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