Protecting the privacy of your personal information is important to us at Annex Insurance and the companies whose products and services we offer. We are committed to collecting, using and disclosing your personal information responsibly. The personal information being collected, such as contact information, financial information as well as records of meetings, written, photo or video correspondence and any instructions you provide to us, will be maintained either in paper and/or electronic format in a client file. This information will be used to assess your potential insurance needs, offer products and services that may be of interest and benefit to you, and provide ongoing client service. This would include potential future targeted marketing messages through various means of communication not limited to emails, text messages, targeted social media messaging and also marketing campaigns whether in a print or digital format. This Privacy Commitment outlines how we manage your personal information and how we safeguard your privacy. We regard any breach of personal information of our clients as a serious matter.
Personal information is any information about an identifiable individual or any facts which, on their own or combined with other data, can identify an individual. Personal information does not include the names and titles of an organization’s employees or the addresses and telephone numbers of their workplace. It does not apply to information regarding companies or legal entities. Your personal information in your client file will be disclosed only to:
In accordance with the applicable law and by your written request, you have the right to: review your personal information in your client file, request corrections to this information, and to revoke your consent subject to contractual limitations. Additionally, you may be provided access to a full electronic copy of our Privacy Policy upon request and/or are able to access it via our website www.annexinsurance.com.
Annex Insurance requires your consent before we can deliver certain documents to you electronically.
This disclosure applies to all forms of communication that is normally sent from us including your application, declarations page, terms and conditions, transaction history, privacy policies, billing statements, amendments, notices, and disclosures about changes in the terms of your contract. This disclosure does not apply to documents that are sent to you directly from your Insurance Company, which may include declarations pages and liability slips.
Registered insurance brokers offer independent advice and Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance products from a variety of companies. Brokers must be licensed by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO). All RIBO licensees must carry an errors & omissions policy, as well as a fidelity bond, which is designed to provide customers coverage in the unlikely event that a broker mishandles their premiums. RIBO licensees are required to follow the RIBO Code of Conduct, which establishes rules and standards of professional conduct.
How Insurance Works – You have the right to beinformed about how your insurance premiums arecalculated. You have the right to access your policy and be clearly informed about the coverage and the claims settlement process.
Broker Compensation – You have the right to ask how a broker is paid, the insurance companies they represent, and be informed about any potential conflicts of interest the broker may have. All RIBO licensed brokers must disclose commission information at the point of sale which outlines how they are paid.
Understand Your Insurance Needs – You should consider your insurance needs and prepare relevant questions before you talk to a broker. Ask yourself if there have been changes in your personal or business life that could impact your insurance needs. Make sure you provide a detailed and accurate explanation of your circumstances to your broker so they can provide informed recommendations that meet your needs.
Insurance Quotes – When obtaining a quote, your broker should always present the best value products available based on your current needs, and document why certain coverage and product options, including lower-cost options, may or may not be appropriate for you. Brokers are also expected to comply with the Take-All-Comers rule. For more information on buying auto insurance and the Take-All-Comers rule, visit here.
Personal Information – You have the right to understand how your personal information is used and protected. Ask for a copy of the privacy statement from your broker and the insurer.
Customer Obligations—You need to ensure that you know and understand your obligations under your insurance policy. For example, your policy will require you to provide updates to your broker and insurer regarding any material changes in your circumstances.
Insurance Claims – If you need to file a claim, you have the right to be informed about the procedures and typical timelines for settling your claim, and you may inquire about the status of your claim throughout the process. If your claim is denied, you have the right to an explanation as to why it was denied. Your broker is your advocate as you work through your claim with the insurance company and will liaise as required.
Making a Complaint – You can submit a complaint to RIBO if you believe your insurance broker failed to comply with the Registered Insurance Brokers Act, its regulations, or RIBO by-laws. File a complaint here.
OmbudServices – In the event you have an insurance claim, your broker will provide you with information about the insurer’s claims process. For any unresolved disputes with an insurer, you may contact the insurer’sOmbudsman, who will attempt to resolve the conflict. If the conflict is not resolved, you will be referred to the General Insurance OmbudServices for P&C insurance.
As your Independent Insurance Broker, we have contracts with insurance companies to facilitate our goal of providing our clients the most comprehensive insurance policy at the most competitive costs. We endeavor to provide personalized quality service that includes professional insurance advice, ongoing policy maintenance and 24-hour claims support. When issues arise regarding your insurance coverage, we take pride in being your advocate, using our professional experience to best represent your individual interest. Brokerage compensation is part of your Insurance premium. For clarity, we have listed Automobile, Personal Property, Farm and Commercial insurers below that we represent and have included the range of compensation each provides as a percentage of your overall premium. The commission percentage is paid annually for both new business and renewal.
Automobile
Aviva Group, CAA, Dufferin Mutual, Intact, Coachman, Gore, Economical, Heartland Farm Mutual, Trillium Mutual, Jevco, SGI, Perth, Wawanesa, * Western Assurance
5%-12.5% Personal Lines & Property
Aviva Group, CAA, Dufferin Mutual, Intact, Coachman, Gore, Economical, Heartland Farm Mutual, Trillium Mutual, Jevco, SGI, Perth, Wawanesa, * Western Assurance
15%-12.5%
Commercial & Farm
Aviva Group, CAA, Dufferin Mutual, Intact, Coachman, Gore, Economical, Heartland Farm Mutual, Trillium Mutual, Jevco, SGI, Perth, Wawanesa, Royal Sun Alliance
15%-25% Policy Fees
For unique policies in which it is determined there is limited or no commission based on scope of work, from time to time, a policy fee may be applied. This Policy Fee could range based on the policy type and/or premium along with exposure involved to us. Please note this policy fee, at all times would be disclosed, separately over and above premium, to the customer both verbally and on customer statement.
In order for us to maintain strong relationships with quality insurers, we work with each to provide the type of business they desire. As part of our contract with Insurers, they may provide Override and/or Contingent Profit commission over and above standard commission. Payment of this type may depend on a combination of growth with that Insurer, profitability (loss ratio), volume, retention and increased services that we provide on behalf of the insurer. This is not guaranteed and will fluctuate based on market conditions. To help facilitate our growth, we have secured an impendent loan with Economical Insurance Company. Your insurer will be providing you with a Consumer Code of Rights and responsibilities, which will be forwarded to you with your new policy. If you have any questions regarding our compensation or any other aspect of your insurance, please contact us at any time. We, at Annex Insurance thank you for trusting us for your Insurance needs.
The Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory Organizations’ (CISRO) Principles of Conduct for Insurance Intermediaries explains the kind of professional conduct that you can expect and reflects conduct standards regarding the fair treatment of our customers.
Monthly payment plans may be arranged through Salix Financing, a premium finance company that has a financial and/or shared ownership relationship with our brokerage. Premium financing is also available in certain cases through third-party arrangements. Where Annex Insurance Brokers facilitates or provides premium financing, the brokerage may receive compensation, and certain employees may be eligible for incentives related to securing premium financing contracts. We are committed to transparency and will clearly disclose any such relationships, compensation, or potential conflicts of interest to support your informed decision-making.
Premium financing is optional and is not a requirement to obtain insurance coverage. You have the right to choose how you pay for your policy, and we will clearly present all available payment options so you can select the one that best meets your needs. These options may include credit card (system access fees may apply), Interac e-Transfer (no charge), online banking (no charge), cheque or money order (no charge), and direct billing with your insurance company (where available).
Prior to entering any premium financing arrangement, you will be provided with full details of the applicable terms and conditions, including any fees, interest charges, and repayment obligations. By electing to proceed with premium financing, you acknowledge that you have been informed of all available payment options, understand that financing is optional, and consent to Annex Insurance receiving any applicable compensation related to the financing arrangement. Your informed and written consent will be obtained prior to binding any premium financing contract.
Annex Insurance is directly owned by McDougall Insurance Brokers Limited. Definity Financial Corporation, the parent company of Definity Insurance Company o/a Economical Insurance, indirectly owns a majority interest in McDougall Insurance Brokers Limited and, from time to time, provides loans and other financial assistance to McDougall Insurance Brokers Limited in support of its business.
