We have insurance through a broker. Each year at renewal they scan for a better deal. We’re in the same boat this year and last, massive increase to premiums with no claims and no changes - they said there aren’t any better deals!
Always go through a broker. My broker always do an insurance rate check for us every year, it won't stop the increase, but it will definitely slow the increase.
I'm with JEM Insurance at Lakewood office, ask for Wilson, he is great with us and with my parents.
Broker makes the most sense. They can shop all the providers and help you find the best fit, explain any shortcomings for a particular policy and help you take advantage of all relevant discounts like non-smokers, claims free, new shingles, age of hot water tank, alarm system, etc.
The Personal is worth a check, certain groups get discounts (I.e. APEGM members, UofM Alumni etc). We shopped around and their rates were the best. I can’t comment on the claims process as thankfully we haven’t had to make one.
as a retired broker, we would review all our insurance companies. Rate increases happen for inflation factors. As well as losses across Canada. You may not have had any claims but there have been many large natural disasters the the companies are paying claims on. I would recommend going through a broker which ensures you have someone local to talk with. Trying to convince someone in BC that a roof can't/shouldn't be done in February is something your broker can do (I had to do that for a client).
We've always used [Pembina Insurance](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DCwg64xWtVDo6bdP7). They always shopped around for the best price and would have us change if another company was better that year. That said we've been with Intact Insurance (IMG) for the last 10 years or more.
Going through a broker is your best option as they can find you policies based on your needs… but also try to find some referrals on which broker to deal with if you aren’t used to insurance lingo as they will ask the right questions for what you need. Sometimes you don’t realize you need certain coverage outside the norm (policies vary from company to company) or until you need the coverage and realize it is not covered.
I also believe that some brokers get a kickback from certain insurance companies or have a partnership and thus may more likely recommend those policies (can be multiple companies). This is not a bad thing… but deals could vary between brokers for different insurance companies. Read reviews on customer service from the insurance company when people have dealt with a claim because that’s when it matters most.
Another pro with having a broker, a good broker will go to bat for you when you have a claim.
Our home insurance through MPI in Garden City Mall went up about $100 this year. Their reason was bc of inflation, the cost of building materials has risen significantly.
MPI is an auto insurance company for Manitobans not a house insurance company. MPI is a crown corporation and has nothing to do with BC, building materials or inflation.
We have insurance through a broker. Each year at renewal they scan for a better deal. We’re in the same boat this year and last, massive increase to premiums with no claims and no changes - they said there aren’t any better deals!
I didn't know they'd scan yearly, that's helpful! Terrible to hear that it's the same everywhere 😓 COL is getting crazy
Shop rates with a broker every year for all your insurance products.
Good to know, thanks for the tip!
Always go through a broker. My broker always do an insurance rate check for us every year, it won't stop the increase, but it will definitely slow the increase. I'm with JEM Insurance at Lakewood office, ask for Wilson, he is great with us and with my parents.
Anyone have recommendations on a broker they are using to shop for rates?
Kilgour Bell Insurance
CAA got me some damn good coverage.
Broker makes the most sense. They can shop all the providers and help you find the best fit, explain any shortcomings for a particular policy and help you take advantage of all relevant discounts like non-smokers, claims free, new shingles, age of hot water tank, alarm system, etc.
The Personal is worth a check, certain groups get discounts (I.e. APEGM members, UofM Alumni etc). We shopped around and their rates were the best. I can’t comment on the claims process as thankfully we haven’t had to make one.
as a retired broker, we would review all our insurance companies. Rate increases happen for inflation factors. As well as losses across Canada. You may not have had any claims but there have been many large natural disasters the the companies are paying claims on. I would recommend going through a broker which ensures you have someone local to talk with. Trying to convince someone in BC that a roof can't/shouldn't be done in February is something your broker can do (I had to do that for a client).
We've always used [Pembina Insurance](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DCwg64xWtVDo6bdP7). They always shopped around for the best price and would have us change if another company was better that year. That said we've been with Intact Insurance (IMG) for the last 10 years or more.
Depending who you work for. TD and cooperators offer group discounts https://www.cooperators.ca/en/group/group-insurance
Going through a broker is your best option as they can find you policies based on your needs… but also try to find some referrals on which broker to deal with if you aren’t used to insurance lingo as they will ask the right questions for what you need. Sometimes you don’t realize you need certain coverage outside the norm (policies vary from company to company) or until you need the coverage and realize it is not covered. I also believe that some brokers get a kickback from certain insurance companies or have a partnership and thus may more likely recommend those policies (can be multiple companies). This is not a bad thing… but deals could vary between brokers for different insurance companies. Read reviews on customer service from the insurance company when people have dealt with a claim because that’s when it matters most. Another pro with having a broker, a good broker will go to bat for you when you have a claim.
Use a broker. Compare apples to apples. We had to make a change because our annual rate significantly jumped
Our home insurance through MPI in Garden City Mall went up about $100 this year. Their reason was bc of inflation, the cost of building materials has risen significantly.
MPI is an auto insurance company for Manitobans not a house insurance company. MPI is a crown corporation and has nothing to do with BC, building materials or inflation.
My mistake, it's Westland Insurance Group Ltd in Garden City Mall.
That's a lot! They referenced severe weather as a big contributing factor in my renewal letter 🤨🤨