- Why take out insurance?
If you drive a motorcycle, insurance isn’t an option: it’s mandatory, required by law (and note that mopeds are considered motor vehicles). The Automobile Insurance Act of Québec makes a clear distinction between the rules for victims of bodily injury and those for victims of property damage. And under Québec’s no-fault system, lawsuits are not permitted following accidents that cause bodily injury, regardless of which party is to blame. Victims are compensated through the provincial auto insurance, the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec. The law also stipulates that all motor vehicle owners who drive in Québec must have liability insurance to cover property damage.
- Types of coverage
In Québec, motorcycle insurance is a standard contract identical to the auto insurance policy. Its content is authorized by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Everyone who is insured in Québec has the same contract! This contract consists of mandatory civil liability insurance (known as “Chapter A” in the jargon), and of a series of insurance options known as the “Chapter B.” Only the types and levels of coverage will vary, depending on the insurance options selected.
Third Party Liability Coverage
This section covers you if you cause bodily and material damages (outside Quebec) to others. Under the direct compensation agreement, this guarantee covers you for damage to your vehicle when you are not responsible for the accident.
This coverage is valid throughout the territory of Canada and the United States.
Most drivers opt for a 1 or $2 million coverage on their insurance policy.
All Perils Coverage
This section covers your motorcycle by combining collision or upset coverage with that for accidents without collision or upset. The deductible will therefore be the same for any damages incurred. This coverage is optional. However, if your vehicle is leased or purchased with financing, this coverage may be required.
* Note that some insurers do not provide “All Perils” coverage for motorcycles.
Collision or Upset Coverage
This section covers you against material damage to your motorcycle when you hit or are hit by an object or if the said vehicle tips over. This coverage is also optional. However, if your vehicle is leased or purchased with financing, this coverage may be required.
Comprehensive Excluding Collision or Upset Coverage
This section covers you against damage to your vehicle other than collision or upset damage, such as broken windows, theft, fire, lightning, vandalism and other specified perils. This coverage is also optional unless required by a financing or leasing agreement. This coverage is usually taken in combination with collision if the motorcycle still has a significant value.
Specified perils coverage
Also optional, this section covers only the perils specified in the contract, such as hail, lightning, etc.
- Some key points about motorcycle insurance
With motorcycle insurance, your insurer may add endorsement FAQ No 32. This endorsement confirms that the vehicle will only be used for recreational purposes.
For some motorcycle models such as Harley Davidson, the insurer can add endorsement FAQ No 19 which limits the amount payable in chapter B.
All motorcycle insurance policies include limitations and exclusions; that’s why it is important to read your contract carefully.
Take note that your insurance policy is valid everywhere in the territory of Canada and the United States. If you drive in Mexico or in any other country, you will not be covered by the FPQ no1 policy. There are insurance solutions available for those who wish to drive outside Canada or the United States. Please contact us if you need help finding coverage.
Certain restrictions may apply. For example, some insurers will refuse to cover some motorcycle models. Contact us and we can find the right insurance solution for you through our specialized insurers.
- Additional coverages (endorsements)
We can provide you with endorsements to supplement the coverage of your motorcycle Insurance
policy. They can be added or removed according to your specific needs.
Change to Loss Payment Endorsement (F.A.Q. No 43 A to D)
Have you have added guarantees FAQ no 43a and 43d to your insurance policy? In the event of a partial loss, your vehicle will
be repaired with new original parts, with no deduction for depreciation. In the event of a total loss, you will receive compensation
equal to the amount you paid for your motorcycle. In certain cases, the coverage period can extend up to four years.
Replacement Warranty coverage
A Replacement Warranty can be added to your motorcycle insurance policy. In the event of a covered loss, this protection covers
the loss by depreciation on the vehicle and its equipment.
Loss of Use Extension Endorsement (FAQ no 20-20a)
If an accident occurs while you are travelling in the United States or Canada and your motorcycle is no longer operable, the FAQ
20a endorsement provides an amount for a vehicle rental while yours is being repaired. This endorsement also covers any travel
expenses incurred to continue your trip or to return home, such as meals, accommodations and shipping of personal effects
Accident Benefits (FAQ 34)
Some of our insurers offer Accident Benefits (FAQ 34) that provides a death benefit or the reimbursement of certain medical
expenses when you are the victim of a motorcycle accident.
Practical road assistance
Some of our insurers offer a road assistance program. In the event a problem occurs on the road, the insurer will provide a
towing service for your motorcycle. This service is available throughout Canada and the United States. A bilingual person will
answer your call and make sure you get immediate road assistance when necessary. Road assistance generally covers
- Battery boosting
- Gasoline delivery
- Towing, in case of breakdown or flat tire
- Safe storage of your motorcycle
- An emergency message to the person of your choice
- Refund for an overnight stay at a hotel
- How to reduce your premium
Here are some simple and effective measures to help you reduce your motorcycle insurance premium:
- Put your motorcycle under the same insurer as your car;
- Increase your deductibles;
- If the vehicle is old, you can drop some guarantees (e.g. collision);
- Equip your motorcycle with an alarm system or a recognized ignition lock;
- Some of our insurers offer discounts for advanced driver training courses;
- Some of our insurers offer a discount if a woman is the main driver of the motorcycle;
- Have no infractions on your driving record with the SAAQ;
- Have a good claims record;
- Belong to a recognized motorcycle club.
- Sport bikes
If you have auto insurance, your insurer may reluctantly extend coverage to your sport bike. However, the premiums and deductibles will be higher and the coverage more limited. At J. Gérard Fortin, we have access to specialist insurers who can offer you the best possible coverage at competitive prices. We know the market and know just who to approach, based on your bike’s model and your customer profile. Let us take care of your motorcycle insurance so that you can enjoy being on the road with total peace of mind!
- Harley bikes
A premium brand like Harley Davidson may attract admiring glances on the road — but can give your insurer cold feet. Non-negotiable premiums, high deductibles and limited coverage: all of these are highly likely unless you do business with the right insurer.
Our agent, an expert in insuring Harley Davidson's, will comb our network of specialist insurers to find the coverage best suited to your lifestyle and the value of your bike.
When you drive the best, only the best coverage will do. We can provide this at a competitive rate. And should you ever need to file a claim, we’ll also be there to assist and represent you throughout the entire process — leaving you free to devote yourself to better things like enjoying your Harley.
- Scooters
If you’re under 18 and live at home, you may be covered by your parents’ auto insurance. Inform yourself.
If you’re over 18 and also own a car, you can add your scooter to your car insurance.
If you’re over 18 and your scooter is your only vehicle, you may be able to insure your vehicle through your home insurance.
In all cases, contact a broker at J Gérard Fortin to find the best solution for your situation
- Motorcycle Insurance Claim
Involved in an accident and need to make a motorcycle insurance claim? Read the following tips. If the accident involves injuries, call 911. If there are no injuries involved, you and the other party can fill out a joint accident report. Responsibility for the accident is never determined by the police; this is for your insurer to determine when the claim is settled. If you do not have an accident report form on hand, take down the other driver’s coordinates (name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, registration certificate and insurance certificate). Your insurer will compensate you within 60 days of receiving your application and supporting documents.
In the event of vehicle theft
In the event of vehicle theft or a hit-and-run, call the police, who will issue you a report number. You must provide us with this number as soon as possible. We will tell you what to do, forward your claim to your insurer as soon as possible, and see to prompt and fair settlement. We will also assess your entitlement to a rental vehicle if yours has been damaged, and support and represent you throughout negotiations with the insurer.
- Having trouble getting insurance?
Your insurer can limit or refuse to renew your auto insurance coverage for one or more of the following reasons:
- Claim frequency
- Precarious financial situation, particularly a bankruptcy discharge
- Interrupted insurance contract
- Employment-related reasons
- Long-term lease of a used vehicle
- Driver's license suspension
- Vehicle equipped with a breathalyser
- Bar owner or employee (cocktail lounge, brewery, nightclub, discotheque, etc.)
We understand your situation and we may have solutions for you. We will work with our specialized insurers to help you clear your insurance record or adjust your contract in proportion to the risk your situation represents.
You can count on your broker to provide the expertise you need.
