What to Expect from An Insurance Agent
In BC, insurance agents, salespersons, and adjusters are licensed and regulated by the Insurance Council of BC. They must meet educational requirements for licensure and act within a professional framework, conducting themselves ethically, with integrity and competence.
Licensees are required to comply with the Insurance Council's Rules, Code of of Conduct, and provincial and federal law.
Code of Conduct
Council has a Code of Conduct for all insurance licence holders in BC, which requires a licensee to:
- Be trustworthy, conducting all professional activities with integrity, reliability, and honesty.
- Carry on the business of insurance in good faith.
- Conduct all insurance activities in a competent manner.
- Be financially reliable.
- Protect clients’ interests and privacy.
- Evaluate clients’ needs.
- Disclose all material information.
- Act with integrity, competence and the utmost good faith.
- Not defame or discredit other licensees or insurers.
- Honestly represent themselves and the services and products they provide so as not to mislead the public.
- Avoid conflicts of interest arising between themselves and their clients or insurance companies.
- Be Competent and ethical and to act in your best interests at all times.
- Deal with you fairly, honestly and in good faith.
- Determine your insurance needs and objectives.
- Make recommendations that are consistent with those needs.
- Make full and fair disclosure of all material facts to enable you to make an informed decision regarding your insurance.
- Disclose any conflicts of interest they may have concerning their recommendations to you.
- Obtain your express authorization to make any changes to your contract or agree to any settlements.
- Answer all your questions clearly or be willing to find you the answers you need.
If you have additional questions or concerns about a licensed insurance agent, salesperson, or adjuster, please contact us.