Echelon Assurance — Insurance solution for non-standard profiles in Quebec

Echelon Insurance is Canada’s specialist in the non-standard insurance market. If you have been refused by traditional insurers — for your car, your home or as a tenant — Echelon offers a concrete and professional solution. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Toronto, Echelon actively operates in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta through a network of independent brokers. At Assur360, certified by the AMF, we compare Echelon and all the specialists in the difficult market to find you the best solution.

Who is Echelon Assurance?

Founded in 1998, Echelon Insurance has specialized from the outset in the market segments that major insurance companies avoid: high-risk drivers, homeowners with a history of claims, renters with difficult credit histories and homes with non-standard characteristics. This specialization gives it unique expertise in the assessment and pricing of these risks.

In 2014, Echelon was acquired by EGI Financial Holdings, strengthening its financial capacity and distribution network. The company distributes exclusively through certified independent brokers, which ensures that each client receives professional advice and representation in their best interest. Echelon is recognized by the AMF to carry on its activities in Québec.

Who should consider Echelon Insurance?

Echelon is the ideal solution for people in the following situations:

• Drivers Rejected by Standard Insurers — Multiple Accidents, Serious Violations, Cancellations
• Homeowners with repeated losses — Several claims over the last few years in the home
• Hard-to-insure tenants — Poor credit history, high-risk housing, tenants with pets, or fire history
• Properties in poor condition — Older roof, dilapidated plumbing, knob-and-tube electrical panel
• Mixed-use or non-standard dwellings — Houses with commercial activity, converted residences, non-standard structures
• Owners of problematic income properties — Rental properties with a history of incidents or run-down buildings

Echelon products available through Assur360

• Non-Standard Car Insurance — Mandatory Liability and Coverage Options for At-Risk Drivers
• Non-Standard Home Insurance — Homeowners with a History, Homes in Poor Condition, Non-Standard Homes
• Non-Standard Tenant Insurance — Personal Property Protection for Tenants with Difficult Cases
• Non-occupant landlord insurance — Rental properties with a loss history or tenants with a difficult profile
• Progressive Comprehensive Insurance — A program that allows for the transition to the standard market after a claim-free period of driving or occupancy

The advantages of Echelon Insurance

• Dual specialty auto AND home — Rare among non-standard insurers, Echelon covers both main products
• Based on non-standard expertise — 25+ years of experience in evaluating complex profiles
• Clear legal coverage — Full compliance with Quebec legal requirements for insurance
• Path to Standard Market — Structured program to help clients improve their records
• Operates in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta — Ideal for people moving between provinces

Why use Assur360 for your Echelon insurance?

Echelon does not sell directly to the public — all of its products go through licensed independent brokers. Assur360 is a partner of Echelon and specialises in difficult cases. We compare Echelon with Pafco, Jevco and other non-standard market players to identify the optimal solution for your specific profile.

Our approach: to understand your situation, identify the insurers most likely to accept you on the best terms, and support you in the underwriting process. Our service is completely free of charge for the consumer.

FAQ — Echelon Insurance in Quebec

What is the non-standard insurance market?

The non-standard (or sub-standard) market includes insurance products for people whose risk profile is considered too high by traditional insurers. These specialised insurers, such as Echelon, assess each case individually and offer cover adapted to the actual risk, at premiums that reflect this increased risk.

Does Echelon cover both cars and non-standard homes?

Yes, this is one of Echelon’s distinguishing features among non-standard insurers: it offers products for auto insurance, home insurance and tenant insurance in the difficult market. In some cases, this makes it possible to group your car and home with the same insurer.

My house has an old roof or outdated plumbing — can Echelon insure me?

Yes, Echelon specialises in insuring homes with characteristics that are difficult for standard insurers: aged roofs, plastic or cast iron plumbing, knob-and-tube electrical panels, basements that have been infiltrated, etc. Conditions vary depending on the exact condition of the property.

Is Echelon available in the entire province of Quebec?

Yes, Echelon operates in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta through its network of independent brokers. Assur360 can get you an Echelon quote no matter where you are in Quebec, from major cities to remote areas.

How much does Echelon insurance cost compared to standard insurers?

Non-standard premiums are typically 30% to 100% higher than standard premiums, depending on the nature and severity of the risk. However, for people who don’t have access to the standard market, Echelon is often the cheapest solution among the available options. Assur360 compares all the options to minimize your premium.

Can I get comprehensive insurance with Echelon for my car?

In some cases, yes. Echelon can offer collision and comprehensive coverage for high-risk drivers, although deductibles are often higher and premiums significantly higher than the standard market. Availability depends on the driving profile and the vehicle.

Can Echelon insure my rental property with several past claims?

Yes, it is precisely this type of property that Echelon is designed to cover. Income properties with a history of claims, difficult tenants or buildings in poor condition are at the heart of his specialty. Assur360 assesses your situation and submits the file to the most appropriate insurers.

How do I return to the standard market after Echelon?

For the car, it generally takes 3 years of uneventful driving. For housing, renovating the problematic elements (roof, plumbing, electricity) and maintaining a claim-free record for 2-3 years usually allows you to return to the standard market. Assur360 proactively supports you in this transition process.

Does Echelon check my credit report for home insurance?

Like most insurers, Echelon can use your credit history as one of the factors in evaluating your premium, but it’s not the only criterion. Echelon is specifically designed for people with imperfect credit records, and its assessment takes into account the entire risk profile.

Can Assur360 get me an Echelon quote quickly?

Yes, by filling out our online form, we can usually send you an Echelon quote in less than 24 business hours. For complex cases, our broker will contact you directly to gather the necessary additional information.

Get your Echelon Insurance quote now

Fill out the form below for a comparison including Echelon and all non-standard insurers available in Quebec. Also check out our pages on high-risk auto insurance, home insurance, Pafco Insurance, Jevco Insurance and all our partner insurers.