New Brunswick collaborates with insurers, brokers to improve access to non-profit insurance

The Province of New Brunswick has announced a formal collaboration with insurers and insurance brokers to help find the most appropriate insurance coverage for non-profit organizations at the most competitive rates available.
Partners in the collaboration are the province’s Community Non-Profit Organizations Secretariat, the Insurance Brokers’ Association of New Brunswick (IBANB) and the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
“Insurance can be an expensive necessity for many non-profit groups in our province,” Brian Kenny, the minister responsible for the community non-profit organizations secretariat, said in a press release. “The coverage they require varies between organizations, and they often do not have the resources or the expertise to shop for a package that best suits their needs and budget.
“These stakeholders (IBC and IBANB) have come forward to assist non-profits with access to insurance information and with more assistance in obtaining appropriate and affordable insurance coverage. This will help non-profits with their bottom line and their ability to fundraise and deliver community-based programs and services.”
Liability insurance packages include coverage for directors and officers, general liability, group accident benefits for volunteers and property coverage.
Kenny said the collaboration with the insurer and broker organizations is designed to bring non-profits closer to industry stakeholders. “Non-profits need to know whom to approach for insurance and how to get the best value out of their insurance dollar,” he said. “They want easy access.”
IBANB president Steven White noted members of his association write 70% of all insurance carried in the province.
Bill Adams, vice-president of IBC’s Atlantic region, said a recent task force on insurance found the industry has made positive changes over the past two or three years to better serve the non-profit sector. But a closer working relationship, facilitated by the government’s secretariat, should allow for even more improvement in New Brunswick, he said.
The secretariat has been working on establishing multi-year funding agreements for non-profit organizations; reviewing the funding application process to reduce red tape; developing a Web site that can be used as a resource for non-profits; developing regional networks and building the relationship between the non-profit sector and government.