When it comes to shopping for car, home, or any other type of insurance in Quebec, you essentially have three options: going through a direct insurer, a broker, or using an online insurance comparison tool.

But which one truly helps you get the best value for your money without spending hours on it?

Here’s a clear overview to help you make the right choice.

Direct insurer: simple, but limited

A direct insurer is a company that sells its products without intermediaries. For example: Beneva, Aviva, Promutuel, or Co-operators.

You contact them directly, by phone or online, and they provide you with their rates.

Advantages

• Direct contact with the insurer
• Often efficient online tools
• Useful if you already benefit from loyalty discounts

Disadvantages

• You only get one price: that company’s offer
• You must repeat the process to compare elsewhere
• You may miss out on more competitive offers

In short: a convenient option, but not ideal for effective comparison. If your goal is to get the best possible price for your insurance, going directly through an insurer is often not the best approach.

Insurance broker: personalized guidance

A broker is a professional who works with multiple insurers and acts as an intermediary to present you with different options.

Advantages

• Access to multiple insurers through one contact
• Personalized advice based on your profile
• Very helpful for more complex situations
• Can help you maximize available discounts

Disadvantages

• Limited to the insurers the broker partners with
• Process can be longer: calls, follow-ups, quotes

In short: an excellent option for guidance, but with only partial market visibility. Using a broker is still a very good way to get a solid price along with personalized support.

Insurance comparison tool: fast and wide-reaching

An online insurance comparison tool like ClicAssure allows you to complete a single request and receive multiple quotes from both insurers and brokers.

Advantages

• One request to compare multiple offers
• Access to a wide range of insurers
• Includes many lesser-known insurers that often offer highly competitive prices (e.g., Alpha Insurance, Wawanesa, Economical, L’Unique, etc.)
• Fast, fully online process available 24/7
• Free and with no obligation
• Prices are often lower than going directly to insurers (since providers compete directly on the platform)
• Instant quotes available online

Limitations

• Not all insurers on the market are necessarily included
• After comparing prices, a phone call with the insurer or broker is required to confirm and finalize your policy (a legal requirement in Quebec to protect consumers)

Insurance comparison in Quebec: is it the best option?

Here’s a comparison table of the three approaches:

Why comparing remains essential

No matter which option you choose, one thing remains true: the more you compare, the more you increase your chances of saving.

Prices can vary significantly from one insurer to another depending on your profile. Using a tool that quickly gives you access to multiple quotes can make a real difference.

The verdict

If you’re looking for simplicity, a direct insurer may be enough. If you want guidance, a broker is an excellent option.

But if your goal is to get a fast, comprehensive view of the market and identify the most competitive offers, an insurance comparison tool stands out as the best solution.

With ClicAssure, you can access multiple insurers and brokers in one single step, without multiplying calls or forms.

Get your quotes for free

Compare your options and see how much you could save on your insurance (car, home, motorcycle, life, etc.).

Submit your request online now — it’s free and with no obligation.