Pickup truck insurance in Quebec costs from $1,200 to over $3,500 annually for personal use. However, commercial truck insurance policies and high-risk drivers often face premiums exceeding $4,500. These figures represent private transportation insurance premiums only.
Quebec’s unique two-tier system means you also pay SAAQ registration fees separately for mandatory bodily injury coverage.
Montreal drivers pay more than the provincial average due to higher traffic density, elevated pickup truck theft rates, and urban risk factors.
As an AMF-certified Insurance Broker in Montreal, Qubit Insurance provides accurate 2026 cost estimates, explains Quebec’s insurance system as it applies to pickup trucks, and outlines practical strategies to help reduce your premiums.
What is Pickup Truck Insurance?
Pickup truck insurance is a policy designed for light trucks used for personal transportation, work, or farm operations. In Quebec, it follows the same structure as standard auto insurance but often costs more due to the higher value, repair costs, and significant theft risk associated with these vehicles.
Types of Pickup Trucks Covered
Pickup truck insurance covers a range of trucks in the Canadian market, including:
Half-Ton Models: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, RAM 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra.
Heavy-Duty (3/4-Ton and 1-Ton): F-250 / F-350, Silverado 2500 / 3500, RAM 2500 / 3500.
Midsize Pickups: Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Insurance costs vary by model, with differences driven by vehicle value, repair cost, and how insurers assess risk based on claims and theft history.
Personal vs. Commercial vs. Farm Use
Personal Use: The truck is used for commuting, errands, recreation, and occasional hauling. This qualifies for standard auto insurance rates.
Commercial Use: The truck is used for business purposes such as contracting, delivery, trades work, or hauling materials for profit. Commercial use requires a commercial auto policy and costs significantly more due to increased road exposure.
Farm Use (F-Plate): The truck is used primarily for agricultural operations. Farm-registered vehicles qualify for reduced SAAQ fees and lower private insurance rates, typically 20% to 40% less than commercial rates.
If you use your pickup truck for delivery or transportation work, additional coverage may be required.
How Quebec's Two-Tier Insurance System Works for Pickup Trucks
Quebec is the only Canadian province with a public-private hybrid auto insurance system. Understanding this structure is essential for pickup truck owners because your total annual cost includes both SAAQ fees and private insurance premiums.
SAAQ Public Coverage (Bodily Injury Protection)
The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is the province’s public automobile insurance corporation that provides mandatory no-fault bodily injury coverage for all Quebec motorists. If you or anyone else is injured in an accident involving your pickup truck, the SAAQ covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, income replacement, and death benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
Pickup truck owners contribute to this coverage through annual vehicle registration fees and driver's licence renewal. This participation is mandatory, meaning you cannot opt out or purchase this specific bodily injury coverage from private insurers.
Registration costs depend on vehicle weight and engine displacement. Pickup trucks with engines over 4.0 litres (common in full-size trucks like the F-150 5.0L V8 or RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI) pay additional surcharges. Standard pickup truck registration in 2026 ranges from approximately $270 to $350 annually, plus the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) transit tax of $59 if applicable.
Private Insurance Coverage (Civil Liability and Physical Damage)
Civil Liability Insurance (Section A): Civil liability insurance (also called third-party liability) covers the financial consequences if your pickup truck causes damage to others. In Quebec, this primarily covers damage to non-vehicle property (such as buildings, fences, or municipal infrastructure) and is essential for covering all property damage and bodily injury liability if you drive outside the province.
While Quebec law requires a minimum limit of $50,000, this amount is dangerously low for pickup truck owners. Due to their size and weight, pickups can cause catastrophic damage in collisions compared to smaller vehicles, and towing a trailer further increases the risk. Consequently, we recommend increasing your limit to $2,000,000. This industry standard provides critical protection, especially if you drive into Ontario or the United States, where lawsuits are common and settlement costs can be astronomical.
Physical Damage Coverage (Section B): Physical damage coverage protects your own pickup truck. It includes two optional but critical components:
- Collision Coverage: Pays to repair or replace your truck if you are at fault in an accident, strike an object, or roll over. (Note: Under Quebec's no-fault system, if you are not at fault in a collision, your repairs are covered under Section A without a deductible).
- Comprehensive Coverage: Pays for non-collision losses including theft, fire, vandalism, hail damage, flooding, and broken glass. This coverage is vital for Montreal drivers, as high-value trucks like the RAM 1500, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado are consistent targets for organized theft.
2026 Pickup Truck Insurance Cost Breakdown for Montreal
The following tables show estimated annual private insurance premiums for pickup truck owners in Montreal. These figures assume standard coverage limits ($2,000,000 liability, $500 deductibles) and a driver with a clean record. Note that you must add SAAQ registration fees (approximately $370 to $655 depending on vehicle specifications, engine size, and the mandatory CMM transit tax) to calculate your total annual cost.
Personal Use Half-Ton Pickups
Models: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, RAM 1500, Toyota Tundra
| Driver Profile | Annual Premium Estimate |
|---|---|
| Clean record, age 30-50 | $1,200 - $1,800 |
| Clean record, age 25-29 | $1,800 - $2,500 |
| Clean record, under 25 | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| Previous claims or tickets | $2,800 - $4,500+ |
| Add Q.E.F. No. 43 (Replacement Cost) | +$150 - $300 |
Heavy-Duty Personal Pickups (Three-Quarter and One-Ton)
Models: Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500, RAM 2500/3500
| Driver Profile | Annual Premium Estimate |
|---|---|
| Clean record, age 30-50 | $1,600 - $2,400 |
| Clean record, age 25-29 | $2,300 - $3,200 |
| Previous claims or tickets | $3,500 - $5,500+ |
Commercial Use Pickups
Usage: Contracting, construction, plumbing, electrical, delivery, landscaping, snow removal
| Business Use Type | Annual Premium Estimate |
|---|---|
| Service trades (plumber, electrician) | $2,000 - $3,200 |
| Contracting / construction | $2,500 - $3,800 |
| Delivery / transport | $3,500 - $5,000+ |
| Fleet vehicle (per unit average) | $1,800 - $2,800 |
Midsize Pickups (Lowest Insurance Costs)
Models: Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline
Midsize pickups generally cost 15% to 25% less to insure than full-size trucks. A clean-record driver aged 30 to 50 can expect annual premiums of $1,000 to $1,400 for personal use. The Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Frontier typically have the lowest premiums in this category due to lower theft rates and repair costs.
What are Q.E.F. Endorsements for Pickup Trucks?
Q.E.F. stands for "Quebec Endorsement Form" (Formulaire d'avenant du Quebec in French). These are standardized policy add-ons approved by the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) that modify or extend your basic insurance coverage. Think of endorsements as optional upgrades that customize your policy for specific needs. Several Q.E.F. endorsements are particularly valuable for pickup truck owners.
Q.E.F. No. 43 - Replacement Cost Coverage
Without this endorsement, if your pickup truck is stolen or declared a total loss, your insurer pays the actual cash value (ACV), which reflects the current market value minus depreciation. For example, a 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat purchased for $75,000 might have an ACV of only $55,000 after two years. Q.E.F. No. 43 pays the replacement cost, meaning you receive enough to purchase a new equivalent vehicle.
Pickup trucks depreciate significantly during the first few years of ownership. High-trim models such as Lariat, Platinum, Limited, Denali, and High Country can lose $15,000 to $25,000 in value within 24 months. Q.E.F. No. 43 protects this investment, and the endorsement typically adds $150 to $300 per year to your insurance premium.
Important Note: Dealer-sold replacement cost insurance (Q.P.F. No. 5) will no longer be available after July 1, 2026. After this date, Q.E.F. No. 43 through your insurance broker becomes the primary option for replacement cost protection on pickup trucks.
Q.E.F. No. 27 - Liability for Non-Owned Vehicles
This endorsement extends your civil liability coverage to vehicles you rent or borrow that are not listed on your policy.
If your truck is in the shop for repairs, you may need to rent a replacement vehicle. If you borrow a friend's truck for a weekend project, you need liability protection. Q.E.F. No. 27 ensures you have coverage while driving vehicles you don't own.
Q.E.F. No. 34 - Extended Accident Benefits
This endorsement provides additional accident benefits beyond what the SAAQ covers, including enhanced income replacement, rehabilitation expenses, and death benefits.
If you rely on your pickup truck for income (contractors, trades workers, delivery drivers), extended accident benefits provide additional financial protection if you're injured and unable to work.
Montreal-Specific Factors Affecting Pickup Truck Insurance Costs
Montreal pickup truck owners face unique cost factors that do not apply to drivers in rural Quebec. Understanding these factors explains why urban premiums are higher.
Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) Transit Tax
Residents of the 82 municipalities within the Greater Montreal area pay an additional $59 annual vehicle registration tax, collected by the SAAQ on behalf of the regional transit authority (ARTM). This tax funds public transit infrastructure and applies to all passenger vehicles, including pickup trucks.
The tax applies to vehicles registered on Montreal Island, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, Terrebonne, Blainville, Repentigny, Mirabel, Vaudreuil-Dorion, and other surrounding CMM municipalities.
High Pickup Truck Theft Rates in Montreal
Montreal is a major hub for organized vehicle theft due to its proximity to the Port of Montreal, where stolen vehicles are shipped overseas. Pickup trucks are prime targets because of their high resale value internationally. According to Equite Association's 2024 data, the RAM 1500, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado consistently appear on theft lists.
High-Risk Trim Levels: Premium trim levels (Ford Platinum/Limited, RAM Laramie/Limited, Chevrolet High Country, GMC Denali) are targeted more frequently than base models because they command higher prices in overseas markets.
Insurance Impact: Higher theft risk increases your comprehensive insurance premium. Some insurers require installation of an approved anti-theft device (such as a Tag tracking system) as a condition of coverage for high-theft pickup truck models in Montreal postal codes.
Postal Code Rating Territories
Insurers divide the Montreal area into rating territories based on historical claims data. Your home address (specifically your postal code) directly affects your premium because it indicates the statistical risk of accidents, theft, and vandalism in your neighbourhood.
Higher-Cost Areas: Downtown Montreal, parts of the South Shore (Brossard, Longueuil), and certain North Shore areas tend to have higher premiums due to traffic density and theft rates.
Lower-Cost Areas: West Island communities and some suburban areas may have slightly lower rates, though they remain higher than rural Quebec.
Traffic Density and Accident Frequency
Montreal's major highways (15, 20, 40, 720) experience heavy traffic volumes and frequent accidents. This increases the statistical likelihood that your pickup truck will be involved in a collision. Insurers factor this "frequency of loss" into baseline premiums for all Montreal drivers.
Quebec Provincial Insurance Tax
Quebec applies a 9% non-refundable tax on all private insurance premiums in 2026. This rate increases to 9.975% effective January 1, 2027. For a pickup truck policy with $2,000 in annual premiums, you pay an additional $180 in provincial tax. When comparing quotes, confirm whether the quoted price includes this tax or if it will be added separately.
Why Pickup Trucks Cost More to Insure Than Cars
Many drivers are surprised when their pickup truck insurance costs significantly more than their previous sedan. Several factors explain this difference.
Higher Repair and Replacement Costs
Pickup trucks have larger, heavier components that cost more to repair or replace. Modern trucks also include expensive technology: tailgate cameras, motorized running boards, advanced towing systems, and large touchscreen displays. Aluminum body panels (standard on Ford F-150 since 2015) require specialized repair equipment. Parts availability and labour costs are generally higher for trucks than compact cars.
High Theft Desirability
Full-size pickup trucks consistently rank among the most stolen vehicles in Canada. Their popularity in overseas markets makes them profitable targets for organized theft operations. Higher theft risk translates directly to higher comprehensive insurance premiums.
Greater Damage Potential in Collisions
Due to their size, weight, and height, pickup trucks cause more damage to other vehicles in collisions than smaller cars. A full-size pickup can weigh 2,500 to 3,500 kilograms. This increases the potential payout under your civil liability coverage when you're at fault in an accident.
Higher Claim Severity Statistics
Insurance industry data shows that when pickup trucks are involved in accidents, the average dollar amount of claims (severity) is higher than for smaller vehicles. This applies to both collision claims for your own truck and liability claims for damage you cause to others.
Proven Strategies to Reduce Pickup Truck Insurance Costs
Several strategies can help Montreal pickup truck owners reduce premiums without sacrificing essential coverage.
Bundle with Home or Tenant Insurance
Combining your pickup truck insurance with home, condo, or tenant insurance from the same provider typically yields 10% to 15% discounts on both policies. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs with no reduction in coverage.
Install Approved Anti-Theft Devices
Installing a recognized tracking system such as Tag can lower the theft portion of your premium. For high-theft pickup models in Montreal, some insurers require an anti-theft device as a condition of providing comprehensive coverage. Beyond insurance savings, a tracking device significantly increases the likelihood of recovering your truck if stolen.
Increase Your Deductibles
The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage begins. For example, with a $1,000 collision deductible, you pay the first $1,000 of repair costs after an accident.
Raising your collision deductible from $500 to $1,000 or $2,500 immediately lowers your annual premium, typically by 15% to 30%. This strategy works well for experienced drivers with emergency savings who can afford a higher out-of-pocket cost if a claim occurs.
Multi-Vehicle and Multi-Driver Discounts
Insuring multiple vehicles with the same provider unlocks additional discounts. If your household has two or more vehicles, combining them on one policy typically saves 5% to 15% per vehicle.
Usage-Based Insurance (Telematics)
Many insurers offer mobile apps that track your driving habits including braking, acceleration, speed, and time of day. Responsible drivers who demonstrate safe habits through telematics programs can earn discounts of up to 25% on policy renewal. This is particularly valuable for pickup truck owners facing higher base premiums.
Choose Insurance-Friendly Trim Levels
When purchasing a new pickup truck, be aware that trim level significantly affects insurance costs. Work-oriented trims (Ford XL/XLT, Chevrolet WT/Custom, RAM Tradesman/Big Horn) cost less to insure than luxury trims (Platinum, Limited, Denali, High Country). High-performance models (Ford Raptor, RAM TRX) have the highest premiums due to their power and value.
F-Plate Registration for Farm Use
An F-plate (farm plate) is a special vehicle registration in Quebec for trucks used primarily in agricultural operations. The "F" appears on your licence plate and indicates farm vehicle status.
Insurance Savings: F-plated pickup trucks qualify for subsidized SAAQ registration fees and lower private insurance rates, typically 20% to 40% less than standard personal or commercial rates.
Eligibility: To qualify, you must demonstrate agricultural use with a Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) membership card or a MAPAQ agricultural operation registration. The truck's primary purpose must be farm operations.
Common Pickup Truck Insurance Scenarios in Montreal
Purchasing a New Pickup Truck
If you're financing or leasing a new pickup truck, your lender requires full collision and comprehensive coverage with maximum deductibles of $1,000. We strongly recommend adding Q.E.F. No. 43 replacement cost coverage immediately to protect against depreciation. Contact us before signing at the dealership to have coverage in place for your drive home.
Purchasing a Used Pickup Truck
For older trucks with lower values (under $15,000), evaluate whether comprehensive and collision coverage remain cost-effective. On a truck worth $10,000, paying $800 annually for physical damage coverage may not make financial sense. Liability coverage remains mandatory, but you may choose to self-insure physical damage on older vehicles.
Using Your Personal Truck for Occasional Work
If you use your personal pickup truck for occasional delivery, snow removal, landscaping, or contracting, you must disclose this use to your insurer. Standard personal auto policies exclude commercial use. If you have an accident while using your truck for undisclosed business purposes, your claim can be denied. We can help you add appropriate commercial endorsements or transition to a commercial policy.
Adding a Young Driver to Your Policy
Adding a driver under 25 to a pickup truck policy significantly increases premiums due to higher accident rates among young drivers. Consider usage-based insurance programs to offset the cost by demonstrating safe driving habits. Some families choose to insure young drivers on lower-value vehicles initially rather than a newer pickup truck.
Towing a Trailer with Your Pickup Truck
Your pickup truck's civil liability coverage extends to trailers while towing. However, physical damage to the trailer itself (theft, collision, fire while parked) requires separate coverage. If you tow a boat, RV, utility trailer, or cargo trailer, add it to your policy for complete protection.
How Independent Brokers Differ from Direct Insurers
Understanding your options helps you make an informed purchasing decision for pickup truck insurance.
Buying Directly from an Insurance Company
When you contact an insurance company directly (Intact, Desjardins, Co-operators, Belair), you can only purchase that company's products at that company's prices. If their underwriting views pickup trucks unfavourably, or if your postal code falls into a high-risk territory for that specific insurer, you pay premium rates without knowing alternatives exist.
Insurance Through Your Bank
Banks offer insurance as a convenience product, but their representatives typically have limited expertise in pickup truck coverage, commercial policies, or Quebec-specific endorsements. Bank insurance is usually provided by a single underwriting partner, limiting your options.
Working with an Independent Broker
Qubit Insurance is an AMF-certified independent brokerage that represents you, the client, rather than the insurance companies. We compare rates from multiple insurers, advocate on your behalf during claims, and provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. For pickup truck owners facing higher premiums due to vehicle type or Montreal location, having access to multiple markets often identifies significant savings.
Why Choose Qubit Insurance for Pickup Truck Coverage
Qubit Insurance is an AMF-certified damage insurance brokerage based in Montreal. Our representatives hold valid certificates issued by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), Quebec's financial services regulator. This certification confirms we have completed mandatory training, passed qualification examinations, and comply with the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services.
Montreal Market Expertise
We understand Montreal's postal code rating territories, local theft patterns affecting pickup trucks, and which insurers offer competitive rates for urban truck owners. Our team knows which companies actively write pickup truck policies in the Montreal market and which ones to avoid due to unfavourable pricing.
Access to Multiple Insurance Companies
As an independent brokerage, we are not tied to any single insurance company. We compare rates from multiple insurers to find the best combination of price and protection for your specific pickup truck and driver profile. A RAM 1500 that one company prices at $2,400 might cost $1,800 with a different insurer that views the risk more favourably.
Quebec Insurance System Knowledge
Quebec's unique SAAQ system, Q.E.F. endorsements, and provincial regulations require specialized understanding. We ensure your pickup truck coverage meets all provincial requirements, and recommend appropriate endorsements like Q.E.F. No. 43 for newer trucks, and identify coverage gaps before they become problems.
Personal, Commercial, and Farm Pickup Truck Coverage
Whether you use your pickup truck for personal transportation, commercial work, or farm operations, we have the expertise to properly structure your coverage. We can identify F-plate eligibility for qualifying agricultural clients, ensure commercial policies match actual business use, and coordinate personal policies with appropriate endorsements.
Information Required for a Pickup Truck Insurance Quote
Gather the following information before requesting a quote to ensure accurate pricing.
Vehicle Information
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, make, model, and trim level (XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum, etc.). Current odometer reading and estimated annual kilometres. Whether the vehicle is owned outright, financed, or leased.
Driver Information
Driver's licence number for all household members who will drive the truck. Date of birth, years licensed, and driving record including any accidents or tickets in the past six years.
Usage Information
Primary use (personal, commuting, commercial, farm). One-way commute distance if used for work travel. Any business use, delivery activities, or towing requirements.
Current Insurance Information
If switching insurers, provide your current policy details including insurer name, policy number, coverage limits, and expiry date. This helps us ensure continuous coverage and transfer any applicable discounts.
Get Your Pickup Truck Insurance Quote Today
Pickup truck insurance in Montreal requires balancing adequate protection with higher urban premiums. Rather than accepting the first quote you receive, work with AMF-certified specialists who understand the Montreal market and can compare rates across multiple insurers.
Contact Qubit Insurance for a no-obligation pickup truck insurance quote. Our Montreal-based team will review your vehicle, driver profile, and coverage needs, then compare options across our insurer network to find the best combination of price and protection.
Call +1 514 659 3151 to speak with our pickup truck insurance specialists and discuss your coverage needs.
Disclaimer: The insurance premiums, cost estimates, and SAAQ fees mentioned in this guide are for educational and illustrative purposes only. They do not constitute a binding offer, insurance quote, or guarantee of coverage. Actual premiums will vary based on your driving record, insurance history, specific vehicle model, and other underwriting factors. For an accurate quote tailored to your situation, please contact a Qubit Insurance broker directly.
