Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides answers to the questions frequently asked by consumers.  For specific questions concerning your insurance needs, please contact an insurance broker.

Do you sell insurance?

No. We are an association that represents property & casualty insurance brokers across Québec. To find an insurance broker in your area, click here.

How do I become an insurance broker?

In Canada, insurance brokers must be licensed. Licensing requirements vary from province to province. Contact the insurance brokers association in your province to find out more.

The RCCAQ offers training programs for persons interested in becoming a damage insurance broker in personal lines (Courtier 101) and in business lines (Courtier 102).

How do I find an insurance broker?

Word of mouth is often the best source. Ask a friend, a neighbour or a co-worker if they can recommend a broker. Or click on our broker locator.

What is the difference between an insurance broker and an insurance agent?

An agent works for one company and can only offer you the products of that company. An insurance broker has access to the products of several insurance companies and can find the best combination of coverage, price and service. In other words, an insurance broker works for you.

How can I control my insurance costs?

For all policies:

1. Review your policies with your insurance broker to ensure that you are adequately (but not over-) insured.
2. Raise your deductibles for all policies. Accepting the risk for small losses can save you money.
3. Report insurance fraud to the appropriate authorities.
4. Advise your broker of any important changes in your life. Your contracts may need to be adjusted. The premium may not be lower but, at least, it will be tailored to your needs.

For car insurance:

1. Not all cars are created equal; some cost less to insure because of lower repair costs and risk of theft. Ask your broker before you buy.
2. Install an anti-theft system.
3. Avoid tickets. The better your driving record, the lower your premiums.
4. Avoid claims by preventing collisions. Drive defensively, sober and awake.
5. Where possible, take public transportation to and from work.

For commercial insurance:

1. Ensure that your employees are aware of safety and hiring practices as well as your workplace’s harassment policies.
2. Consult your insurance broker before expanding your business to other regions or launching new products. Premiums can vary significantly from one region to another. 
3. Ask your broker about arranging a complete loss prevention audit to identify possible hazards and offer solutions to reduce exposure to a broad range of risks– from injuries and fire to fraud and theft.
4. Use your imagination. Visualize a catastrophic situation, a fire, an earthquake, or imagine that such an incident affects your largest client or your sole supplier. Your broker can help you find a solution to the difficulties that could arise.
5. Some insurers have a risk inspection service as a preventive measure. By following the recommendations made during the inspection, you can improve the general security of your facilities and activities and thereby pay a fair premium to make sure you have adequate coverage.

Why are insurance premiums increasing?

Several factors are affecting our insurance premiums. Some of them include:

• Low return on investment
• Claims
• Fraud
• Global catastrophes
• Insurance premiums to other insurance companies
• The frequency of natural catastrophes is on the rise

In this context, it is particularly wise to consult an insurance broker who will “shop around” for you by comparing the products offered by the various insurers in order to find the policy that best meets your needs.

How and when to make your claim?

How you make your claim is as important as what you claim. The right time to make a claim is immediately or as soon as you are able, but you should also consider whether making a claim at all would be in your best interest. Your brokers’ advice can help you in making this decision.

Alert your broker as soon as practically possible

If there is any danger or ongoing damage occurring, your first priority should be to ensure your safety and limit the damage to your property. At that point, you should take care to act quickly and with the right information.

• Alert your broker and your insurer of an insured loss as soon as your situation permits.
• Keep phone numbers available.
• Alert the police of any theft or break-in.
• Do not alter evidence of the loss, for example, by starting to clean up after a pipe bursts or altering the scene of a break-in. If you absolutely must alter anything, take detailed pictures of the damage first.

Consider whether or not you should make a claim

First thing's first. Should you make a claim? In certain situations you should not, and your insurance broker can help you weigh the pros and cons.

• Is it covered? Remember that your policy has limits and exclusions that mean some losses or certain risks are not covered. Property belonging to your employer, for example, is probably not covered. Damage from a fire that was set intentionally might not be covered, and theft of a valuable painting could be beyond your insurance limit. Is it covered? Ask your broker first.
• If the loss is less than the amount of your deductible, then you cannot make a claim.
• If your loss is covered and above the amount of your deductible, you still might not want to make a claim if your premiums will increase as a result. Again, ask your broker for advice.

Work with your broker and the claims adjuster

Once your claim has been made, the insurance company may appoint an adjuster to get a clear picture of the circumstances and extent of the loss. They may assist in securing repairs and can help with arrangements for accommodations. They might also decide to limit the amount of a payment or to not pay at all, depending on the situation.

If you are unsure about the role of your adjuster and the information they are using, be sure to contact your broker who can help bring clarity to the situation.

Choosing a broker

In Québec, you can purchase insurance:

• directly from an insurance company;
• from an agent who represents only one insurer and can only offer that company’s products;
• on the Internet;
• through an insurance broker who can offer a choice of coverages from various insurance companies.

An insurance broker’s foremost duty is to his or her client. An insurance broker works for you. That’s the reason.

As a consumer of insurance, it is in your interest to find a suitable P&C broker to handle your business.

Thanks to your broker, you benefit from expert advice so that you can choose your insurance customized to meet your needs.

Advantages

An insurance broker is an invaluable ally for the consumer since he is a well-informed intermediary who clearly understands the insurance policy he offers.

An insurance policy is a promise to pay in the event of an insured claim. Purchasing insurance can be complicated as insurance policies are legal documents and not every policy is the same.  Purchasing insurance through an insurance broker will give you Peace of Mind.

In Quebec, there are dozens of companies providing insurance to consumers, with each offering its own unique coverage. Comparing products can be a time-consuming job. A knowledgeable insurance broker can help you find the coverage that’s right for you, for your home, car or business.

Insurance brokers are licensed, but for many of them, insurance is not just a business, it’s a "calling": a deep-rooted desire to help people in their community. In the event of a claim, a broker will guide you through the settlement process. Brokers also advocate on your behalf to insurers, regulators, and government to ensure affordable insurance, choices and innovative products adapted to your needs.

What can you expect from your broker?

Your broker will:

1. Evaluate your insurance needs and offer products that meet them;
2. To serve your interests first and not his or those of the insurance companies with whom he does business during his operations;
3. Handle your transactions in a competent, professional manner;
4. Give you all the information you need to make a well-informed decision;
5. Inform you in the event there is a conflict of interest;
6. Consider any complaint in his regard and ensure it is rapidly and categorically resolved.

Our Symbol

Next time you need insurance, look for this symbol.

Insurance brokers who display this symbol are committed to providing you with unbiased, professional expertise to secure the best coverage at the best price.

True insurance professionals also act as an advocate for their clients in the case of a claim. That’s when most of us learn the real advantage of dealing with a local insurance broker.  Your broker acts as your advocate to make sure the insurance company responds quickly and fairly.

This symbol is a trademark of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada.

Demystifying insurance

What is an insurance policy?

An insurance policy is a legal contract between you (the insured) and the insurance company through which the insurer guarantees the insured against the risks expressly designated in his contract.

Who profits from insurance policies?

As most people, you have probably never needed to present an insurance claim. But if this is not the case, you will be happy to know that the premiums paid (amount of the insurance) by thousands of consumers will be used to compensate you in the event of a claim.

In short, purchasing an insurance policy means protecting yourself from possible claims which could severely disrupt your life

What types of insurance policies are available?

There are practically as many insurance policies as there are products but they can usually be divided into three main property categories: Automobile, Home and Business.

For all other non-standard products, we suggest you consult the directory of specialized markets to find the broker who will be able to advise you on the type of insurance that will meet your needs.

Lastly, it is important not to neglect professional liability insurance which is your protection against actions for non-intentional injuries or damages that you, your products or your work could cause to others or to their property due to your negligence. Even if such a lawsuit proves to be unfounded, the cost of your defence is included in your liability insurance contract. Your defence and peace of mind are guaranteed. 

Why purchase an insurance policy?

In Quebec, liability insurance for your vehicle is mandatory and material damage insurance is also strongly recommended.

In your home, whether you are an owner or tenant, it is strongly recommended that you purchase insurance to protect your property. In most cases, banks and mortgage loan companies require that you have proof of home insurance as well as liability insurance.

The same is true for your business which should be adequately protected.

Are you prepared to lose everything you have, everything you care about? This risk is enormous and insurance is a way of protecting your heritage.

Visualize a situation: Imagine that a major disaster hits your company. Are you going to reconstruct, lose important clients or employees? How will you react in regard to your obligations? Do you have a plan of action? Your broker can help you resolve many problems even before they occur and the reason for taking out insurance tailored to your needs will become very clear.

What is property & casualty insurance?

Property and casualty insurance includes home, car, and business insurance, but not life insurance. It covers your property against loss or damage from insured perils, injuries, and damages caused to others.

Why are insurance premiums increasing?

Several factors are affecting our insurance premiums. Some of them include:

• Low return on investment
• Claims
• Fraud
• Insurance premiums to other insurance companies
• The frequency of natural catastrophes is on the rise 

In this context, it is particularly wise to consult an insurance broker who will "shop around" for you by comparing the products offered by the various insurers in order to find the policy that best meets your needs.