Hiring an insurance broker in Montreal is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make to protect your home, vehicle, or business.
As an AMF-certified insurance brokerage in Montreal, Qubit Insurance works with clients who demand clarity, choice, and reliable coverage. Unlike insurance agents who are tied to a single company, independent brokers represent you. We shop across multiple insurers to find the best coverage at competitive rates.
Quebec has a robust regulatory framework that ensures insurance professionals meet strict standards. Understanding how this system works helps you verify credentials, evaluate expertise, and choose a partner who will serve as your trusted advocate for years to come.
This guide covers everything Montreal residents need to know about finding, evaluating, and working with an insurance broker in 2026.
Understanding Insurance Brokers vs. Agents
Before hiring an insurance professional, it is essential to understand the fundamental difference between brokers and agents. This distinction determines whose interests they represent in every transaction.
What is an Insurance Broker?
Client Representation: An insurance broker represents you, the client. Their primary obligation is to act in your best interest, not the insurer’s. This fundamental difference shapes every aspect of the relationship, from product recommendations to claims advocacy.
Access to Multiple Insurers: Brokers work with multiple insurance companies, which allows them to compare products, coverage options, and prices across the market. In Quebec, brokers who offer personal auto or home insurance must obtain quotes from at least three insurers registered with the AMF that do not belong to the same financial group.
Claims Advocacy: When you file a claim, your broker acts as your advocate in dealings with the insurance company. They help you understand policy terms, document losses properly, and negotiate fair settlements.
What is an Insurance Agent?
Insurer Representation: An insurance agent represents a specific insurance company. Their primary relationship is with their employer, and they sell only that company’s products.
Limited Product Selection: Agents offer only the products available from their company. While they may have deep knowledge of those specific products, they cannot compare options from competing insurers.
Direct Writers: Many agents are known as "direct writers" because they issue policies directly from the company to consumers. Banks and direct insurance companies typically employ agents rather than brokers.
Broker vs. Agent: Key Differences
Before choosing between a broker and an agent, it helps to see how their roles differ side by side. While both are licensed insurance professionals regulated by Autorité des marchés financiers in Quebec, they operate very differently when it comes to representation, product access, and client support.
Insurance Broker
- Represents you (The client)
- Works with multiple insurance companies
- Compares the market to find competitive rates
- Advocates on your behalf during claims
- Provides independent advice based on your needs
- Must hold a certificate issued by Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in Quebec
- Typically costs you nothing directly (paid by insurer commission built into premiums)
- Best for people who want choice, comparison, and advocacy
Insurance Agent
- Represents one insurance company
- Sells only that company’s products
- Provides a single price from one insurer
- Follows company claims processes
- Offers advice limited to their employer’s products
- Must also hold an AMF certificate in Quebec
- Typically costs you nothing directly (commission built into premiums)
- Best for people who prefer single-company simplicity
Quebec's Regulatory Framework for Insurance Professionals
Quebec has one of Canada's most comprehensive regulatory systems for insurance professionals. Understanding this framework helps you verify credentials and hold your broker accountable to professional standards.
1. Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF)
The Autorité des marchés financiers is Quebec’s financial regulatory body, established on February 1, 2004. The AMF oversees insurance, securities, deposit institutions (other than banks), and the distribution of financial products and services throughout Quebec.
All insurance brokers in Quebec must hold a representative’s certificate issued by the AMF. To obtain this certificate, candidates must complete approved educational programs, pass AMF examinations demonstrating competency in damage insurance, and successfully complete a supervised probationary period.
The AMF also maintains a public register of firms and individuals authorized to practice. Before working with any broker, you can verify their credentials through the AMF, which confirms whether the individual holds a valid certificate and specifies which sectors they are authorized to practice in.
2. Chambre de l'assurance
Recent Merger: On July 4, 2025, the Chambre de l'assurance de dommages (ChAD) and the Chambre de la sécurité financière (CSF) merged and formed the Chambre de l'assurance. This new self-regulatory organization continues the mandates of its predecessors.
Role and Responsibilities: The Chambre de l'assurance oversees mandatory continuing education, ethics, and discipline for damage insurance brokers, agents, and claims adjusters. Its mission ensures the protection of the public by maintaining discipline among members and supervising their training and ethical conduct.
Professional Development Requirements: Quebec damage insurance brokers must complete 20 Professional Development Units (PDUs) during each two-year reference period. This includes a mandatory compliance course worth 2 PDUs that addresses ethical shortcomings commonly observed in professional practice. The current reference period runs from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.
Complaints Process: If you have concerns about a broker's conduct, you can file a complaint with the Chambre de l'assurance. The organization investigates complaints and can suspend or revoke the right to practice.
3. Professional Designations and Titles
Some insurance brokers pursue professional designations to deepen their knowledge and demonstrate commitment to ongoing education.
CAIB Designation: The Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation, offered through Insurance Brokers Association of Canada, provides comprehensive training in property and casualty insurance, including personal lines, commercial lines, and brokerage operations. Many brokers earn this national designation in addition to their Quebec certification.
CIP Designation: Some professionals also hold the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation through Insurance Institute of Canada. This credential focuses on technical insurance knowledge and risk management and applies across multiple roles in the insurance industry, not only brokerage.
Important Note: Professional designations reflect educational achievement, but they do not replace licensing requirements. In Quebec, brokers must hold a valid representative’s certificate issued by the Autorité des marchés financiers to legally practice, regardless of any designations they hold.
How to Verify a Broker's Credentials
Before working with any insurance broker, take time to verify their credentials. This protects you from unqualified or unauthorized individuals.
1. Check the AMF Public Register
How to Access: Visit lautorite.qc.ca and navigate to the register of firms and individuals authorized to practice. You can search by the individual's name or the firm's name.
What to Verify: Confirm that the broker holds a valid certificate in damage insurance. Check which sector and class of sector they are authorized to practice in (personal lines, commercial lines, or both). Ensure their certificate is currently active and has not been suspended.
Firm Registration: Also verify that the brokerage firm is properly registered with the AMF. The firm must meet capital requirements and maintain proper business registration.
2. Additional Verification Steps
Professional Liability Insurance: All representatives practicing in Quebec must have professional liability insurance, either individually or through their firm. This insurance protects you if errors, mistakes, negligence, or omissions cause you financial harm.
Request Documentation: A reputable broker should be willing to provide proof of their certification and the insurers they work with. They should clearly display their name as it appears in the AMF register and indicate which sectors they are authorized to practice in.
Evaluating a Broker's Expertise and Service
Beyond credentials, you want a broker with relevant expertise and a service model that meets your needs.
1. Montreal and Quebec Market Knowledge
Local Risks: Montreal-based brokers understand the specific risks facing local residents. This includes weather patterns affecting property insurance (ice storms, heavy snowfall, spring flooding), urban driving risks that affect auto premiums, vehicle theft patterns in different neighbourhoods, and which insurers offer competitive rates for Montreal postal codes.
Quebec Insurance System: Quebec's insurance system is unique in Canada. A knowledgeable broker understands the SAAQ public insurance system for bodily injury, Q.E.F. endorsements specific to Quebec policies, direct compensation property damage rules, and provincial regulations affecting coverage requirements.
Insurer Relationships: Experienced brokers have established relationships with multiple insurers operating in Quebec. These relationships can help when advocating for clients during claims or negotiating coverage terms.
2. Personal Lines vs. Commercial Lines Expertise
Personal Lines: If you need home and auto insurance, look for a broker experienced in personal lines. They should understand bundling strategies, coverage gaps common in standard policies, and how to structure deductibles to optimize premiums while maintaining adequate protection.
Commercial Lines: Business insurance requires specialized expertise. If you operate a business, ensure your broker has experience in your industry. Different sectors face different risks: construction, transportation, technology, retail, and professional services each have unique insurance requirements.
Specialized Coverage: Ask about experience with specialized coverages you might need: cyber liability insurance, professional liability (errors and omissions), directors and officers liability, business interruption coverage, or equipment breakdown insurance.
For a more detailed look at choosing the right broker for business coverage in Montreal, read our guide on how to find the best commercial insurance broker in Montreal.
3. Assessing Service Quality
Accessibility: Consider how easy it is to reach your broker. Are they available by phone, email, or text? What are their response times? Do they have support staff if the primary broker is unavailable?
Annual Reviews: A good broker proactively reviews your coverage annually. As your circumstances change, so do your insurance needs. Proactive reviews ensure your coverage remains appropriate and identify opportunities for savings.
Claims Support: Ask how the broker supports clients during claims. Will they guide you through the claims process? Will they advocate on your behalf if there are disputes? Claims support is one of the primary advantages of working with a broker rather than buying direct.
Key Questions to Ask Prospective Brokers
Before committing to a broker, schedule consultations with a few candidates. The following questions help you evaluate their expertise, service model, and fit for your needs.
1. Questions About Credentials and Experience
Are you licensed with the AMF?
The answer should always be yes. Ask them to confirm their name as it appears in the AMF register so you can verify independently.
Which insurance companies do you work with?
A good broker should have relationships with multiple insurers. For personal lines, Quebec regulations require access to at least three insurers from different financial groups.
How long have you been practicing?
Experience matters, particularly for complex risks. However, a newer broker with strong training and good supervision can also provide excellent service.
Do you have experience with clients like me?
Whether you need personal insurance or business coverage, the broker should have relevant experience with similar risk profiles.
2. Questions About Service and Process
How do you handle the claims process?
Understand what support you can expect during claims. Will they guide you through documentation? Will they communicate with the insurer on your behalf?
How often will you review my coverage?
Annual reviews should be standard. Ask whether they proactively reach out or whether you need to initiate reviews.
How can I reach you if I have questions?
Understand their communication preferences and response time expectations.
What happens if you are unavailable?
Ask about backup support. If your broker is on vacation or unavailable, who handles urgent matters?
3. Questions About Compensation and Fees
How are you compensated?
Most brokers are paid through commissions from insurance companies. This commission is built into all insurance pricing whether you use a broker or not. Some brokers charge additional fees for complex commercial accounts or specialized services.
Are there any fees for your services?
Transparency is important. If there are fees beyond commissions, they should be disclosed upfront.
Disclosure Requirements: In Quebec, brokers offering personal auto or home insurance must disclose if any single insurer represents 60% or more of their total premium volume. This transparency requirement helps you understand potential biases.
Where to Find Insurance Brokers in Montreal
Finding a qualified broker requires research. Multiple resources can help you identify candidates.
1. Personal Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals from friends, family, neighbours, or colleagues are often the most reliable starting point. Ask people you trust about their experiences with their broker, particularly during claims. A broker who has successfully advocated for someone you know is likely to provide similar service for you.
2. Professional Associations
RCCAQ: The Regroupement des cabinets de courtage d'assurance du Quebec (RCCAQ) is the provincial association representing damage insurance brokers in Quebec. Founded over 50 years ago, it represents thousands of certified brokers across hundreds of brokerage firms throughout the province. The RCCAQ website includes a broker search tool at rccaq.com.
IBAC: The Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) is the national organization representing property and casualty insurance brokers. IBAC promotes ethical standards and ongoing education for brokers across Canada.
3. Online Research and Reviews
Google Reviews: Search for Montreal insurance brokerages and read client reviews. Pay attention to comments about claims handling, responsiveness, and long-term service quality.
Brokerage Websites: Review the websites of potential brokerages. Look for information about their team, the insurers they work with, and the types of clients they serve.
Always Verify: Regardless of how you find a broker, always verify their credentials through the AMF register before proceeding.
What to Expect When Working with an Insurance Broker
Understanding the typical broker relationship helps you get the most value from the partnership.
1. The Initial Consultation
Needs Assessment: Your broker should ask detailed questions about your situation, assets, concerns, and budget. This discovery process helps them understand your specific needs and recommend appropriate coverage.
Coverage Review: If you have existing insurance, bring your current policies. Your broker will review them for gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for improvement.
Market Shopping: After understanding your needs, the broker will shop their markets, requesting quotes from multiple insurers. This process typically takes a few days.
2. Policy Selection and Purchase
Quote Presentation: Your broker will present options, explaining the differences between policies, coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums. They should help you understand the tradeoffs involved in each option.
Recommendations: Based on your needs and budget, the broker should make clear recommendations. They should explain why they recommend specific coverage levels and any endorsements they suggest.
Policy Binding: Once you select a policy, the broker arranges coverage with the insurer. They should explain the payment options and provide documentation of your coverage.
3. The Ongoing Relationship
Annual Reviews: Before each renewal, a good broker reviews your coverage to ensure it still meets your needs. They should proactively shop for better rates and inform you of any significant changes.
Life Changes: Contact your broker when your circumstances change: buying or selling property, adding drivers, starting a business, renovating your home, or acquiring valuable items. These changes may require coverage adjustments.
Claims Support: When you need to file a claim, contact your broker. They can advise whether to file, help with documentation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the process.
Why Choose Qubit Insurance
Qubit Insurance is an AMF-certified damage insurance brokerage based in Montreal. We put the broker principles outlined in this guide into practice every day.
- True Client Representation: We work for you, not the insurance companies. Our recommendations focus on what best serves your needs.
- Access to Multiple Markets: We compare options from multiple Quebec insurers to find the right balance of coverage and price.
- Montreal Market Expertise: We understand local rating territories, theft trends, and weather risks specific to Montreal.
- Full Service: From Personal Lines (Auto, Home, Tenant) to Commercial Lines (Property, Liability, Fleet, Cyber), we build coverage that fits real life.
- Ongoing Support: We treat insurance as a long-term relationship, proactively reviewing your coverage each year.
Contact Qubit Insurance for a no-obligation consultation at +1 514-659-3151. We will review your current coverage, discuss your needs, and help protect what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my broker’s quote look higher than online insurance quotes?
Online quotes often assume basic coverage and minimal limits. Brokers compare policies line by line and match deductibles, endorsements, and protection levels before pricing. Lower online rates usually mean less coverage. At Qubit Insurance, we align coverage first, then shop multiple Quebec insurers to avoid gaps that appear later during claims.
Should I contact more than one broker, or do they all access the same insurers?
Different brokers work with different insurance companies. Some insurers partner only with select brokerages. Speaking with more than one broker can uncover additional options and pricing. Broker market access varies, so comparing brokers can help you find better coverage for your specific risk profile.
Why did my insurance premium increase even though I made no claims?
Insurers raise rates due to regional losses, theft trends, repair costs, weather damage, and inflation, even for claim-free clients. A broker reviews your policy, shops alternatives, and adjusts deductibles or coverage when possible. Qubit Insurance proactively reviews renewals to help clients reduce unnecessary increases.
Can a broker help if an insurer refuses coverage or cancels my policy?
Yes, brokers access specialty insurance markets that direct insurers often don’t offer. When coverage gets declined or cancelled, a broker approaches alternative carriers and negotiates terms to help you stay insured, even for higher-risk or complex situations.
What happens if I give incorrect information to my broker?
Incorrect information can lead to denied claims or cancelled policies. Always provide accurate details about your home, vehicle, or business. Brokers rely on your disclosures to secure valid coverage and protect you from problems when you file a claim.
