A-Z Insurance | Checked October 23, 2026 | For Ontario property and casualty insurance customers
A new brokerage name can raise practical questions: who handles your renewal, where do payments go, and whom do you call about a claim? Start with a written handover checklist rather than assumptions about your coverage.
The news, with the dates kept separate
On October 19, 2026, BrokerLink announced its acquisitions of Gray Insurance in Edmonton, Alberta, and Beno Insurance in Schreiber, Ontario, effective October 1, 2026. The announcement says their advisors will continue serving local customers within BrokerLink. BrokerLink identifies itself as an Intact Financial Corporation subsidiary. This is a brokerage ownership announcement, not a notice of changes to every customer’s policy. [1]
1. Separate the brokerage from the insurer
FCAC explains that the insurer issues the policy, even when it is purchased through a broker. [2] Our recommendation: compare the insurer’s name, policy number, expiry date and endorsements on your documents with any transition notice. Ask for written clarification of any difference; do not infer a change of insurer from a new brokerage logo.
2. Confirm your service and payment contacts
Ask who now handles policy changes, renewal questions and claims assistance. If a claim is already open, keep the insurer’s claim number and adjuster’s details with your records. Verify any new payment instructions through a contact you already trust before acting; a rebrand is not a reason to pay twice.
RIBO provides public registries for checking brokers and brokerages. It also says customers can ask about claims procedures and how personal information is used and protected. [3] Request the current privacy notice and a secure way to send documents.
3. Ask what will be compared at renewal
Ask which insurers will be considered for your needs and why the recommended option fits. FCAC recommends comparing coverage and cost, not just price. [2] Request an explanation of relevant ownership relationships and compensation. RIBO’s disclosure guidance requires applicable disclosures no later than the quote stage; this is existing guidance, enforced from October 1, 2024, not a new October 2026 rule. [4]
Keep one short transition record
- Current insurer, policy number and expiry date.
- Verified service contact, payment instructions and any open claim contact.
- Questions answered in writing, plus any changes still awaiting confirmation.
Do not cancel a policy or stop scheduled payments solely because you received an acquisition announcement. Confirm any intended change and its timing first. A-Z Insurance can help you review your insurance questions. This checklist does not assess another brokerage’s service or guarantee unchanged terms, savings or a claim outcome. Your actual policy and insurer communications govern coverage.
Related services
Public sources
Sources checked October 23, 2026. Source dates are not this article’s publication date. No date is inferred for undated pages.
- BrokerLink: BrokerLink grows again in Alberta and Ontario (2026-10-19)
- FCAC: Getting an insurance policy (2025-10-16)
- RIBO: Consumer Rights & Expectations (Undated guidance; rechecked 2026-10-23)
- RIBO: Updated Mandatory Disclosures Guidance (2024-04-29)