As president of KBD, Curtis aims to simplify insurance for his clients. He’s helped lead KBD to become one of Canada’s fastest 400 growing companies according to the Globe & Mail.
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Choosing the right commercial insurance broker in Montreal can be the difference between staying open after a fire and shutting your doors.
Too many brokers just send quotes and disappear. But your business isn’t one-size-fits-all—and your insurance shouldn’t be either. Here’s how to tell if your broker is really protecting you, and why local expertise makes all the difference.
Why Montreal Businesses Need More Than Just Quotes
Montreal’s business environment is unique. From older downtown buildings with strict leases to industrial parks in Saint-Laurent, every company faces specific risks. A good broker doesn’t stop at sending quotes—they dig deeper. They ask about your operations, your growth, and your vulnerabilities.
If your broker isn’t asking about your subcontractors, equipment, renovations, or lease obligations, you may already be underinsured. And when disaster strikes, that gap can cost you more than just money—it can cost you your business.
What a Good Commercial Broker Should Ask
Here are some of the questions a good commercial insurance broker in Montreal will ask before they build your policy:
- How many employees do you have?
- Do you lease or own your space?
- Have you renovated or expanded in the last 3 years?
- Do you use subcontractors or third-party vendors?
- What would happen to your revenue if you had to shut down for a month?
These questions aren’t small talk—they’re essential for building coverage that reflects your real risks.
Coverage Areas That Matter
Beyond the basics, a strong broker will guide you through coverages like:
- Business Interruption Insurance → Protects your revenue if a fire, flood, or power outage forces you to close temporarily.
- Equipment & Inventory Protection → Ensures your tools, machines, or stock are insured to current values.
- Commercial Liability → Covers you if a client, subcontractor, or customer sues your business.
- Cyber Insurance → Growing necessity if you handle sensitive data or rely on digital systems.
Montreal-specific risks like water damage, zoning rules, and lease obligations can easily be overlooked by cookie-cutter online providers—but a local broker won’t miss them.
FAQs
Q: What does a commercial insurance broker actually do?
A: They assess your business risks, shop multiple insurers, and design a policy tailored to your operations—rather than selling you a one-size-fits-all plan.
Q: Why use a broker instead of going direct?
A: Direct insurers only offer one product. A broker compares across providers, giving you choice and advice.
Q: Is there an advantage to using a Montreal-based broker?
A: Yes. Local brokers understand issues like strict lease terms, winter water damage, and the realities of filing claims in Quebec.
Wrap Up
Don’t settle for a broker who only sends quotes. Work with one who knows Montreal, asks the right questions, and protects your business from the risks that matter.
Get a free consultation from KBD Insurance—Montreal’s trusted commercial insurance brokers for over 40 years.