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An auto body shop in Quebec requires a Garage Policy (same policy as dealerships but focused on service rather than sales). Risks: customer vehicles in the workshop (Garage Keepers), flammable paint and solvents, paint booth to be respected standards, pollution, repair errors.

Auto Body Shop — Assur360 Insurance

IN BRIEF

Body Shop Insurance

Bodyshops need garage insurance that covers vehicles in custody, product liability (defective repairs), specialized equipment (paint booth, presses) and fire risks (solvents).

Compliance: fluid recovery, cabin ventilation, and I-CAR or equivalent certifications required by insurers and commercial fleets (direct manufacturer insurance).

Bodywork insurance covers: customer vehicles in the workshop, paint/solvents, equipment (elevator, spray booth, straightening bench), mechanical liability/painting, gradual and accidental pollution, CNESST employees. Premium: $3,800 to $9,800/year.

$3,800+
premium avg.
$5-20M
Vehicles in the workshop
Pollution
Endorsement required
$5M
Recommended RC

Risks specific to your car body

Customer Vehicles (Garage Keepers)

Fire in the workshop = 20 customer vehicles destroyed = $1-2 million in compensation. The Garage Keepers (sub-limit or free) is the central cover.

Paint & Solvents

Non-compliant paint booth = fire risk + insurance exclusion. CNESST + environmental standards must be respected. Flammable storage in certified cabinet.

Pollution

Spilled fluids, paint solvents, oils: sudden & accidental minimum. Gradual pollution requires separate environmental policing.

Repair errors

Undetected collision to the building that causes an accident: Product liability + $5 million service. I-CAR, CCC certifications recommended.

Essential Protections to Include

Garage Keepers

Customer vehicles in the workshop — total value.

Content + equipment

Elevator, straightening, spray booth, compressor.

Pollution s&a

Accidental spills + environmental claims.

RC $5 million

Damage to property, bodily injury, repair errors.

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Premium 2026 — indicative table

ProfileVolume / DetailAnnual Bonus
Small 1-2 Bay ShopVolume < $500,000$3,800 – $5,200
3-6 Bay Medium BodyVolume $800,000 – $2,000,000$5,400 – $7,200
Large Workshop + Spray BoothVolume $2,000,000 – $5,000,000$7,000 – $8,800
Body Shop + Mechanics + TowingFull Service$8,400 – $12,600

The amounts are indicative. Your actual premium depends on your claims history, location, security systems, and coverage chosen.

Tips for lowering your premium

  • I-CAR / CCC certifications : proof of competency, discounts + more insurers accept.
  • Daily customer vehicle inventory (entry/exit): essential if fire.
  • Certified flammable cabinets + compliant paint booth ventilation.
  • Environmental management plan (oils, paint): avoids exclusion of pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions — Auto Body Insurance

How much does auto body insurance cost in Quebec in 2026?
Average premium: $3,800 to $12,600/year depending on size, sales volume, location, and your claims history. The 2026 rates reflect the increase in the cost of materials and parts.
What protections are essential for a car body?
Minimum: Commercial liability (2-5 M$), building/content (replacement value), equipment, business interruption. Industry-specific endorsements (Garage Keepers, Content + equipment) are often crucial.
Is the CNESST included?
No. The CNESST is a mandatory contribution managed separately by the employer. Commercial insurance complements the CNESST for civil liability claims outside of work (clients, third parties).
Do I have to declare all my income exactly?
Yes. A underreporting can result in a proportional penalty (proportional rule) in case of a claim: if you declared $400,000 but actually make $800,000, you receive 50% of the compensation due.
Are my subcontractors covered by my policy?
No. Each subcontractor must have their own liability insurance. Always ask for a certificate of insurance and add yourself as an additional insured on their policy. Otherwise, you remain responsible for the damages they cause.
What is a replacement cost vs depreciated value?
Replacement value: you are reimbursed the current price of an equivalent new piece of equipment. Depreciated value: amount reduced for wear and tear (e.g., fridge 10 years = 30% of its new value). Replacement value is recommended — additional cost 10-15%.
Can I insure my commercial vehicles with the same policy?
Often yes, but sometimes it’s more advantageous to separate: distinct commercial fleet policy. We compare both scenarios to choose the most economical one.
How long does it take to be compensated after a claim?
With up-to-date inventory + photos + financial documents: settlement in 4-8 weeks. Without evidence: it can drag on for 4-12 months. That’s why we recommend a digital inventory backed up off-site.
What should I do if my insurer refuses to renew it?
Common causes: repeated claims, change of activity, relocation. Assur360 has access to 15+ insurers (including 3-4 specialized in difficult risks). We usually find a solution in 90% of cases — call 1-866-357-4451.
How do I get my auto body quote?
Fill out our 3-minute form with your annual income, area, number of employees, and current coverages. You will receive up to 3 compared quotes within 24-48 business hours. Free, no obligation. ☎ 1-866-357-4451.

Why choose Assur360

✓ AMF & Chamber of Insurance
Accredited and certified firm
✓ 15+ insurers compared
Intact, Desjardins, Beneva, Aviva, Economical, Belair…
✓ 100,000+ Quebecers served
Since 2008
✓ No cost, no obligation
Our commission is paid by the insurer

Helpful Resources

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