Independent motorcycle insurance brokerage
Open your own small brokerage focused on riders, with insurer agreements and a few licensed staff.
- C$10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small independent brokerage that specializes in motorcycle, scooter and powersports cover. You hold the insurer agreements, run the office and licensed staff, and build a reputation among riders and dealers in your area.
Your first three steps
- Check your provincial regulator's rules on who can own or manage a brokerage and what licences, designations or principal broker roles are required
- Apply for insurer agreements and quote from several markets that cover motorcycles, and price E&O and commercial liability insurance
- Build relationships with motorcycle dealers, shops and clubs, and plan a simple website that lets riders request a quote
Who pays
Insurers pay commission on each policy placed and renewed. Some brokerages also charge small policy or service fees where the regulator allows.
How it makes money
Commission on a growing book of renewing policies, plus referrals from dealers, riding clubs and repair shops. Revenue is seasonal, so plan cash flow for the winter months.
Skills that help
- Licensed insurance knowledge
- Sales and networking
- Running a small office
- Managing and training staff
Watch out for
- Ownership, licensing and supervision rules vary by province, so check with your provincial regulator before committing money
- Errors and omissions insurance and any trust account or record-keeping requirements
- Insurers may set conditions or minimums before giving you an agreement
- Seasonal income, so keep a cash buffer for the off-season
- WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules once you hire staff, which differ by province
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: independent motorcycle insurance brokerage
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a motorcycle insurance brokerage?
Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your premises, licensed staff, systems and what insurers require. These are estimates, so get quotes and confirm requirements with your provincial regulator before committing money.
How much can a small motorcycle brokerage earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many policies you place and renew and your insurer agreements. Income is seasonal, so keep a cash buffer for the off-season.
What rules should I check before opening a brokerage?
Ownership, licensing and supervision rules vary by province, so check with your provincial regulator before committing money. Also check errors and omissions insurance, trust account and record-keeping requirements, insurer conditions, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff.
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