COMPANY
Tailor-made business insurance
Liability, property, business interruption: comprehensive protection for SMEs.
IN BRIEF
Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance
Professional liability insurance (errors and omissions) covers professionals against claims for errors, omissions, negligence or erroneous advice in the exercise of their profession. Essential for any consultant, liberal professional or service provider.
Difference vs. General Liability: General Liability covers bodily injury and physical property damage. Professional liability insurance covers the financial damage caused by your intellectual work. Many companies need both.
Business Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance in Quebec (E&O)
Protect your practice from claims for professional errors, omissions and negligence. Our AMF-certified brokers compare offers from several Quebec insurers to get you the coverage that suits your profession — at the best price.
What is professional liability insurance?
Professional liability insurance — also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance — protects professionals and businesses against claims arising from erroneous advice, omissions, negligence or errors in the performance of their duties. In Quebec, this coverage is governed by the Civil Code of Québec (art. 2098-2129) and by the professional orders, which, in many cases, make it mandatory.
Unlike general liability (CGL) which covers bodily injury and property damage, E&O insurance specifically covers financial damage caused by malpractice. An architect who makes a calculation error, an accountant who omits a tax deduction, or an IT consultant whose software causes data loss — all of these scenarios fall under professional liability.
Targeted occupations in Quebec
Mandatory or strongly recommended according to your professional order.
Health and science
- Physicians and surgeons
- Dentists and hygienists
- Pharmacists
- Nurses
- Physiotherapists, occupational therapists
- Psychologists and social workers
Law and finance
- Lawyers and notaries
- Accountants (CPA)
- Financial advisors
- Real Estate Brokers
- Insurance brokers
- Financial Planners
Technical and consulting
- Engineers and architects
- IT Consultants Developers
- Management Consultants
- Land Surveyors
- Chartered Appraisers
- Travel Agents
What EO Insurance Covers
A professional liability policy in Quebec generally protects against:
| Blanket | What is protected | Concrete example |
|---|---|---|
| Professional errors | Mistakes, errors of judgment, incorrect advice | CPA omits $45,000 tax credit for client |
| Omissions | Failure to inform, disclose or act | A real estate broker does not mention a known hidden defect |
| Negligence | Lack of diligence in professional practice | An engineer does not check the bearing capacity of a structure |
| Defence costs | Lawyers’ fees, court costs, expert opinion | Even if the lawsuit is unfounded, the costs are covered |
| Damages awarded | Compensation, compensatory damages and interest | Court awards $200,000 to aggrieved client |
| Reputational damage | Defamation or misrepresentation related to the practice | Crisis management and public relations costs |
Important: EO insurance does not cover intentional acts, fraud, criminal activity, or bodily injury (which falls under the CGM). In Quebec, professional orders often impose minimum amounts of coverage — check your order’s requirements.
Indicative prices in Quebec (2026)
Premiums vary by profession, revenue, claims history and limits selected. Here are indicative ranges for common occupations in Quebec.
| Profession | Annual premium | Typical Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant / Coach | $500 – $1,500 | $1M |
| Accountant (CPA) | $1,000 – $3,000 | 1 – $2 million |
| IT Consultant / Developer | $1,200 – $4,000 | $1 – $5M |
| Real Estate Broker | $1,500 – $3,500 | 1 – $2 million |
| Engineer / Architect | $2,000 – $8,000 | 2 – $5M |
| Lawyer / Notary | $3,000 – $12,000 | 1 – $10M |
| Medical Specialist | $5,000 – $25,000+ | $5 – $10M |
* Indicative premiums for an individual professional in Quebec. The actual cost depends on your profile. Get your personalized quote.
How to choose the right coverage
Choosing the right professional liability insurance depends on several factors specific to your practice in Quebec:
Coverage limit
Assess the size of your mandates and the requirements of your professional order. A minimum of $1 million is recommended for most occupations.
Frankness
The deductible has a direct influence on your premium. A deductible of $2,500 to $5,000 offers a good balance of cost and protection for most professionals.
Retroactive coverage
EO insurance usually works on a claims-made basis. Make sure you have a retroactive date covering all your past mandates.
Recommended extensions
Depending on your business, add cyber risk insurance, contractor coverage, or protection for your U.S. operations.
Why use a broker in Quebec?
Professional liability insurance is a complex product where exclusions vary considerably from one insurer to another. An AMF-certified broker like Assur360 offers you several advantages:
- Objective comparison — We shop with more than 9 Quebec insurers to find the right coverage for your specific profession.
- Sector expertise — Our brokers are familiar with the requirements of Quebec’s professional orders and ensure that your policy meets the minimum requirements.
- Negotiation of exclusions — We check each exclusion clause and negotiate the terms to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim.
- Claims support — In the event of a claim, your broker will accompany you throughout the process with the insurer.
Our partner firms are present in Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Laval, Joliette, Thetford Mines and in 20 other cities in Quebec. The service is also available entirely online, by phone or text.
Protect your professional practice
Free quote, no obligation. A specialized broker will answer you in 15 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is professional liability insurance mandatory in Quebec?
It depends on your profession. Members of a professional order (lawyers, notaries, engineers, architects, CPAs, doctors, etc.) are generally required by their order to maintain EO coverage. For unregulated professions (consultants, coaches, developers), it’s not mandatory but highly recommended — a single mandate that goes wrong can jeopardize your business.
What is the difference between CGR and EO insurance?
General civil liability (CGL) covers bodily injury and property damage caused to third parties (e.g. a customer slips in your office). EO insurance covers financial losses arising from your professional services (error, omission, bad advice). Most service companies need both.
How much does professional liability insurance cost in Quebec?
Premiums range from $500 to $25,000+ per year depending on the profession, sales, claims history and limits chosen. An independent consultant typically pays between $500 and $1,500/year, while a law firm or medical specialist pays significantly more. Get your personalized quote to find out your exact rate.
What does “claims-made” mean?
Almost all EO policies in Quebec operate on a claims-made basis: the policy in force at the time the claim is filed applies, even if the error was made years earlier (provided that the retroactive date covers that period). That’s why you should never leave a coverage hole between two policies.
Are my subcontractors covered by my EO policy?
As a general rule, no. Your subcontractors must have their own professional liability insurance. However, some policies offer an extension for subcontractors. Check the terms of your contract and ask for proof of insurance from your subcontractors before giving them a mandate.
How much coverage should I choose?
A minimum of $1,000,000 is recommended for most professionals in Quebec. For high-risk professions (engineers, architects, doctors) or large mandates, opt for $2 million to $5 million. Your broker can help you assess the right amount based on the size of your mandates and your clients’ contractual requirements.
How long does it take to get a quote?
With Assur360, fill out the online form in 3 minutes. A broker who specializes in commercial insurance will contact you within 15 minutes and can often present you with an offer on the first call.
Can I change insurers at renewal?
Yes, but you have to be careful with the retroactive date. If you change insurers, make sure that the new insurer uses your existing retroactive date so as not to create a coverage gap on your past mandates. An Assur360 broker manages this transition for you.
Firm certified and regulated by the AMF
Assur360 operates under the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services (Distribution Act) and is registered with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Our brokers are members of CHAD and adhere to the highest standards of ethics.