Insurance Requirements

Insurance is required to operate a motor vehicle on a highway. Operating an uninsured vehicle may result in cancellation of the registration, impoundment of the vehicle, fines or 6 demerit points.

Submit updated insurance information online.

Suspended Registrations

It is an offence to operate a vehicle without an active registration or insurance policy.

To reinstate your vehicle registration you must:

  1. Obtain mandatory insurance coverage
  2. Submit a confirmation letter from your insurance provider here.

For more information on suspensions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Proof of Insurance

You must have valid insurance when renewing your vehicle registration, transferring a vehicle into your name, or applying to release a vehicle from impound (without valid insurance the vehicle may be released but must be towed or floated).

  • The insurance policy must be in the name of the person(s) applying for registration, or impound release.
  • A valid insurance card for Canada including government insurance from British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan is acceptable.

Insurance Validation Program

On January 1, 2020, several changes to the Automobile Insurance Act and Regulations came into effect in Newfoundland and Labrador. In particular, insurers are required to report a cancellation or expiration of an auto insurance policy to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.  More information can be found here.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), has developed an efficient digital reporting system to satisfy compliance – the Insurance Validation Program (IVP).

With funding provided from Transport Canada the IVP database provides an electronic means to determine if a vehicle carries mandatory insurance – using the Vehicle Information Number (VIN) only. This database is checked at time of vehicle renewal and again periodically for active registrations to ensure a policy is being maintained.

To confirm insurance coverage during the vehicle renewal process, MyGovNL will automatically check the IVP database using your vehicle’s VIN. When an insurance policy cannot be confirmed, MyGovNL will not allow the vehicle registration to be renewed. You must contact your insurance provider. In some instances, you may be asked to submit information to have their MRD record updated. If you do not have a valid insurance policy, or you do not update your record (with your insurer or MRD), your vehicle registration will be suspended.

MRD notifies vehicle owners of their insurance status and vehicle suspensions via MyGovNL and/or Canada Post.

What You Need to Know

If you experience an issue when renewing your vehicle registration due to insurance, contact your broker, agent or insurance company.

Seasonally Driven Vehicles

If you own a vehicle that is driven on a highway between April 1st and Sept 30th annually, a seasonal declaration can be completed to avoid a vehicle registration suspension during the offseason.

Fleet and Garage Insurance Policies

If your vehicle is insured under a commercial, fleet or garage policy, a copy of your policy can be submitted here.

Incorrect Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

IVP uses your VIN to validate mandatory insurance coverage. If you received notice that there may be an issue with your VIN, a picture of the VIN can be submitted here.

VINs can be found on the door sticker or on the vehicles windshield.

Exceptions

  • An insurance certificate is not required when the vehicle registration is expired and you do not wish to re-licence the vehicle for use on-road; or
  • Insurance is not required when licencing a trailer.

If the vehicle registration is valid, but you do not have insurance, plates must be returned to Motor Registration. The vehicle registration is then inactivated for proof of insurance. Plates are held until you return with proof of insurance. The vehicle registration is then activated and plates returned.