Wawanesa residential, auto insurance to be available exclusively through Quebec insurance brokers
MONTREAL (QC) July 31, 2018 - Building on the company’s nearly 90-year history in Quebec, Wawanesa will soon sell its insurance products exclusively through independent Quebec insurance brokers, the company announced today.
Effective the closing date of the transaction that is targeted for October 1, Wawanesa will discontinue direct sales of its residential and auto insurance and will instead distribute exclusively through eleven independently owned and operated insurance brokers located in communities across Quebec. At the same time, Wawanesa will introduce their commercial insurance products to the Quebec market through their new broker partners.
Wawanesa’s new broker partners include AMR Assurances Multi-Risques, Assurancia Venne et Fille, Assurancia Gatineau, Bilodeau Couture Assurances, Bouchard & Associés Solutions d’assurances, Fort Assurances & Avantages Sociaux, Gaudreau Assurances, Gosselin Courtiers d’Assurances, Groupe LCD Assurances, Le Groupe LePelco, and Assurances 3G.
“Working with Quebec brokers means giving our customers affordable, dependable insurance coverage paired with expert independent advice,” said Carol Jardine, President of Wawanesa’s Canadian Property & Casualty Operations. “Our partnership with insurance brokers has been key to our success across Canada, and we’re pleased to bring this model to our customers in Quebec.”
A number of Wawanesa’s service offices will be converted to brokerage locations as part of the transition.
“Quebec’s insurance brokers are deeply connected to local communities, and Wawanesa shares that commitment,” said Fort Insurance & Group Benefits President Stéphan Bernatchez. “This partnership is excellent news for our newly shared clients and will help drive future growth for both Wawanesa and brokers across Quebec.”
The companies noted the transition will be seamless for current policyholders. There are no changes to current policyholder’s insurance policies or coverage. Claims, Underwriting and administrative activities will continue at the Quebec Regional Office in Montreal. The companies will communicate directly with current Wawanesa customers regarding the transition in their servicing.
With the transition in Quebec, Wawanesa affirms its position as the largest Property and Casualty insurance provider solely dedicated to distribution through local insurance brokers. Wawanesa products are available exclusively through insurance brokers in all of the company’s Canadian markets.
Wawanesa began operations in Quebec in 1931. To date, the company has written over two million insurance policies in Quebec and supports more than 45 Quebec charities and community organizations each year.
About Wawanesa
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1896, is the largest Canadian Property and Casualty Mutual insurer with $3 billion in annual revenue and assets of more than $9 billion. Wawanesa Mutual, with executive offices in Winnipeg, is the parent company of Wawanesa General, which offers property and casualty insurance in California and Oregon; Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance products and services throughout Canada; and Western Financial Group, which distributes personal and business insurance across Western Canada. With over 5,000 employees, Wawanesa proudly serves over two million policyholders in Canada and the United States. Wawanesa actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities where it operates, donating well above internationally recognized benchmarks for excellence in corporate philanthropy. Learn more at https://www.wawanesa.com/canada/
About our Quebec brokers
AMR Assurances Multi-Risques, in business since 2007, is an independent brokerage located in Sherbrooke combining over $8,000,000 of premium. The enterprise employs over 19 professionals specialized in damage insurance.
Assurancia Venne et Fille, in business since 2003, is an independent broker located in Joliette and St-Jean de Matha. Co-owner of the Assurancia cluster, the brokerage manages $5,000,000 of premium volume and employs 12 individuals.
Bouchard & Associés Solutions d’assurances Inc., in business since 2009, is an independent brokerage located in Quebec City, combining $5,400,000 of premium. The firm employs 13 individuals in the damage insurance industry and acts as a non-standard market underwriter.
Fort Insurance & Group Benefits, in business since 1927, is an independent brokerage located in Westmount combining over $79,000,000 of premium. The enterprise employs over 95 individuals in damage insurance and group benefits.
Gaudreau Assurances et Services financiers, founded in 1999, employs 35 passionate professionals in insurance. The firm is strategically located in Montreal. The enterprise generates nearly $25,000,000 of premium and is a very proud 100% independent insurance brokerage.
Assurancia Gatineau Inc., in business since 1984, is an independent brokerage who combines $9 million volume premium. The enterprise employs 17 individuals within the damage insurance industry and is a founding member and shareholder of the Assurancia cluster.
Le Groupe Lepeco is a personal and commercial damage insurance brokerage in business since 1956. The firm employs more than 50 individuals who serve more than 15,000 clients.
Bilodeau Couture Assurances Inc. is a damage insurance and financial services independent brokerage in business for more than 60 years, mainly operating in the Saguenay Lac St-Jean region. The brokerage employs more than 35 professionals.
Gosselin Insurances Brokers has been in business since 1991. It is a father-daughter owned family business with 10 employees. The independent firm is located in the rural area of the Western Montérégie.
Groupe LCD Assurances Inc., created from the merger of Lévesque, Côté and Degrandpré firms in 2016, is an independent brokerage that operates from three different locations: Berthierville, l’Assomption and Mirabel. With a volume $3.5 million, the enterprise currently employs 5 individuals.
Insurance 3G, established in the Mauricie region for almost 50 years, is an independent brokerage firm representing nearly 15,000 customers.
For more information:
Samantha Lapedus
Manager, Communications
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
Phone: 1-844-946-6282
Cell: 204-330-0742
media@wawanesa.com