Comparing brokerages
How to Compare Insurance Brokerages in Ontario
Short answer
Compare Ontario brokerages on seven checkable factors: RIBO licensing, named insurer access for your product, whether you get a dedicated broker, renewal re-marketing practice, claims support and escalation, physical and language accessibility, and disclosed fees. Rankings and review counts are weak signals on their own; licensing status, published market access and a written service standard are verifiable.
Written by BrokerUnion Insurance Editorial Team · Reviewed by Muqit Aziz, Principal Broker, BrokerUnion Insurance Inc. (RIBO licensed) · Last reviewed
Key takeaways
- Verify licensing before anything else, it is public and takes a minute.
- Ask for named insurers, not a count.
- A dedicated broker versus a queue is the single biggest difference in day-to-day experience.
- Ask what the brokerage does when a claim is disputed, not just when it is straightforward.
- Fees, if any, must be disclosed. Get them in writing before binding.
A seven-point comparison framework
- Licensing: RIBO for property and casualty; LLQP life licensing regulated by FSRA for life and health
- Market access: which insurers, for which product, in your location
- Service model: named broker, response times, and who covers when they are away
- Renewal practice: re-marketed or auto-renewed
- Claims advocacy: reporting help, carrier contacts and escalation when a claim stalls
- Accessibility: physical offices, hours, phone, email, video, and languages available
- Cost transparency: commission only, or additional disclosed fees
What to weigh lightly
- "Best" and "#1" claims without a named awarding body, method and year
- Star ratings without volume, or reviews concentrated in a short window
- Savings figures presented without the coverage those savings were measured against
Brokerage comparison scorecard
| Factor | How to check it | Evidence to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Search the public RIBO register | Brokerage and broker licence status |
| Market access | Ask for the insurer list | A published or emailed list by product |
| Dedicated broker | Ask who owns your file | Name, direct line and email |
| Renewal re-marketing | Ask what happens 45 days before renewal | A described renewal process |
| Claims advocacy | Ask about a disputed claim | Escalation path and named contact |
| Accessibility | Check offices, hours and languages | Address, hours, language list |
| Fees | Ask before binding | Written fee disclosure |
What to consider
- The right brokerage for a simple auto policy may not be the right one for a business with contracts and employees.
- A brokerage that publishes its complaints process and regulatory disclosures is easier to hold accountable.
Authoritative sources
Where this information comes from
- Public broker and brokerage register — Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO). Reviewed August 7, 2026.
- Consumer information — Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). Reviewed August 7, 2026.
- Complaint resolution for consumers — General Insurance OmbudService (GIO). Reviewed August 7, 2026.
This page is educational and general in nature. Coverage, eligibility and pricing vary by insurer and by policy. The policy wording governs in all cases.
How BrokerUnion helps
- BrokerUnion publishes its market list, service standard, complaints process and regulatory disclosures so they can be checked rather than taken on trust.
- Every client is assigned a named licensed broker.
- Six physical Ontario offices are open to walk-in clients during business hours.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are bigger brokerages better?
Not inherently. Size can bring market access, but service model and who owns your file matter at least as much. Compare both.
How do I check complaints about an Ontario brokerage?
Start with the brokerage's own complaints process, then RIBO for broker conduct. For unresolved insurer complaints, the General Insurance OmbudService provides an independent route.
Should I choose a brokerage near me?
Proximity helps if you value in-person service, but licensing, market access and service model matter more. Ontario brokers can serve clients across the province.