How do I file for a claim ?

Your insurance certificate from your policy will have a 24/7 contact number in case of an accident or claims. You should either call the number and file the claim or contact your broker to get help with your claim.

What happens if I miss a payment ?

Failure to make timely payments could result in policy cancellation or suspension of monthly payments. Contact Us as soon as possible if you have a situation like this.

What is a deductible in an insurance policy ?

A deductible is an amount that you choose when purchasing an insurance policy, which you agree to pay at the time of a claim. Deductible will be applied or not can depend on the situation, or type of the claim.

Should you get transport Insurance in Quebec?

At Qubit Insurance, we specialize in helping businesses and individuals in Québec City protect their assets.

A critical question we frequently address is: Is the financial value of my goods truly protected during transit?

Shipping goods involves a unique set of risks, from seasonal weather and road conditions to potential accidents and theft. This guide, written by our team of our insurance brokers in Quebec, provides a comprehensive overview of transport insurance.

Our goal is to give you the clarity needed to make informed decisions and effectively protect your assets.

Defining Transport Insurance

Transport insurance, also known as cargo insurance, is a policy that protects the financial value of your physical goods while they are in transit. Its purpose is to provide compensation for loss or damage that occurs between the point of origin and the final destination.

A common and significant error we see shippers make is assuming the carrier's (the shipping company's) insurance provides adequate coverage. The carrier's policy, known as Carrier’s Liability, is designed to protect the carrier, not you, the owner of the goods.

Carrier Liability vs. All-Risk Transport Insurance: A Critical Distinction

As your insurance partner, we want to ensure you understand this critical difference. Relying solely on carrier liability can lead to substantial financial loss in the event of a claim.

Carrier's Liability (The Carrier's Basic Insurance)

All-Risk Transport Insurance (A Policy We Arrange For You)

Purpose: Covers the carrier's legal liability, not the full value of your goods.

Purpose: Covers the full declared value of your goods.

Payout Basis: Limited, often by weight (e.g., $2 per pound by law in Canada).

Payout Basis: The actual replacement cost or agreed-upon value of the goods.

Claim Requirement: You must prove the carrier was negligent to receive a payout.

Claim Requirement: You only need to prove that loss or damage occurred during transit.

Exclusions: Contains numerous exclusions, including "Acts of God" (weather) and unavoidable accidents.

Exclusions: Covers a broad range of risks, including accidents, theft, and weather, with few exclusions.

Illustrative Scenarios: The Financial Impact of Underinsurance

The following scenarios demonstrate the practical financial difference between relying on carrier liability and having a dedicated transport insurance policy, which we arrange for our clients.

Scenario 1: Commercial Apparel Shipment

Goods Value: $15,000 worth of apparel.
Incident: The delivery truck was in an accident, and the goods were damaged.
Carrier's Liability Payout: $400.
All-Risk Insurance Payout: $15,000 (full value).

Scenario 2: Residential Move

Incident: A moving truck was broken into, and its contents, including valuables, were stolen.
Mover's Liability Payout: Capped by contract at a few hundred dollars.
Separate Mover's Insurance Payout: Full replacement cost of the stolen items.

Comprehensive Risk Analysis for Shippers

1. The Full Cost of an Uninsured Loss

We advise our business clients that the consequences of an uninsured loss extend beyond the direct value of the goods. The total impact includes:

Direct Financial Loss: The unrecoverable cost to replace the items.
Lost Revenue: The profit associated with the lost sale.
Reputational Damage: Failure to deliver can erode client trust.
Supply Chain Disruption: Delays in operations while awaiting replacement goods.

2. Specialized Risks for Québec's Key Sectors

As local brokers, we understand the unique economy of our city. At Qubit Insurance, we go beyond generic policies to address specific industry risks:

Technology & Optics: We source policies that cover damage from static, shock, and temperature fluctuations for companies in the Parc Technologique.
Food & Beverage: We arrange coverage for perishable goods, including protection against refrigeration unit failure (reefer breakdown).
Import/Export: For businesses using the Port of Québec, we provide expert advice on complex marine cargo policies, including container damage and General Average.

Your Practical Guide: How We Help You Navigate the Process

1. Information Required for a Quote

To provide you with a fast and precise quote, we will require the following details:

The full replacement value of the goods.
A description of the items being shipped.
The origin and destination addresses.
The planned shipping date.

2. Upon Delivery: Critical Steps for Damaged Goods

We advise all our clients to follow these non-negotiable steps to protect their ability to file a claim:

Note Damage on the Receipt: Before signing the delivery receipt, inspect your goods. If damage is visible, write "Damaged" on the receipt. If an immediate inspection is not possible, write "Subject to Inspection." This preserves your right to a claim.
Document Everything: Take clear photos and videos of the damaged items and packaging. This evidence is crucial.
Contact Us at Qubit Insurance Immediately: Do not argue with the carrier. Call us first. We are your advocate and will initiate the claims process on your behalf.

3. Your Qubit Advocate: How We Manage Your Claim

That first call to us sets your expert support system in motion. Here’s what we do for you:

Immediate Action: We formally notify the insurer to secure a claim number.
Guided Process: We guide you through the process of organizing and submitting all required documentation.
Your Single Point of Contact: We act as your primary liaison, managing all communications with the insurance adjuster.
Advocacy & Resolution: As brokers licensed by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), we have a legal and ethical duty to act in your best interest. We use our expertise to advocate for a fair and prompt settlement on your behalf.

Conclusion: Secure Your Assets with Appropriate Coverage

Relying on a carrier's minimal liability is an unnecessary financial risk. A dedicated transport insurance policy is an essential tool for protecting the full value of your goods.

At Qubit Insurance, our mission is to ensure your value isn't left exposed on the road.

Contact our expert team at Qubit Insurance today for a complimentary, no-obligation review of your transport insurance needs. We’ll help you build the right protection for your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does transport insurance cost?

The cost is a small percentage of your goods' total value. The rate depends on item type, value, and destination. We provide a precise, no-obligation quote based on your specific shipment.

2. I'm shipping to the US. Does this policy cover cross-border transit?

Yes. The transport insurance we arrange can cover your goods worldwide. It is completely different from a carrier's MCS-90 endorsement.

Your Transport/Cargo Insurance

The Carrier's MCS-90 Endorsement

Purchased By: You, the owner of the goods.
Purchased By: The trucking company.
Coverage: The full value of your cargo against loss or damage.
Coverage: Public liability for accidents. It does NOT cover your cargo.

3. Is the mover's "valuation coverage" the same as real insurance?

No. "Valuation coverage" is not regulated insurance. It is a contractual agreement for the mover to assume more liability. A separate, all-risk policy from an insurance provider like those we work with offers broader protection and ensures your claim is handled by a licensed professional.

4. Can I get insurance for just a single shipment?

Of course. At Qubit, we arrange coverage for both ongoing shipping needs (annual policies) and single, one-time shipments. We can find a policy that fits your specific situation.

5. Why should I use a broker like Qubit instead of going to an insurer directly?

As your broker, our primary duty is to you, our client. A direct insurer can only sell you their own products. As an independent, AMF-licensed brokerage, we at Qubit Insurance have access to a wide range of top-rated insurers. This allows us to shop the market on your behalf to find the best combination of coverage and price, ensuring you get a solution tailored to your needs, not a one-size-fits-all policy.