All P&C BC, Alberta insurers required to become GIO members

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All P&C BC, Alberta insurers required to become GIO members

New regulation comes into effect July 1, 2012.

December 21, 2011

The provincial BC and Alberta governments have passed regulations under their Insurance Acts requiring companies that transact home, auto and business insurance (with the exception of Insurance Corporation of BC [ICBC] and mutual companies), to be members of General Insurance OmbudService (GIO). The regulations come into effect July 1, 2012 and follow extensive processes of review, consultation and updating of the insurance legislations.

“We are delighted that the BC government has appointed GIO as the dispute resolution service for consumer complaints about car, home and business insurance in the province,” said Lea Algar, chair of the GIO. “GIO is committed to providing excellent service to those consumers seeking our assistance.”

GIO has operated across Canada since 2002 in cooperation with federally ordered insurers who are required to belong to an independent complaints resolution service. GIO stated it is proud to provide consumers with cost-free, independent and impartial services to resolve their complaints about car, home and business insurance, applying best practices in cooperation with member companies, consumers and governments.

In Alberta, GIO has been designated by the government as the dispute resolution service for complaints about auto insurance premiums since 2004.

“GIO’s Edmonton office is already experienced in helping Alberta consumers,” added Roger Palmer, independent director, Prairies, Northwest Territories & Nunavut at GIO. “We are delighted that the government has entrusted us to extend our service to customers of all insurers working in Alberta.”