SAAQ permanently closes Saint-Laurent service centre following investigation

The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has permanently closed its Place Vertu service centre in Montreal following an administrative investigation that uncovered irregularities and prompted a complaint to police.

The provincial auto insurer announced Monday the location shut down effective immediately, ending its business relationship with the private operator that managed the site.

Person in front of closed SAAQ in Saint-Laurent at Place Vertu service centre on March 3, 2026. (Matt Tornabene, CityNews)

The agency’s investigations unit had launched a review last month after receiving reports about the service centre’s operations.

That investigation found irregularities in the activities of the mandatary, some serious enough to warrant an official complaint to law enforcement authorities.

Because of what it described as a breakdown in trust, the SAAQ said it decided to terminate the contract.

Closed SAAQ in Saint-Laurent at Place Vertu service centre on March 3, 2026. (Matt Tornabene, CityNews)

The SAAQ also said it will not provide further details, citing ongoing police investigations.

Services at the Place Vertu location had already been suspended in February while the administrative review was underway.

Customers with existing appointments are being contacted and offered new dates at nearby service centres elsewhere in Montreal.

Closed SAAQ in Saint-Laurent at Place Vertu service centre on March 3, 2026. (Matt Tornabene, CityNews)

The SAAQ said its broader Montreal-area network can absorb the additional demand and noted that some transactions remain available online.

The agency acknowledged the closure may cause inconvenience and thanked customers for their understanding.

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