Trucking insurance is an essential protection for companies operating in the road freight transportation industry in Quebec. Whether you own a single truck or manage an entire fleet, it’s essential to be well insured to protect your assets, your drivers and your liabilities in the event of the unexpected. With Assur360, compare the offers of specialized trucking brokers certified by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF).
IN BRIEF
Trucking Insurance: Heavy Commercial Fleet
Trucking insurance covers heavy trucks from class 3 to 8 (tractor-trailers, vans, dump trucks). It includes civil liability (often $2 to $5 million), transported goods (cargo) and damage to the vehicle.
Compliance: Interprovincial carriers must comply with the SAAQ safety certificate and provide their rating (excellent, satisfactory, conditional) to the insurer. A bad rating increases the premium by 20 to 50%.
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Why is trucking insurance essential?
In the trucking industry, the unexpected can lead to major costs. A mechanical breakdown on a heavy vehicle can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. An accident involving a $150,000+ tractor can result in millions of dollars in lawsuits. Theft of merchandise, late deliveries resulting in contractual penalties — all of these risks can jeopardize the financial survival of your business.
Specialized trucking insurance allows you to continue your operations while minimizing financial losses, protecting your vehicles, your drivers and the goods you transport.
Essential Trucking Insurance Coverages
A comprehensive trucking insurance program should cover several aspects in order to adequately protect your transportation business. Here are the main coverages available in Quebec:
Civil liability
Civil liability is mandatory in Quebec for all commercial vehicles. It covers property damage and bodily injury caused to third parties in the event of an accident. For trucking, most carriers opt for coverage of $1,000,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the nature of the goods and the contractual requirements of their customers.
Collision and Rollover
Covers damage to your own truck in the event of an accident (at fault or not), as well as vandalism, theft, fire, and natural disasters. For a commercial fleet, this coverage is crucial given the high value of heavy vehicles.
Cargo insurance
Protects transported goods from loss, damage, or theft during transit. Depending on the type of commodity — hazardous materials, perishables, high-value goods — conditions vary. In Quebec, the carrier is generally responsible for the goods entrusted to it under the Transportation Act.
Mechanical breakdown
Breakdowns on a heavy truck can result in repairs of $10,000 to $50,000 and more, not to mention the loss of income related to the capital asset. Covers major repairs to the engine, transmission and essential systems. Recommended for vehicles over 3 years old.
Trailer insurance
Trailers, semi-trailers and flatbeds must be insured separately from the tractor. This coverage protects against damage, theft and liability related to the trailer, whether it is hitched or stored.
Business interruption
When an accident immobilizes your vehicles, this coverage compensates for the loss of income during the repair or replacement period. For an owner-operator whose truck is their only source of income, this coverage is crucial.
Types of vehicles covered
Trucking insurance is suitable for all types of heavy vehicles used in commercial transportation:
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Semi-trailers
Class 8 — long-distance transport
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Straight trucks
Local and regional distribution
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Dump trucks
Construction and bulk materials
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Refrigerated trucks
Food Pharma
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Tanker trucks
Liquids and hazardous materials
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Flatbed trucks
Heavy equipment and materials
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Moving
Commercial and residential fleets
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Forestry trucks
Timber and Harvesting
Factors that influence the cost of trucking insurance
The price of trucking insurance in Quebec varies considerably from one company to another. Here are the main factors considered by insurers:
| Factor | Impact | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Merchandise | High | Hazardous materials and high-value products = higher premiums |
| Operating Radius | High | Local vs. Provincial vs. Cross-border (Canada-USA) |
| Fleet size | Medium | 10+ trucks = great group rates |
| Claims history | High | Claim-free record = significant discounts |
| Driver Experience | Medium | Experienced drivers with a good record = reduced risk |
| Age of vehicles | Medium | Newer, well-maintained trucks cost less |
| Annual mileage | Moderate | The more a truck drives, the greater the risk |
| Selected Franchise | Moderate | Higher deductible = lower monthly premium |
On average, an owner-operator in Quebec can expect to pay between $8,000 and $15,000 per year for comprehensive coverage, while a commercial fleet will pay based on the number of vehicles and overall risk profile.
Quebec Road Transport Regulations
The trucking sector in Quebec is governed by several organizations and laws that all carriers must be aware of:
Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ)
The CTQ issues transport permits and certificates of fitness for motor carriers. All heavy vehicle operators must hold a valid licence and maintain insurance coverage that meets the minimum requirements. The CTQ may suspend or revoke the licence of a carrier who does not maintain adequate insurance.
SAAQ and heavy vehicles
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) manages the registration of heavy vehicles and the public automobile insurance plan that covers bodily injury. However, property damage is not covered by the SAAQ — which is why private insurance is essential for any commercial truck.
Quebec Road Enforcement
Roadside control officers regularly check the compliance of heavy vehicles on Quebec roads. A carrier caught without valid proof of insurance is subject to fines of $2,500 to $25,000 and immediate seizure of the vehicle.
Canada–U.S. Cross-border transportation
If your trucking operations cross the U.S. border, additional requirements apply:
- FMCSA — Canadian carriers operating in the U.S. must hold a BOC-3 filing and a minimum liability of US$750,000 (US$1,000,000 for hazardous materials)
- Cross-border rider — Your Canadian policy must include a specific endorsement to cover U.S. operations
- Coasting Trade — Transportation between two points in the U.S. by a Canadian carrier is regulated and requires appropriate coverages
- International Green Card — Recognized proof of insurance to travel in the United States
Our brokers know the requirements on both sides of the border and structure your insurance program to cover your cross-border journeys without interruption.
Why use a trucking broker?
Trucking insurance is a complex area where standard policies are not enough. A specialized broker offers you several advantages:
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Access to specialized markets
Northbridge, Aviva, Intact and surplus insurers that you cannot consult directly.
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Competitive pricing
Comparison of several quotes to find the best price-coverage ratio.
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Claims Expertise
Your broker defends your interests and speeds up the settlement process in the event of a claim.
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Regulatory Compliance
Coverage that complies with the requirements of the CTQ, SAAQ and, if applicable, the U.S. FMCSA.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Insurance
How much does trucking insurance cost in Quebec?
The cost varies depending on several factors: type of cargo, radius of operation, size of the fleet and loss history. An owner-manager can expect to pay between $8,000 and $15,000 per year for comprehensive coverage. Commercial fleets often benefit from group rates. Get a personalized quote to find out your exact price.
What coverage is mandatory for a commercial truck in Quebec?
In Quebec, civil liability is mandatory for all commercial vehicles. The SAAQ covers bodily injury through the public plan, but property damage must be covered by private insurance. The Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) also requires valid proof of insurance for all transport permit holders.
Can I insure a truck even if it is not in service?
Yes, it is possible to purchase garage or off-road insurance for an idle truck. This coverage protects the vehicle against theft, vandalism, and damage while it’s in storage, at a fraction of the cost of comprehensive insurance. This is a common option for seasonal carriers.
Does the insurance cover cross-border travel to the United States?
Yes, specific coverages are available for travel to the United States. Your policy must include a cross-border endorsement and meet the requirements of the U.S. FMCSA, which imposes a minimum liability of $750,000 USD ($1,000,000 USD for hazardous materials). Our brokers structure comprehensive programs for Canada-USA transactions.
What happens if the goods are damaged in an accident?
Cargo insurance covers loss and damage to the goods being transported, depending on the nature of the contract and the declared value of the goods. In Quebec, the Transportation Act makes the carrier generally liable for the goods entrusted to him. It is therefore essential to have cargo coverage that is appropriate for the type and value of the goods you are transporting.
Why is trucking insurance essential?
In the trucking industry, unforeseen events can lead to major costs: mechanical breakdown of $10,000 to $50,000, accident involving a vehicle of $150,000+, theft of goods, delivery delays resulting in contractual penalties, legal proceedings of up to millions of dollars. Specialized insurance allows you to continue your operations while minimizing financial losses.
What types of trucks can be insured?
All types of commercial heavy-duty vehicles are insurable: tractors (Class 8), straight trucks, dump trucks, refrigerated trucks, tankers, flatbed trucks, moving trucks and forestry trucks. Trailers, semi-trailers and specialized equipment are also covered under separate policies.
How can I reduce the cost of my trucking insurance?
There are several strategies that can reduce your premiums: maintaining a good claim-free record, investing in driver training, installing telematics and dash cams, choosing a higher deductible, bundling your vehicles in a fleet program, and using a broker who compares offers from several specialized insurers.
What is Truck Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance covers unplanned major repairs to your truck’s engine, transmission, electrical system and other critical components. Repairs on a heavy vehicle can easily exceed $20,000, and the immobilization of a truck results in daily revenue losses. This coverage is particularly recommended for vehicles over 3 years old.
Can a broker help me get a better price?
Absolutely. A trucking insurance broker has access to markets you can’t access directly — including specialty insurers like Northbridge, Aviva and surplus markets. By comparing quotes from several insurers, the broker finds the best coverage-price ratio adapted to your business profile. At Assur360, our partner brokers specialize in road transportation.