Licenses and underwriters
Square One Insurance Services is an insurance agency (or brokerage) that serves several provinces in Canada. We’re authorized to issue, bill and service policies on behalf of the insurance companies (or underwriters) that we represent, and hold both business and insurance licenses for each province in which we operate.
On this page, you’ll find details about each license Square One holds, and which underwriters we work with.
Licenses held by Square One
Square One currently operates in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, and we’re licensed in each of these provinces. We also hold business licenses in other jurisdictions as part of our expansion efforts.
We are licensed and regulated by:
- Autorité des marchés financiers
- Alberta Insurance Council
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
- Insurance Council of British Columbia
- Insurance Council of Manitoba
- Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan
Our client number provided by the Autorité des marchés financiers is 3002172755.
Differences between insurance agencies and insurance companies
An insurance agency (or brokerage) markets and sells insurance to customers on behalf of insurance companies that actually offer and write insurance policies. In exchange for premiums paid, the insurance company agrees to pay resulting claims insured under the policy. For facilitating the sale of policies, the insurance agency receives a commission or fee from the insurance company.
The terms insurance agency and insurance brokerage are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. An insurance agency usually represents only one insurance company whereas an insurance brokerage usually represents multiple insurance companies. If you have very complex needs, an insurance brokerage may be a better fit because it can present your business to multiple insurance companies. On the other hand, a good insurance agency will typically have the authority to accept a broader range of risks than an insurance brokerage.
Underwriters
The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia (Mutual Fire)
Mutual Fire was started in 1902 and is based in Langley, British Columbia. The company is licensed to do business in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Mutual Fire’s operations are supervised by provincial regulators, with the BC Financial Services Authority assuming the lead regulatory role.
The Best’s Financial Strength Rating for Mutual Fire is A- (Excellent). This rating is assigned by A.M Best and it provides an independent opinion of Mutual Fire’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations.
Mutual Fire is a member of the Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Corporation (PACICC). PACICC is a special program funded by Canadian property and casualty insurance companies to protect policyholders and claimants. If an insurance company fails, PACICC will automatically respond to your claim as long as your insurance company is a participating member. Basically, PACICC is much like the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation, which protects your savings in case a bank fails.
Download authorization letterImportant websites:
- A.M. Best
- Alberta Superintendent of Financial Institutions
- Autorité des Marchés Financiers
- BC Financial Services Authority
- Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan
- Financial Institutions Regulation Branch of Manitoba
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
- Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Corporation
- The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia
ARAG Legal Solutions Inc. (ARAG)
ARAG Legal Solutions Inc. (ARAG) is the Canadian market leader and managing general agent specializing exclusively in Legal Expense Insurance. Working with brokers and corporate partners, ARAG creates access to justice solutions so Canadian individuals, families, and business owners can exercise their rights, preserve their budget, and be confident when facing an unforeseen legal event. ARAG Legal Solutions Inc. Legal Expense Insurance policies are underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE.
Important websites:
Zurich Insurance Company Ltd (Zurich Canada)
Zurich Canada has been a leader in the Canadian insurance market for 100 years. With over 600 employees in offices across the country, Zurich Canada combines global experience with local service and knowledge. Zurich Canada is there in tough times to help customers respond and recover quickly and continue to evolve to support customers in an ever-changing environment.
Zurich Canada is part of Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (“Zurich Group”), a leading global multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, Zurich Group has approximately 60,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Group is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange with financial strength ratings that are among the strongest in the industry.
Zurich Canada is regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada and is a member of the Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Corporation, a program funded by Canadian property and casualty insurance companies to protect policyholders and claimants.
Important websites:
Don’t just take our word for it. Here are some of the reviews that contribute to our average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5. Want to read more? Visit our reviews page.
I've been with Square One for years and have always been impressed with their service. One standout feature is the ease of changing coverage online. It's incredibly convenient and hassle-free. Whether I need to adjust my policy or add additional coverage, I can do it with just a few clicks. This level of flexibility gives me peace of mind knowing that my home is adequately protected without any unnecessary complications. Overall, I highly recommend Square One for their excellent service and user-friendly online platform.
I found Square One online at a time that I was shopping around for auto insurance to replace my existing policy. I applied online and requested for a quote and the next day I received a call from Kathy Vallance and guess what? I ended up purchasing two policies — auto and home together at an affordable price. Kathy honoured all promises of calling back all the way till close. Kathy is a true professional in her field and in my opinion an honest person too. I take this opportunity to urge all and sundry to go and purchase auto and home insurance with Square One.
Who loves dealing with insurance? Nobody, that’s who, but it is necessary. Square One makes the process simple and easy to understand and complete. Even when I had some additional details that made my policy non-typical, the agent I dealt with communicated clearly and was very pleasant. They make a dry topic easy to deal with. Will for sure recommend and continue to use!
I was extremely happy with the service provided by Brett Vancise. He was so versed with his work and guided me through the entire process. He was calm and explained to me every detail concerning the policies. I ended up saving a great deal as compare to my previous insurance provider. I have so far referred several of my friends to this company.
My landlord suggested your company to me as a new tenant because of its efficiency and accessibility, and let me tell you it was as easy as making microwaved popcorn, literally… Thank you so much Square One, it’s a good feeling to know that your home and belongings have a professional protection plan in place.
Hasti was one of the support agents who supported me patiently to complete the policy order. Also, the online form and the T&C of the policies are clearly understandable! I have total of 4 titled owners of the property that it allows the info to be input to the system individually (No kidding! Other insurance systems don\'t allow to do this... This online app is absolutely user-friendly! The cost of the policy is not bad comparing with the competitors. I would highly recommend Square One to anyone who is shopping for better services and pricing!
I recently purchased an insurance policy from Square One. We were so pleased with the ease of application but also how thorough they are in the questionnaire in regards to our property. Square One makes it possible to have the coverage you need with a price that is affordable.
Very friendly online portal to select and purchase my new tenant insurance policy with Square One. A friend referred me, based on her total satisfaction to date. We both have received our promotional gifts (Amazon gift card for me, and the $25 account credit for her!). The coverage is excellent for my needs, at very good cost (good value for money). Telephone inquiry about one concern was handled promptly, courteously and satisfactorily. Thank you for the good service and product. I feel to be in good hands with Square One.
I am very pleased to be able to secure a tenant policy with less hustle. Everything done online without the involvement of any agent as I don't have time to speak on the phone. All the forms filled up are very comprehensive and easy to understand. One of the cheap premiums on the market as well. Great service! Good job.
Square One is one of the only providers who would cover our in-home pottery studio. They were thorough and requested photos but they covered us. It’s been very easy to update our coverage as the business grows and we add more services and assets, and sales locations. I love being able to do these changes online and have easy access to check my policy. The service has been great so far.