What the Law Requires in New Brunswick
Under New Brunswick's Insurance Act, any motor vehicle operated on a public road in the province must be insured. There are no exceptions for occasional drivers or vehicles that rarely leave the driveway — once a vehicle is registered with Service New Brunswick (SNB), it needs active coverage. If you're moving to New Brunswick from another province, you have 30 days to re-register, and your out-of-province policy covers you during that window. After that, you need a policy issued by a company licensed to operate in New Brunswick. Driving without insurance can result in fines, licence suspension, and vehicle impoundment — and police can request your pink slip (proof of insurance) at any traffic stop.
New Brunswick requires four mandatory coverages. Third-Party Liability (Section A) — $200,000 minimum covers costs if you injure someone or damage their property in an at-fault accident. The $200,000 is a legal floor; most advisors recommend at least $1 million given the potential cost of serious injury claims. Accident Benefits (Section B) — called SABs (Standard Accident Benefits) — cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and income replacement for you and your passengers regardless of fault. As of January 1, 2025, the minor injury treatment cap in New Brunswick is $9,722.42. Direct Compensation – Property Damage (Section A.1) lets you claim vehicle damage from your own insurer when another driver is at fault. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (Section D) protects you if you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or in a hit-and-run.
New Brunswick's Regulatory Setup
New Brunswick operates a private insurance market regulated by the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB), which reviews and approves insurer rate filings before they take effect. The province uses a tort-based system — meaning drivers who cause accidents can be sued for damages that exceed what insurance pays out. This differs from provinces like Quebec that use a pure no-fault model. If you're seriously injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, you retain the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver for compensation beyond your accident benefits. Consumers can file a complaint with the FCNB if they believe an insurer has acted improperly.