FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions Insurance in Quebec 2026

In 2026, the average price of car insurance in Quebec is between $700 and $2,000 per year for the private portion (property damage), to which is added the contribution to the SAAQ for bodily injury. This amount varies greatly depending on your age, driving record, region, and vehicle type. Young drivers under the age of 25 can pay up to $3,600 per year, while an experienced driver without a claim can get away with less than $700. Our Assur360 brokers compare several insurers to find you the best price.

The main factors that determine your premium are: your age and experience (young people pay more), your driving record (infractions, past claims), your region (Montreal is more expensive than rural areas), the type and value of your vehicle, the annual mileage, and the coverage you choose (collision, all-risk, replacement cost). Bundling your car and home insurance with the same insurer often saves you 10% to 20%.

No. The SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) only covers bodily injuries sustained in a road accident, regardless of the fault. However, it does not cover property damage to your vehicle or your liability for damage to other vehicles or property. This is why you must take out private insurance. Your Assur360 broker can explain the difference and make sure you’re covered on both sides.

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another object (car, pole, railman), regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive perils (or “all-perils”) cover damage not related to a collision: theft, vandalism, bad weather (hail, flood, fallen tree), glass breakage, fire and impact with an animal. For a new or valuable vehicle, our brokers generally recommend both types of coverage combined.

Yes, it is possible, but the options are more limited and the premiums are higher. Standard insurers may refuse your file, but there are insurers specializing in substandard insurance that accept high-risk profiles (infractions, multiple claims, DUI, licence suspension). Assur360 works with several partners in this niche. A broker can assess your situation and find the best option available.

Here are the most effective strategies: compare several insurers (the difference can be as high as 40% to 60% for the same profile), group your car + home with the same insurer, increase your deductible, maintain a good driving record, ask for available discounts (anti-theft, winter tires, low mileage, telematics programs). An Assur360 broker does this comparison work for free for you.

The deductible is the amount you pay yourself before your insurer takes over in the event of a claim. For example, if you have a deductible of $1,000 and the damage is $4,500, you pay $1,000 and your insurer pays $3,500. The higher your deductible, the lower your annual premium. It is generally recommended that you choose a deductible that you are able to assume without stress if a loss occurs.

In general, yes. Car insurance in Quebec follows the vehicle, not the driver. If you lend your car to a friend with your permission and they have an accident, your insurance applies first. However, if this person is a regular driver and is not declared to your policy, your insurer may reduce your compensation. It is important to declare all the regular drivers of your vehicle to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Standard home insurance generally covers three main categories: your building (structure, fixed equipment) against fire, internal water damage, storms, theft and vandalism; your contents (furniture, electronics, clothing, jewellery) against the same risks; and your liability if someone gets hurt in your home or if you cause damage to others. Common exclusions are surface flooding and earthquakes, which require special endorsements.

Home insurance is not mandatory by law in Quebec, but it is strongly recommended and often required by mortgage lenders as a condition of obtaining the loan. If you are a tenant, some landlords also require this in your lease. Without insurance, you’d be liable for the entire loss in the event of a loss — which can add up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Replacement cost means that in the event of a loss, your insurer will reimburse you for the cost of replacing your belongings with equivalent new ones, without deduction for depreciation. The actual value (or current replacement value) takes into account wear and tear and depreciation — so you get less. For example, a 5-year-old TV may be worth $150 in real value when it costs $900 to replace. Replacement cost protection costs a little more as a bonus, but it’s usually worth the investment.

In general, no. Surface flooding (rising waters, overflowing rivers) is usually excluded from standard policies. On the other hand, internal water damage (broken pipes, overflowing appliances) is often covered. To protect yourself against flooding, you can take out a flood endorsement with most insurers. Since the 2023 and 2024 floods in Quebec, this endorsement is strongly recommended in at-risk areas. Your Assur360 broker can guide you according to your sector.

Your home insurance premium is calculated based on several factors: the reconstruction value of your property (not its market value), the location (region, risk of flooding, proximity to a fire department), the age and condition of the home, the systems present (alarm, sprinklers, type of heating), your claims history, and the coverage you have chosen. A broker can assess your situation to make sure you are not underinsured or overinsured.

Tenant insurance protects your personal contents (furniture, clothing, electronics) and your civil liability if you are a tenant. It does not cover the building itself (this is the responsibility of the owner). It’s one of the most affordable insurances on the market, often between $15 and $40 per month. If a fire or flood destroys your belongings, or if you cause damage to your home or neighbours, this coverage can save you from significant debt.

Partially and with significant limitations. Most standard home policies cover home office equipment up to a limited limit (often $2,500 to $5,000). If you’re running a business from home, receiving customers, or storing goods, your standard home insurance may be insufficient or even invalidate your coverage. An Assur360 broker can assess whether you need a home office rider or separate business insurance.

Yes. As with cars, motorcycle insurance is mandatory in Quebec. The SAAQ covers bodily injury through your Class 6 driver’s license, but you must take out private liability insurance (minimum required: $50,000, recommended: $1,000,000) and for damage to your motorcycle. Premiums vary greatly depending on engine capacity, model, experience and driving season. Assur360 specialises in motorcycle profiles that are difficult to insure.

In Quebec, if you ride on the authorized trails of the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes (FCMQ), you need an annual registration that includes basic protection. However, this coverage is insufficient to cover the value of your snowmobile, your extended civil liability, or off-trail driving. Private insurance provides you with comprehensive coverage including theft, damages, liability and roadside assistance. Contact Assur360 for a quote tailored to your use.

Your car insurance usually covers the trailer while it’s hitched to your vehicle. But the boat itself isn’t covered by your car insurance, and the unhitched trailer may not be covered either. For complete protection (boat, motor, trailer, civil liability on the water), it is recommended to take out separate boat insurance . Premiums are generally very affordable given the protected value.

Yes, in the vast majority of cases. An RV (motorhome, trailer, tent trailer) requires specialized insurance that is separate from your car insurance. RV insurance covers damage to the vehicle, your personal contents on board, third-party liability during your travels and stays, and sometimes temporary housing costs if your RV is unusable. Your Assur360 broker can offer you coverage adapted to your type of RV and the frequency of your use.

Classic vehicles (usually 25 years and older) have very different insurance needs than regular cars. Specialized antique vehicle insurance offers protection at an agreed value (you and your insurer agree on the value of the vehicle from the start), adapted conditions of use (limited use, no daily driving), and often lower premiums. Assur360 works with insurers specializing in classic vehicles in Quebec.

In Quebec, there is no universally mandatory commercial insurance by law, but several situations require it: if you have employees, the CNESST requires coverage for workplace accidents; Some client contracts or tenders require proof of liability insurance. Professional associations (engineers, accountants, lawyers) often require professional liability insurance. Even without a legal obligation, operating without liability insurance represents a considerable financial risk for any company.

General liability (general liability) covers bodily injury or property damage that you cause to third parties in the course of your business activities (e.g., a customer who is injured in your business). Professional liability (errors and omissions) covers financial losses suffered by your clients due to an error, oversight or inadequate advice on your part (e.g., an accountant who makes a mistake on a tax return). Most businesses need both coverages.

No, not adequately. Your standard home policy typically excludes the risks of running a business from your home. If you receive clients, store professional merchandise or equipment, or offer professional services, you likely need a home office endorsement or a separate business insurance policy. Failure to declare your professional activity to your insurer could invalidate your claims. An Assur360 broker can assess your real needs.

Business interruption insurance covers the loss of your business’s income if you have to temporarily cease operations following a covered loss (fire, water damage, etc.). It can cover your fixed costs (rent, salaries, utilities) during the closure period, as well as the additional costs of resuming your activities quickly. This is often one of the most important protections for SMBs, as even a brief outage can jeopardize the survival of the business.

Cyber insurance protects your company against the financial consequences of a cyberattack or personal data breach. It can cover the costs of notifying affected customers, data recovery costs, business interruption related to system downtime, lawsuits and regulatory fines (especially under Bill 25 in Quebec). With the rise of ransomware, cyber insurance has become essential for companies that process customer data.

An insurance agent represents a single insurance company and can only sell you products from that insurer. An insurance broker, like those at Assur360, works independently and can compare offers from several insurers to find you the best coverage at the best price. The broker has a legal duty to act in your best interests (fiduciary duty), while the agent represents the interests of their employer insurer. Both are certified and supervised by the AMF in Quebec.

Yes. All Assur360 brokers are certified by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the Quebec government agency that regulates and oversees the financial and insurance sector. This certification guarantees that our brokers have completed the required training, passed the professional exams and comply with the code of ethics of the profession. You can check the status of any insurance representative on the AMF’s public register.

Yes, Assur360’s brokerage service is completely free for you as a client. Brokers are paid by insurance companies in the form of commissions, without this affecting the price of your premium (the rates are the same as if you went directly to the insurer). You therefore benefit from a professional comparison service, personalised advice and support throughout your contract, at no additional cost.

The process is quick and easy. You fill out our online form in a few minutes with your basic information. An AMF-certified broker will then contact you to complete the assessment and obtain personalized quotes from several insurers. You receive a clear and transparent comparison, and you choose the coverage that suits you best — without pressure. The whole thing can be completed in less than an hour in most cases.

Yes, you can generally change insurers at any time, even before your policy expires. However, most contracts provide for early termination penalties (termination fees or higher short-term premium). The most advantageous way is often to wait until your policy renewal date, usually 60 to 90 days before that date, to shop around and change at no cost. An Assur360 broker can advise you on the best time to make the transition.

In the event of a claim, follow these steps: 1. Keep yourself and others safe in the first place. 2. Document the damage with photos and videos before any cleaning or repair. 3. Call your insurer (number on the back of your card or on your policy) within 24 to 48 hours — most have a 24/7 line. 4. Cooperate with the adjuster assigned to your file. 5. Keep all receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the loss. If you are an Assur360 customer, our team can support you throughout the process.

No. In Quebec, the Insurance Act strictly regulates cancellation conditions. Your insurer may cancel your policy for specific reasons: non-payment of the premium, material misrepresentation, unreported aggravation of risk, or fraud. Unless there is non-payment, the insurer must give you at least 15 days’ written notice. You always have the right to appeal a cancellation that is deemed unjustified, and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) offers a free mediation service.

Underinsurance occurs when the insured value of your property is less than the actual cost of replacing it. In the event of a total loss, you will not receive enough to rebuild or replace everything. Example: If your home would cost $500,000 to rebuild but you’re only insured for $350,000, you’ll have to absorb the $150,000 difference yourself. To avoid underinsurance, ask your broker to reassess your coverage every 2 to 3 years, especially if you’ve made renovations or accumulated major assets.

An endorsement is a supplemental document that changes the terms of your primary insurance contract, either to add additional coverage, exclude one, or adjust the terms. For example, a replacement cost endorsement, flood endorsement, replacement vehicle endorsement, or home office endorsement. Endorsements allow you to customize your coverage to your specific needs without changing your entire policy. Your Assur360 broker can recommend the right endorsements for your situation.