York Fire & Casualty pulls rates from online quoting engine

In a move to support the independent broker distribution channel, York Fire & Casualty Insurance removed its rates from Belair Direct Insurance’s online quoting engine, according to a release from the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO).
The IBAO notes that it has received many complaints recently regarding the online comparative quote being provided to consumers when they fill in an application with Belair.
Since Belair is a direct writer, it cannot offer choice to consumers as brokers can, the IBAO adds.
“It is misleading for an agent, such as Belair, to give the appearance to consumers that it is offering choices,” Randy Carroll, CEO, IBAO said in the release. “Only independent insurance brokers are mandated to act as the intermediary of insurance purchases between the consumer and the insurer and to offer choice. Moreover, it is only through the insurance broker channel that consumers will be given impartial, expert advice about insurance that best fits their needs.”
Having York Fire & Casualty Insurance rates available on the Belair search engine is contrary to the company’s distribution philosophy, Colin Simpson, President and CEO, York Fire & Casualty, said in the release, adding that the broker distribution channel is the best option for consumers seeking knowledgeable insurance purchases.
The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company has also recently removed its rates from Belair’s online quoting engine in a bid to support the insurance broker channel, the IBAO reported.
As of press time, comment from Belair Direct Insurance was unavailable.