Should you insure your side hustle in Quebec in 2026?
More and more Quebecers are earning additional income thanks to secondary activity, often called Side Hustle. Whether it's to make ends meet or develop a future business, these activities have become very common.
However, many people are unaware that a Side Hustle involves financial and legal risks. A simple mistake, an accident, or a dissatisfied customer can result in significant costs.
That's why Secondary activity insurance in Quebec has become an essential element in protecting your income.
Chez LMBF Assurances in Ville-Saint-Laurent, we help self-employed workers and entrepreneurs in Greater Montreal to protect their projects with adapted insurance solutions.
What is a side hustle?
One Side Hustle is a paid activity carried out in parallel with a main job.
It could be a casual job, a professional service, or even a small online business.
Here are some popular examples of side hustles in Quebec:
- Photography
- Graphic design
- YouTube or podcast content creation
- Online sales (Shopify, Etsy, Amazon)
- Tutoring or private lessons
- Babysitting
- Animal care
- Residential cleaning
- Renovation services
- Social media management
- Web site design
- Delivery or carpooling
- Personal training
- Professional consultation
- Airbnb hosting
- Street food truck
- Sale of crafts
- Application development
- Computer repair
- Translation
Some of these activities may seem simple, but they still expose them to significant risks.
When should you insure your secondary business?
A good rule of thumb is to consider a insurance for your side hustle as soon as you start generating regular income.
Even a small activity can result in:
- Injuries to a customer
- damage to property
- financial losses
- legal proceedings
Without adequate protection, these situations could affect your personal finances.
What are the risks associated with a side hustle?
The risks vary according to the activity carried out.
Here are some common examples:
Civil liability
A customer could be injured during a service you provide.
Property damage
You could damage a customer's property during a job.
Product responsibility
If you sell products, a defect could cause damage.
Auto accidents
Some activities involve the use of a vehicle.
Theft or loss of equipment
Self-employed workers often use expensive equipment.
Even if you work from your home, your home insurance does not generally cover commercial activities.
What types of insurance can protect your side hustle?
Depending on your activity, several types of protection may be recommended:
Liability insurance
Protects against injuries or damage caused to third parties.
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance
Useful for consultants, designers, developers or professionals offering services.
Professional property insurance
Protects your equipment and equipment.
Commercial auto insurance
Required if you use your vehicle for work.
Cyber risk insurance
Especially important for online businesses.
One insurance broker can analyze your situation in order to determine what protections are needed.
Do you have to register your business to be insured?
No
Even if your business is not officially registered, you can take out insurance for your secondary activity.
Many insurers offer products specially designed to:
- self-employed workers
- micro businesses
- secondary activities
Possible legal obligations in Quebec
In some cases, insurance may be Mandatory.
For example:
- Carpooling requires a adapted car insurance
- A home based business should be declared to your home insurance company
- Some professions require a professional liability insurance
Not declaring your activity could result in a refusal of coverage in the event of a claim.
Why go through a broker to insure your side hustle?
A broker can:
- compare several insurers
- identify risks specific to your business
- find coverage that fits your budget
- avoid exclusions in your contract
Chez LMBF Assurances, we support self-employed workers and entrepreneurs in Quebec in protecting their activities.
Get a quote to insure your side hustle
Each activity is different. The type of services you provide, your income, and your equipment influence your insurance needs.
Before an incident occurs, it is best to put in place appropriate protection.
Contact LMBF Assurances today to get a quote and protect your secondary business in Quebec.
