At a glance
Steps to cancel your insurance in Quebec
Whether it’s for your car, home or business insurance, you have the right to cancel your contract at any time in Quebec. According to the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), advance notice is required but no justification is required. Here are the steps to follow:
- Check the terms and conditions — Refer to the terms and conditions or specific terms of your contract for the required notice period and applicable fees.
- Contact your insurer or broker — By phone, registered mail or email. Provide your policy number and the desired cancellation date.
- Pay the cancellation fee — The amount varies depending on the insurer and the type of contract. Generally count between $25 and $100 in administrative costs.
- Check the penalties — If your contract is for a fixed term, early termination may result in additional fees.
- Get your certificate — Ask your new insurer for a certificate of insurance to be in good standing in the event of an inspection.
Short-term vs. pro-rata termination: what’s the difference?
Short-term termination
You terminate the contract before the end of the term. The insurer applies cancellation fees (fixed or proportional to the remaining premiums). This is the most common method when you decide to cancel during the term.
Prorated Termination
The insurer will refund you for unused premiums prorated for the time remaining. This is generally what applies when it is the insurer who terminates the contract or at the annual maturity date.
In summary : the short term costs you more (penalty fees), while the prorated is fairer since it refunds exactly the unused portion of your premium.
How to insure yourself after a cancellation for non-payment?
A termination for non-payment affects your file, but solutions exist. Here are your options:
- Use an insurance broker — An independent broker like Assur360 has access to several insurers and can find a solution adapted to your situation, even with a non-payment record.
- Request reinstatement — If the cancellation is recent, contact your previous insurer. It is sometimes possible to reinstate your contract by paying the unpaid premiums and cancellation fees.
- Opt for non-standard insurance — Specialist insurers offer policies for people who are considered high-risk. The premiums are higher, but it’s a viable option.
- Contact IBC — The Insurance Bureau of Canada takes care of files that insurers refuse. This is the safety net to achieve minimum coverage.
Insurance cancellation by region in Quebec
Whether you are in Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Longueuil, Gatineau or Sherbrooke, the cancellation rules are the same everywhere in Quebec. However, the premiums for your new policy will vary depending on your region. An AMF-certified Assur360 broker can compare offers from several insurers in your area—whether in Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Rimouski or Drummondville —to find you the best price after your cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Insurance Cancellation in Quebec
Y a-t-il des frais pour résilier une assurance auto au Québec ?
Short-term cancellation fees may apply if you cancel before the end of the term. The amount varies depending on the insurer and the time of cancellation (usually between $25 and $100). According to the AMF, you have the right to terminate at any time with notice.
Quel préavis faut-il donner pour résilier son assurance ?
In Quebec, written notice is generally required. Most insurers require 30 days ‘ notice before the desired cancellation date. For car insurance, the cancellation takes effect as soon as the insurer receives the notice. Check the terms of your contract.
Peut-on résilier son assurance habitation en cours de contrat ?
Yes, in Quebec you can cancel your home insurance at any time. Send a written notice to your insurer. Short-term cancellation fees may apply. At the annual deadline, 30 days’ notice at no cost is usually sufficient.
Peut-on résilier pour aller chez un assureur moins cher ?
Absolutely. You do not need to justify your cancellation in Quebec. If you find a better deal through an independent broker, you can cancel and change insurers. Make sure the new policy is in effect before cancelling the old one to avoid a coverage gap.
Une résiliation pour non-paiement reste-t-elle dans mon dossier ?
Yes, a cancellation for non-payment is recorded in the insurers’ files and can affect your ability to obtain insurance and your future premiums for 3 to 5 years. A specialized broker like Assur360 can help you find options despite this history.
