Following the adoption of Bill 141, Quebec's Automobile Insurance Act has been modified so that insurers (and brokers) may consult the provincial automobile claims database (Fichier central des sinistres automobiles/FCSA) without clients being required to declare beforehand any accidents or claims appearing in the database.

Since July 13, when submitting a quote to obtain or renew an auto insurance policy, brokers are no longer required to ask clients about their prior accidents or claims before consulting the FCSA. However, brokers must validate with clients that the information contained in the FCSA is accurate and must also keep a record of the validation process. In the event of an inspection, the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA), which manages the FCSA, must be able to verify that this requirement has been met.

The GAA recently issued a press release in this regard. To avoid any confusion, please note that the term "insurer" in this specific context also includes agents and representatives of the insurer, in addition to brokers who take out auto insurance contracts on behalf of the insurer.