins offers various discount programmes that could reduce your annual cost.
- Bundling discount: Combining home and auto insurance with Desjardins can reduce your premiums
- Ajusto savings: Safe driving behaviour tracked through the app may qualify you for reduced rates
- Multi-vehicle discount: Insuring more than one vehicle on the same policy typically results in savings
However, since you’re limited to Desjardins products and pricing, you cannot compare rates from multiple insurers through this provider. Working with an insurance broker would allow you to view quotes from several companies simultaneously.
Service Options
Desjardins maintains both digital platforms and physical locations, offering multiple ways to interact with the company.
In-Person Service
Unlike many insurers who have moved exclusively online, Desjardins continues operating a network of local agents across their service provinces. You can visit these locations to discuss coverage options, make policy changes, or get assistance with claims.
Keep in mind that Desjardins agents only sell Desjardins products. They cannot compare offerings from other insurers or provide quotes from competing companies.
Claims Processing
When you need to file a claim, Desjardins offers several submission methods. You can report an incident through their website, mobile app, phone line, or at approved repair facilities. This multi-channel approach lets you choose the most convenient option for your circumstances.
Bundling Considerations
If you insure both your vehicle and home with Desjardins, you’ll pay only one deductible—the higher of the two—if both are damaged in the same event. This feature provides some financial protection in scenarios like severe weather that affects multiple properties.
- Single-carrier limitation: Bundling with Desjardins means both policies come from the same company, which may not offer the best combined price
- Mix-and-match alternative: Some insurance brokers compare single-carrier bundles against combinations from different insurers to find maximum savings
Before committing to a bundle, consider comparing the total cost of Desjardins bundled coverage against quotes from other providers or broker-facilitated combinations.
Who Should Consider Desjardins
Desjardins car insurance could work well for certain driver profiles and preferences.
- Prefer in-person service: You value face-to-face interactions and want access to local agents
- Current Desjardins customers: You already use Desjardins for banking or other financial services and prefer consolidating providers
- Safe drivers: You maintain clean driving records and could benefit from usage-based insurance through the Ajusto app
- Quebec residents: You live in Quebec where Desjardins has strong market presence and local expertise
Consider Alternatives If
- You want to compare multiple insurers: Working with a broker or comparison platform lets you view quotes from various companies at once
- You live outside service areas: Desjardins doesn’t operate in your province or territory
- You prefer fully digital transactions: Online checkout isn’t guaranteed for all Desjardins applicants
- You want maximum bundling flexibility: Mix-and-match bundling from different insurers might offer better combined rates
If you’re comparing car insurance options, explore our comparison tools to evaluate multiple providers side by side.
Bottom Line
Desjardins brings 75 years of insurance experience and holds the second-largest market share in Canadian property and casualty insurance. Their combination of digital tools and in-person service appeals to customers who value multiple interaction channels.
However, regional availability limits access to just four provinces, and you cannot compare quotes from competing insurers when working directly with Desjardins agents. Before purchasing, consider obtaining quotes from multiple sources to ensure you’re securing the best value for your specific coverage needs and driving profile.
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