Guide to Online Retail Insurance

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Retail Insurance in Quebec

Boutique, store, convenience store, jewelry store, specialty store: protect your inventory, your premises and your sales with coverage adapted to the retail sector.

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The retail trade has several risks: shoplifting, burglary, window breakage, water damage, fire, customer lawsuit following a fall, break in the cold chain. Retail insurance in Quebec combines several essential coverages in a single policy adapted to your activity and your volume of business.

IN BRIEF

Retail Trade Insurance

Any commercial store in Quebec needs a combination of property(inventory + equipment) + general liability + business interruption + crime (theft/employee fraud). Average premium: $1,800 to $6,500/year depending on the sector.

3 Essential: 1) Sufficient insurance limit to replenish 100% of the inventory, 2) Business interruption covering 12 to 24 months (not just 6), 3) Employee crime coverage (15% of commercial frauds).

What does retail insurance cover?

Property and inventory

Merchandise, equipment, furniture, signs, shop windows. Replacement cost or depreciated value depending on your choice.

Business interruption

Loss of income during the closure (fire, water damage), additional costs of temporary relocation.

Civil liability

A customer slips in your shop, injury caused by a product sold, damage to rented premises.

Theft and burglary

Armed robbery, burglary outside of business hours, theft of an employee (with loyalty endorsement).

Equipment breakdown

Cash registers, POS, refrigerators (convenience store, butcher shop), air conditioning, specialized commercial equipment.

Goods in transit

Deliveries from suppliers, transfer between branches, returns to manufacturers.

💡 Broker’s advice

The value of the inventory varies greatly throughout the year (end of summer, holiday season, sales). Tell your insurer the maximum value you can expect, not an average. A claim in November with an inventory declared for June may result in reduced compensation (co-insurance clause). Your Assur360 broker automatically adjusts seasonal limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does retail trade insurance cost in Quebec?

For an independent business of 200 to 500 m² with an average inventory of $75,000: between $800 and $2,500 per year. Luxury goods stores, jewelry stores or convenience stores typically pay $2,500 to $6,000 due to the risk of theft and perishables.

My lease obliges me to take out civil liability — what is the limit?

Most commercial leases require a limit of $2 million to $5 million, plus the addition of the owner as an additional insured. Your broker issues the required certificate within 24-48 hours.

Are my products on sale covered if they cause damage to a customer?

Yes, via product liability (included in the commercial liability). Example: a cosmetic causes an allergic reaction, a toy breaks and injures a child, a food causes poisoning. The cover covers the costs of prosecution and compensation.

What happens if the cold chain breaks in my convenience store?

The “loss of refrigerated products” endorsement covers perishable goods lost due to an electrical failure, compressor failure or prolonged outage. Typically capped at $10,000 to $50,000 depending on your volume.

Am I covered for employee theft?

Not by default. A fidelity bond must be added. Typical cost: $150 to $500 per year for a limit of $25,000. Highly recommended for businesses with cash register and handling of valuable inventory.

My business sells online — is it covered?

Online sales add risks: credit card fraud, lost delivery, international litigation, chargebacks. An e-commerce endorsement or additional cyber insurance is required. Your broker evaluates your online volume and offers the right protection.

Are vandalism and riots covered?

Yes, via vandalism and mischief (included in most policies) and riots and popular movements (often included) coverage. Check that your neighbourhood is not excluded (certain city centres at risk).

My premises are rented – do I need to insure the building?

No, it is the obligation of the owner. However, you must insure your leasehold improvements (partitions, flooring, special light fixtures, signage) and your belongings. The lease usually specifies the required limits.

Can I bundle insurance from multiple locations?

Yes, and it’s even recommended — a multi-location program offers an overall premium that is 15-25% lower than a bundle of individual policies, with only one deductible per claim. Available from 2 locations.

Retail Businesses Across Quebec

Assur360 supports businesses throughout Quebec: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay. Our brokers serve independent retailers, franchises and regional chains in all cities and regions. Each sector has its own particularities: the jewelry store on Sainte-Catherine in Montreal does not have the same risk as a fashion store in Quebec City.

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