Weather Events and Updates to Broker Binding Authority

June 14, 2023

Personal Lines, Commercial Lines

The early onset of hot and dry weather conditions this season continues to fuel an increasing spread of wildfires across Canada. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires, and we’re grateful to the emergency workers that are serving the impacted communities coast to coast. Download a PDF of this article.

We have been closely monitoring the wildfires and evacuation orders in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, to ensure that we’re proactive in our claims response for both our broker partners and customers.

We are ready to deploy our Claim Mobile Response Team wherever and whenever customers are evacuated. We’ll provide customers with information and guidance, and assist them if they need to make a claim. We are committed to keeping you informed of our progress.

If your customers need to make a claim, please call 1-844-974-GORE(4673); our Claim Advisors are ready to help.

We do encourage you to follow local advisories and warnings. For the most recent information related to wildfires, visit the following website resources for British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Helpful information can also be found at Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Updates to Broker Binding Authority

As the risk of severe weather events such as wildfires and flooding increases, we would like to advise you of updates we have made to your broker binding authority, in order to align with the market.

  • If a risk is located within 50 km of an area with an active fire, or is under an evacuation alert or order, binding authority is suspended
  • Binding authority is suspended for any risk located in an area or waterway where flooding is occurring, an evacuation alert or order has been issued, or a risk of flooding has been announced by a government body having jurisdiction
  • For all property risks, we remind you to refrain from:
    • Binding existing quotes or providing new quotes
    • Writing new business or new locations including substitutions
    • Increasing coverage or adding any new coverage

Please visit GoBroker to see the underwriting manual for complete details.

If you have any questions, please contact your Business Development representative.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kate Hogan
Vice President, Broker Engagement and Performance