In Canada, public car insurance is available in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, where it is provided by the government-run Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), respectively. In these provinces, drivers have the option to purchase private car insurance in addition to the public insurance provided by the government.

In the rest of Canada, drivers can only purchase private car insurance. Private car insurance is typically provided by insurance companies such as Allstate, Aviva, The Co-operators, Desjardins Insurance, and Intact Insurance, among others.

There are several differences between private and public car insurance. Some of the main differences include:

1. Coverage: Private car insurance policies can offer a wider range of coverage options than public insurance. Public insurance may only provide basic coverage, while private insurance can offer additional coverage such as collision, comprehensive, and personal injury protection.

2. Premiums: Premiums for public insurance may be lower than private insurance due to the government's ability to spread risk across a larger pool of drivers. However, private insurance may offer discounts and customized coverage options that can result in lower premiums for some drivers.

3. Claims process: The claims process for public and private insurance may differ. Public insurance may have a more streamlined claims process, while private insurance may offer more personalized service.
   

Overall, drivers have the option to choose between private and public car insurance depending on their needs and preferences. It is important to compare quotes and consider the coverage, premiums, and claims process before choosing a car insurance policy.