Segment
Brokers
New, revised CAIB expected by fall
January 10, 2019 by Jason ContantThe Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) is hoping to be able to present a new, revised Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) program to the broker community by this fall. The new content will address 10 broad broker competency areas…
The first priority for the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario
January 9, 2019 by Greg MeckbachReforming auto insurance is top of mind for Jeff Gatcke, the new president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario. “Our Number 1 priority would be working with insurance companies and the government on changes to the auto insurance product…
McDougall merges with Barrie, Ontario brokerage
January 9, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMcDougall Insurance Brokers of Belleville, Ont. announced Tuesday it has merged with Barrie-based Dusome Insurance Brokers. The combined firm has 34 offices, including Kingston, Peterborough, Deep River, Pembroke, Orillia, Trenton, Cornwall and Oshawa. Dusome’s 11 employees will join McDougall as…
Ontario wants to hear from consumers about how to lower auto rates
January 9, 2019 by David GambrillThe Ontario government is inviting drivers and consumers to share their views on how to lower the province’s auto insurance rates, part of a broader initiative on auto insurance reform. “The previous government’s failed system of stretch goals on auto…
Hub acquires Canadian employee benefits firm
January 8, 2019 by Jason ContantChicago-based global brokerage Hub International announced Tuesday it has acquired British Columbia-based employee benefits and pension brokerage TRG Group Benefits and Pensions Inc., the 13th such acquisition since last year. “Hub continues its strategy of assembling best-in-class capabilities and entrepreneurial…
BrokerLink expands with two new brokerages
January 8, 2019 by Greg MeckbachTwo brokerages have joined Intact Financial Corp.’s BrokerLink unit effective Jan. 1, BrokerLink announced Monday. The new BrokerLink brokerages are Edmonton-based Challenge Insurance Group Inc. and Toronto Insurance and Financial Group (TIFG) Inc., situated on Valleybrook Drive near the neighbourhood…
Jones Brown acquired by large international brokerage
January 8, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCanadian brokerage Jones Brown Inc. has been acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Itasca, Ill.-based Gallagher announced Tuesday. Jones Brown, which places both commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Hamilton. “The…
How some brokerages and MGAs attract talent
December 13, 2018 by Jason ContantWhat’s the best way of attracting qualified talent to your brokerage? Some brokerages and managing general agencies (MGAs) have cited looking outside the insurance industry or recruiting from local community colleges. McConville Omni Insurance Brokers, a personal and commercial lines…
Why your brokerage needs a lead management system
December 12, 2018 by Jason ContantBrokerages going through a major transformation such as a merger should consider a lead management system, recommends the CEO of a brokerage that underwent a merger in 2015. “Really focus on a lead management system because otherwise you’ll have no…
Brokerage M&A deals heat up in Winter
December 5, 2018 by Jason ContantBrokerage mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are ramping up in Canada, with two separate deals in Ontario and Saskatchewan announced Tuesday. In Ontario, Burrows Insurance Group Inc., located in Peterborough and Oshawa, Ont., joined BrokerLink. In Saskatchewan, Andrew Agencies Ltd. acquired…
An insurer’s take on the multi-solution era of data exchange
December 3, 2018 by David GambrillAn old adage states that a broker must be able to communicate with clients in the way in which the clients wish to communicate – be it through online portals, telephone, email, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Similarly, in a multi-solution era…
How brokers can benefit from Instagram
November 30, 2018 by Greg MeckbachBrokers should be using Instagram and other social media sites to establish themselves as “thought leaders,” Economical Insurance advises. “Instagram is a great channel to share content and share your team culture because at the end of the day, I…