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The 5 Best Insurance Brokers in Montreal for Better Coverage

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The 5 Best Insurance Brokers in Montreal for Better Coverage

Quebec regulations can make everyday business management feel like a steep uphill climb. Entrepreneurs regularly chat with tax consultants or financial advisors, but unexpected disasters require a different kind of safety net.

A single burst pipe or liability lawsuit can wipe out years of hard work overnight. The right business insurance broker in Montreal takes that weight off an owner’s shoulders by tailoring coverage to local market realities.

I vetted local professionals who understand provincial rules and protect against sudden losses. Below is my guide to safeguarding a company without endless red tape.

How much does a business insurance broker cost in Montreal?

Brokers in Montreal are often paid through commissions built into your policy premium, and most businesses pay $400 to $5,000+ per year. 

Some also charge separate brokerage or administrative fees, so ask for a breakdown first.

The figures below are annual premiums, not broker fees.

Business Risk Profile / Policy TypeAverage Annual Cost (CAD)
Low-Risk / Service Businesses, such as consultants and freelancers$500-$1,500 per year
Retail, Restaurants & Professional Trades$1,500-$3,000 per year
Industrial, Manufacturing & High-Risk$3,000-$5,000+ per year
Commercial General Liability (CGL), stand-alone$400-$1,000 per year
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)$500-$2,500 per year
Cyber Liability Insurance$1,500+ per year

How I Reviewed

Coverage Breadth and Specialty Lines: I checked how well each brokerage handles risks in different sectors. I paid extra attention to targeted protection like wrap-up liability and cyber insurance.
Bilingual Support and Claims Help: Business owners here need clear guidance in French and English. So I looked at whether brokers step in to help clients through tough claim filings.
Market Access and Independence: Good rates depend on having plenty of policy options. That’s why I favored brokerages that compare quotes across multiple insurers and specialty markets.
Ongoing Account Maintenance: Business needs change fast as payroll grows and operations shift. I looked for dedicated brokers and regular coverage reviews instead of one-time sales.

1. Univesta Assurances et Services Financiers

univesta-assurances-et-services-financiers-logo

Website: https://www.univesta.com/

Address: 3925 Rue Rachel E, QC H1X 3G8

Contact: 1-833-789-9203 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM; Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Univesta Assurances et Services Financiers specializes in coverage for residential care facilities. 

They bundle premises, care liability, and business interruption into one package. That package also covers resident protection for intermediate-resource housing.

I really like that they keep these protections together instead of scattering them across separate policies, keeping things simple for owners.

Univesta doesn’t stop at care homes, though. They also offer tailored plans for wholesalers, cross-border trucking fleets, and equestrian stables.

For manufacturers and distributors, coverage extends to inventory in transit and interruption-related losses.

Technology companies can protect their intellectual property and cyber risks too. That’s a flexible range for very different industries.

The downside is the shorter Friday schedule. Direct broker claims support closes at 4:30 PM on Fridays, compared with 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday. That’s worth planning around if you have a late-week claim.

Pros

  • Specialized packages for intermediate-resource residential care
  • Fleet coverage for local and cross-border transport
  • Dedicated technology coverage for cyber and intellectual-property risks
  • Specific policy options for equestrian facilities

Cons

  • Friday broker claims support ends at 4:30 PM

He Takes the Time to Answer Every Single Question

With all my experience in insurance Hakan is the best guy I have ever found!

He takes the time to explain you every details and takes the time to answer every single question I have!

This guy is just amazing! I never felt comfortable while shopping for insurance until Hakan was my agent!

Made me understand every details! Hakan is the guy to ask when calling unvista!

Thank you Unvista for having such an agent like him!

Fathi Alnehlawi | Google Review

They Gave Me More Options at a Lower Rate

considering my experience with my last broker, my expectations of getting a good insurance plan at an affordable rate were qwite low, after contacting Univesta an agent quickly put my mind at ease, gave me a rebate and more options at a lower rate then my last broker from 5 years ago. i was qwite impressed with the little amount of time it took them to research and come up with a satisfying option and price. friendly service i highly recommend their services.

Sukhoï 29K | Google Review

2. Qubit Insurance

qubit-insurance-logo

Website: https://www.qubitinsurance.ca/

Address: 1155 Rue Metcalfe, Suite 1500, QC H3B 2V6

Contact: 450-234-2120 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Qubit Insurance compares commercial policies across more than 20 insurers and specialty markets. That wide reach gives budget-conscious owners a real edge.

I like that this network saves you from calling individual carriers yourself. 

On top of that, their bilingual staff can help with claims in French and English.

Their support doesn’t end once you sign, either. The team offers coverage reviews when you buy new equipment, add staff, or change operations. 

Professional liability and directors’ and officers’ insurance are also available alongside cyber coverage.

Speed is another strength. Reviewers say the quote process moves fast, even for a first company truck. That’s a big plus if you’re short on time.

The downside is the later start. Their phone lines don’t open until 9:00 AM, so early callers have to wait. That can be a hassle if you like to sort out insurance before work.

Pros

  • Access to over 20 insurers and specialty markets
  • Bilingual claims assistance in French and English
  • Coverage reviews as operations expand
  • Downtown Montreal and Saint-Laurent office branches

Cons

  • Phone service starts at 9:00 AM

He Helped Me Get Insurance for My Company Truck

Dealt with Manjot for my first truck for my Company. He helped my getting the best quote possible in no time and get my insurance done. There are many brokers in the market and i wasted about a month for my quote done, but i don’t regret getting service from MANJOT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.✨

Raghav | Google Review

They Made a Daunting Task Straightforward and Stress-Free

I recently had the pleasure of working with Manjot , and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. From the very beginning, he was attentive, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient. He took the time to understand my specific needs and provided clear explanations of all my options.

I highly recommend qubit insurance for anyone in need of insurance services. They made a daunting task straightforward and stress-free, and I feel confident knowing that I have the right coverage in place.

Thank you

Jagtar Kang | Google Review

3. Fort Assurances & Avantages Sociaux

fort-assurances-avantages-sociaux-logo

Website: https://www.fort.ca/

Address: 3737 boul. Crémazie E, bureau 1001, QC H1Z 2K4

Contact: 514-374-9944 (toll-free: 1-877-860-1412)

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Fort Assurances & Avantages Sociaux shines with specialized lines for construction, aviation, and private investment firms. Their commercial options cover job-site risks and aircraft fleets.

Construction clients get extra support too. Contractors can tap into surety bonds through Quebec bonding companies, including bid, performance, and maintenance bonds.

Beyond bonds, construction coverage also includes installation risks, goods in transit, and off-site tools. Environmental liability is available too.

Fort isn’t just for builders, though. I also like that their brokers tailor civil liability and cyber protection. That makes it a good fit for law practices, engineers, and condo managers.

The downside is limited availability. Phone service ends at 5:00 PM on weekdays, and there aren’t any weekend branch hours for routine questions. So if you need help after work, you’ll have to wait until the next business day.

Pros

  • Diverse surety bonds, including bid and performance bonds
  • Coverage choices for construction and job-site risks
  • Specialist aviation insurance for corporate and cargo aircraft
  • Tailored professional packages for architects and engineers

Cons

  • Weekday phone service ends at 5:00 PM
  • No weekend branch hours

Made a Stressful Insurance Shopping Experience Feel Like a Breeze

Very happy with my experience with Gaudreau over the years! Thanks to Erica Starnino who is very professional, courteous and puts in a lot of work to make sure I got the best coverage for the best possible price. She took the time to explain my coverage in a detailed way and was patient with any questions I had. She always responded in a timely manner and made what can be a stressful insurance shopping experience feel like a breeze. Can’t ask for more! I highly recommend to others

Devon Thompson | Google Review

He Was Courteous and Kind but Above All Else Competent

I have been dealing with Vincent from Gaudreau Assurances and he was courteous and kind but above all else competent. I am thrilled to have called as he was able to help me find the best possible quote. I highly recommend calling. I am not one to leave reviews, but in this case it was warranted.

Aaliyah Aaliyah | Google Review

4. ESSOR Assurances

essor-assurances-logo

Website: https://www.essor.ca/en

Address: 700 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest, 6th Floor, QC H3B 1X8

Contact: 514-878-9373 (toll-free: 1-877-883-7767)

Hours: Office visits (by appointment): Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM; Personal call centre: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM-5:30 PM, Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; Commercial call centre: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday: Closed

ESSOR Assurances develops targeted insurance programs for travel agencies, summer camps, and professional associations. Niche groups often struggle to find standard coverage, so these packages fit their specific activities.

It’s handy that they also offer legal expense protection and human resources assistance alongside liability policies. That puts several business needs under one roof.

Once a claim comes up, their brokers guide you through it. They represent your interests with insurers along the way, which takes stress off your plate.

The downside is the fine print. Preferred program rates depend on eligibility criteria, so not every business automatically qualifies.

Access can be limited too. Office visits are by appointment only and run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, which limits walk-in flexibility.

Pros

  • Sector-specific programs for camps and travel agencies
  • Dedicated brokers specializing in designated niches
  • Legal expense coverage and human resources support
  • Broker guidance and advocacy during claims

Cons

  • Preferred program rates are subject to eligibility criteria
  • Office visits require an appointment and end at 4:00 PM

My Experience with Ms. Moreau Was Exceptional

After a bad experience with a broker (from another company) a few days prior, my experience with Ms. Moreau was exceptional. Highly professional and empathetic to my situation, she helped me regain my confidence. I value competence, efficiency, and a positive attitude in my own work environment, so I greatly appreciated Ms. Christine Moreau of Essor.

Justine Demers | Google Review

I Haven’t Had This Level of Customer Care in I Don’t Know How Long

I strongly recommend Maha at Essor Insurance. I haven’t had this level of customer care in I don’t know how long. Maha is very knowledgeable about her products, answers my emails promptly and overall gives me excellent service.

Mary Surowaniec | Google Review

5. KBD Assurance

kbd-assurance-logo

Website: https://kbdinsurance.com/

Address: 1425 Route Transcanadienne, Suite 300, Dorval, QC H9P 2W9

Contact: 514-636-0002 (toll-free: 1-855-636-0002) | [email protected]

Hours: Service department: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Sales department: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-6:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday: Closed

KBD Assurance assigns commercial clients a dedicated broker to manage their business insurance. That means your broker understands your company, and you won’t feel like an anonymous ticket number.

Their practice is built around small and medium enterprises. That focus shows in tailored policies for local Amazon sellers and digital shops that face product-liability risks.

Coverage goes beyond online sellers, too. Equipment breakdown and builders’ risk coverage are also available. 

I also like that you can request policy updates or callbacks by email instead of only calling.

The downside is the split schedule. The sales desk stays open until 6:00 PM, but routine customer service closes at 5:00 PM. That means existing clients get an hour less of support.

Pros

  • Dedicated broker assigned to business clients
  • Specialized protection for e-commerce and Amazon sellers
  • Commercial practice focused on small and medium businesses
  • Equipment breakdown and builders’ risk options

Cons

  • Customer service closes at 5:00 PM, an hour before sales

Between My Commercial and Personal Insurance Needs, Service Is Very Good

…I’ve been dealing with Michael from KBD (for Quebec residents) and I have nothing bad to say. Between my commercial and personal insurance needs, prices are great and service is very good. Between emails and phone calls Mike’s pretty responsive. Usually less than 24h and I get a reply. Only once it took over a week but we’re all human and shit happens. He always knows what hes talking about and takes the extra minute to understand what I need and does the most he can to help out. A+, keep it up Mike & KBD!

Johnny Onofre | Google Review

Very Satisfied with KBD for My First Business Venture

Excellent service! I’m very satisfied with my experience working with KBD for my first business venture, which I’ve been running for four years. I highly recommend them! I will definitely use them again for my future business projects. Thank you!

imane guen | Google Review

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