FAQ
› Foreign licence: I have a foreign driver’s licence. how should I proceed to subscribe to the service?
› you are a new resident of Quebec
The law allows you to drive a vehicle on public roads in Quebec for a period not exceeding 90 consecutive days without holding a Quebec driver's licence. You must therefore exchange your foreign licence for a Quebec one before you can join our service. To find out how you can get one consult the SAAQ's website.
› you are a tourist or a visitor to Quebec
The law allows you to drive a vehicle on public roads in Quebec for up to six consecutive months without holding a Quebec driver's licence. If you stay in Quebec no longer than that each and every time, and if you hold a valid licence, you will be eligible for our service without being required to replace your licence for a Quebec one. However, to complete your subscription, you must send us a copy of your driver’s license.
To learn more about tourists driving in Quebec, consult the following page on the website of la Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ): Driving in Québec for tourists.
› you are a foreign student, cooperant or trainee
If you are a foreign student, cooperant or trainee, you have the right to drive a passenger vehicle in Quebec during the period of your studies or training without holding a Quebec licence. If you have a valid licence, you can apply to our service without being required to exchange it for a Quebec driver's licence.
When subscribing, you will be required to bring along a copy of your driver's licence as well as a copy of your passport (including your visa). If your driver's licence is in a language other than French or English, you will need to bring along your International driver's permit or an official translation.
To learn more about the regulations regarding non-residents driving in Quebec, consult the following page on the website of la Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec: Driving in Québec for non-residents.
› you are a temporary worker
If you do not possess an international driver’s license issued by your country of origin the Law allows you to drive a vehicle on public roads, for a maximum period of six consecutive months, without the need for a Quebec driver's licence.
If the duration of your work contract is less than 6 months:
You are eligible for the service without having to obtain a Quebec driver’s license. However, to complete your subscription, you need to send us a copy of your driver’s license as well as a copy of your passport (including your resident visa)
If the duration of your work contract exceeds 6 months:
You are eligible for the service without having to obtain a Quebec driver’s license. However, to complete your subscription, you need to send us a copy of the international driver’s license issued by your country of origin, a copy of your original license as well as a copy of your passport (including your resident visa)
Whichever your situation, you must be able to provide a billing address in Canada for us to approve your subscription application.
› International driver’s licence: Does it exempt me from having to obtain a Quebec licence?
The international driver’s licence is the translation in various languages of the classes of a driver’s license, detailing the vehicles that the holder is authorized to drive. To be valid, this license must be accompanied by a valid driver’s license and be issued by the same jurisdiction (country) as the original driver’s license. This international driver’s license is primarily used during a police check. In Quebec, the international driver’s license is not issued by the SAAQ.
› How far can I go with Auto-mobile?
Even though you must return the vehicle in the service area (see map) you can wander around as you wish. However, you must always keep in mind that the electric vehicle’s driving range must be sufficient for your trip. For longer trips, choose a hybrid.
› Is it possible to order a taxi from the application?
Yes! If no vehicles are available or if it’s easier for you to take a taxi, you can access Taxi Diamond from our application. Simply select this option from the list of available vehicles.
› What if my OPUS card doesn’t work?
Immediately contact our customer service so that one of our agents can make the necessary verifications. Your OPUS card should be functional immediately after it has been registered in RESERVauto.
› Am I insured with Auto-mobile vehicles?
Yes, you are insured by La Capitale Assurance. When you register to Auto-mobile, you must choose a deductible option. The option offered automatically with your subscription is the $500 deductible but you can also opt for the $250or $0 deductible, at an additional cost.
› What should I do if the electric vehicle’s battery is completely drained during my trip?
To avoid this situation, we ask that you make sure that the driving range of the vehicle, displayed on the dashboard, doesn’t fall under 15 kilometres.
If the situation occurs, immediately contact our customer service, an agent will arrange to tow the vehicle. As stipulated in the Rules & Regulations, towing costs are billed to the user. To avoid this situation, always check if the vehicle is sufficiently charged for your trip. The available kilometres are displayed on the dashboard when the vehicle is on.
Tips:
Based on the driving, the terrain and accessories used (notably heating and air conditioning), the electric vehicle range can be extremely variable.
It is possible to maximize the vehicle’s range by selecting the ECO mode at all times rather than the Drive mode (highly recommended).
› Can someone else drive if I am inside the vehicle?
Yes, people who can drive while you are present are: another Communauto user in good standing, any non member person who holds at minimum a class 5 driver’s license, and is accompanied by the Subscriber at the time where he uses a vehicle or any other person authorized beforehand by Communauto.
› Can I block a vehicle in advance?
Yes! Once you have found a vehicle using your smartphone or the website, you can “block” it in order to reach the car. The vehicle will be blocked free of charge for 30 minutes and you can repeat this operation once the time period has elapsed. You only start to pay once you use your OPUS card to access the vehicle.
› Do the Communauto Rules & Regulations still apply for Auto-mobile?
Most of the rules and regulations remain the same but some points have been modified. To see the amended rules and regulations, click here.
› How do I log on to the App or mobile site if I am a Communauto member using the service for the first time?
If you have already entered your OPUS card in RESERVauto, all you need to do is enter your usual Réservauto access codes (membership number, password) to block Auto-mobile vehicles.
› How do I access my bill?
By default, you receive your monthly e-bill notifications at the email address provided during registration. If you prefer receiving a paper bill by mail (fees apply), you can change this option in your RÉSERVauto account in the Personal Information section. To view your e-bill, you must log into RÉSERVauto using your membership number and password. Login to RÉSERVauto
You can either pay your bill online or by check.