How to Find the Best Insurance Broker in Ontario?
Finding the right insurance broker can be important for many reasons. It will help you get the perfect coverage to protect your assets, loved ones, and financial future. Whatever form of insurance you’re looking for, having a high-quality broker on your side can make the difference.
While a great insurance broker can be important, what are the factors you should look for? Thankfully we’re here to help. Here are some practical steps to help you find the best insurance broker in Ontario.
6 Steps for Finding the Best Insurance Broker in Ontario
Here are our six crucial factors to look for when it comes to how to choose an insurance broker in Ontario.
1. Conduct Thorough Research
It’s always a good idea to start by researching insurance brokers in Ontario. A simple online search is usually enough to give you a list of brokers in your area. When you have a list, you can look into them in a little more detail.
Make sure to visit their websites and have a look around. You’ll often see a list of their services along with reviews and more in-depth information on the company. Once you’ve checked them out, you’ll have a much better understanding of whether or not they are right for you.
2. Check Credentials
For your Ontario insurance professional selection, you also want to check credentials. One of the first things you should check is whether or not you are working with a licensed insurance broker. Specifically, the Ontario insurance broker credentials you should check is if they are registered with the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO).
This is a regulatory body that ensures that a broker will comply with professional standards. A registered broker is more likely to provide you with a reliable and trustworthy service. This is because they are required to have the necessary qualifications and follow ethical practices.
3. Read Customer Reviews
When looking into any type of company, it’s always a good idea to check out customer reviews and testimonials. These can give you a great insight into the experience of those who have used the insurance broker previously.
It’s best to look for constructive feedback related to their responsiveness, communication skills and their ability to find the right coverage. While a few negative customer reviews for insurance brokers in Ontario are always to be expected, a red flag is seeing the negative reviews following the same theme.
4. Seek Referrals
Along with reviews, it’s also a good idea to seek out referrals when looking for the best insurance broker services in Ontario. Ask family members or friends if they would recommend any broker in Ontario. There is no doubt that a personal recommendation from someone you trust holds a lot of weight.
If someone you know has a positive experience, then it could well be the deciding factor. However, it’s good to put their recommendation into context. While it can be valuable, they are unlikely to know how the insurance broker they are using compares to others.
5. Evaluate Communication and Personalization
A great insurance broker is one that communicates with their clients to find the best possible deal for them. Not only that, but they should also be able to break down complex insurance terms and explain them to you in a simple way.
During your first interactions, you can get a feel for how they operate and how they communicate with you. If you get a bad vibe, then it may be the best idea to stop the process and go with another broker instead.
6. Trust Your Instincts
The last of our tips for selecting an insurance professional in Ontario is to simply trust your instincts. If you feel comfortable and confident in what you’ve heard there’s a great chance you’ll be a perfect match. Just ensure they are ticking all the right boxes of trust, transparency, and open communication.
What You Shouldn’t Look for in an Insurance Broker
While it’s important to know what you should look for, it’s also a good idea to consider the red flags that you need to avoid in your Ontario insurance broker search. Let’s check out what they are.
Lack of Transparency – Do you feel like the broker is trying to hide something or being vague about their fees or commissions? If so, then it’s not a great sign. A trusted insurance broker in Ontario should be open and honest about any questions you ask.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics – While a broker will naturally want you to use their services, you should never feel pressured into doing so. They should allow you the time and patience you need to make a decision in your own time while supporting you along the way.
Limited Insurance Options – A huge benefit of using a broker is they should have access to a wide range of insurance providers and products. If they only have a limited number of insurance options, then it narrows down your choices and you may not get the coverage you need.
Unwillingness to Answer Questions – The world of insurance can be complex with terminology that many don’t understand. A great broker should happily explain the likes of coverage limits, exclusions, and any other relevant details. If a broker is being elusive, then it may be best to move on.
Poor Communication – Strong communication is vital in many professional relationships, especially insurance. If you have a broker that is difficult to reach, they may not be interested in your concerns. Not only can this be a concern in the present, but it can make life difficult when it comes to making a claim.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best insurance broker in Ontario is important to get the coverage you need and deserve. If you follow our six steps above, then you’re sure to find the perfect insurance broker for you.
Here at Ron Johnston Insurance, we’re confident we tick all the right boxes on what makes an excellent insurance broker. If you need insurance or have any questions, feel free to contact us today and we’ll be delighted to see how we can help.