IBAO is excited to launch a new, online tool - MyInsuraceShopper Know Your Stuff®, a Home Inventory tool for Ontario consumers.  This easy to use software is available on the web for consumers to take inventory of their possessions and track this inventory easily and efficiently, all within digital space.  The inventory is stored online where consumers have free access to view or update their inventory anytime, anywhere they wish.

A home inventory will help you itemize your property if you need to make a claim, and it is a good way to test if your overall policy limits are adequate.

IBAO encourages all home owners to make a thorough inventory update of their belongings, including a list of contents, estimate of replacement value and perhaps a photograph or video of each room. This inventory should then be reviewed with their broker.  The MyInsuranceShopper Know Your Stuff® inventory tool makes this process convenient, by allowing consumers to store and update their details and within the digital space. 

Many people receive or purchase new expensive items and neglect to inform their broker and update their policies. Items, such as expensive jewelry should to be added to your insurance policy to ensure you are properly covered in case of any future claims. You never know when a disaster may strike, but you can be prepared with an up to date home inventory.

IBAO reminds Ontarians that it is common practice for policies that cover personal property, to have special limits on the amount that will be covered for specific items, or items within specific categories. If you require the full replacement or market value to be insured, you will have to arrange for additional insurance with your broker.

Having a list of contents, photos and/or videos of possessions is invaluable for consumers, as well as insurance brokers should you require assistance for lost or damaged possessions.  Knowing the value of the contents of your home is vital to being properly insured. Your broker can help you find the tools and resources you need.

Visit www.myinsuranceshopper.ca/knowyourstuff for more information.

Operation Red Nose was a success in Ontario this holiday season thanks to a partnership from Insurance Brokers and the Ontario Safety League.

IBAO partnered with the Ontario Safety League to ensure that all ‘Red Nose’ vehicles in Ontario had the proper insurance for the 2011 season. IBAO is thrilled to relay the results of Operation Red Nose (ORN) from this past December. 

During the 2011 holiday season, a total of 18,202 Ontario citizens received a safe ride home thanks to the Operation Red Nose program. ORN is available in 15 communities across the province, and over 5,874 volunteers generously donated their time to help keep their towns and cities safe during the holidays.  In all participating areas, ORN achieved their goal of zero collisions, zero injuries and zero fatalities during their operating hours.  A total of 236,001 KM were driven, which was an increase of 16% over last year, and ORN collected a staggering $151,227 in donation funds.

Brian Patterson, President of Ontario Safety League is pleased with the support community volunteers and corporate partners have made to Operation Red Nose, resulting in a resounding success. The Ontario Safety League is looking forward to increased engagement in 2012 and hope that the increased awareness generated by Operation Red Nose will have a lasting impact on reducing impaired driving year round.

Since its creation in 1984, Operation Red Nose and its safe ride home service have become the most important road safety campaign against impaired driving in Canada. During this past holiday season, the program ran on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

IBAO is honoured to assist Operation Red Nose and we are so pleased to share its successful statistics from this past holiday season. Randy Carroll, IBAO CEO says that this partnership is completely aligned with our broker’s mandate to inform and protect Ontario’s citizens of the dangers associated with impaired driving.

For more information on ORN check out these videos:

IBAO is thrilled to announce that Mr. Rick Orr, CIP will begin his tenure as the association’s 69th President on January 1st, 2012.

Rick is currently the co-owner of Orr Insurance Brokers Inc. in Stratford, Ontario along with his brother, Jeff.  The insurance business has been a passion in Rick’s family for a long time, as he is a fourth generation broker working at the same brokerage started by his great grandfather in 1895. 

Rick began his association experience after becoming President of the Perth Huron Brokers Association from 1997-1998.  After working on a variety of IBAO committees for a number of years, Rick formally joined the board as a territory director in 2003.  In addition to his duties with the IBAO, Rick has held a seat on the board of CSIO for 3 years and also sits on IBAC’s technology committee, bringing a business and industry perspective to these groups

Rick’s commitment to the insurance business is easy to see, but he takes just as much pride in his commitment to his community, where he sits on the local hospital foundation and chairs the Stratford Parks Board. In fact, Rick plans on highlighting the importance of community involvement while serving as President of IBAO, which is made clear by his Presidential theme for 2012, ‘Be a Broker.  Be Involved.’

IBAO looks forward to seeing all of the positive contributions Rick will undoubtedly make in the coming year.

There are countless worthy organizations across this great province that our brokers are proud to support. One in particular that IBAO is excited to announce is its commitment as title sponsor for ALLIANCE Hockey, House League, House League Select and Minor Development Championships.

The Championships will run the first two weeks in April, in Hamilton, Stratford and Woodstock, Ontario, and will have a participation of over 200 teams which equates to over 4,000 participants!

ALLIANCE Hockey’s membership consists of over 20 member associations, which includes over 31,000 members! ALLIANCE is a member of Hockey Development Centre for Ontario (HDCO) and works with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL) on several programs for ALLIANCE HOCKEY participants.

ALLIANCE offers a number of programs, specially designed to enhance performance organization and safety of their participants and is considered a leader in Canada in the administration and development of the game of hockey for all player and adult volunteer participants.

IBAO CEO, Randy Carroll discussed how thrilled IBAO is to be a part of this opportunity.  “ALLIANCE is just one example of the many wonderful organizations across this great province that IBAO is proud to support.”

ALLIANCE Hockey President, Tony Foresi adds that he wishes to, “Thank IBAO for this special opportunity to partner with them and look forward to providing the best experience possible for over 4000 minor hockey participants and their families in April!” 

For more information in ALLIANCE and its programs, visit: alliancehockey.com.

Due to the volume of interested applicants the deadline for winter semester has been moved to Friday, December 16, 2011
If you have not already registered for CAIB or CPIB, this is your last opportunity to sign up! Registrations received after December 16 will not be accepted.

For more information on the CAIB program Click Here
For more information on the CPIB program Click Here

New for 2012 – CAIB Web Conferencing
Group Discussion will now be offered online through live video web conferencing every week for the duration of the semester. This new service will be online for the upcoming winter semester which commences on the third week of January. For more information please contact Jacob Maga at jmaga@ibao.on.ca.

Registration Information
CAIB:
Register for the CAIB Program Online Today via the IBAO website, under Members' Section. Click on Online Event Registration and select the desired seminar event.
For cheque, complete and mail in the CAIB Registration Form.

CPIB:
CPIB Program registrants MUST complete and mail in the CPIB Registration Form.
Please Note - Online registration is NOT currently available for this program.

QUESTIONS? Contact Jacob Maga at jmaga@ibao.on.ca or 416-488-7422 ext. 119

For video testimonials click here!

IBAO is thrilled to officially announce its support of Custom Software Solutions Inc.’s (CSSI) recent introduction of a new major time saving technology. This new innovation allows PDF Dec pages to be accepted as part of the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) download standards.

Insurance companies and brokers will now be able to transmit documents through an “Electronic Document Transfer” (EDocs) process, effortlessly and according to CSIO standards!

Scott Andrew, President and CEO of CSSI wants brokers to know that “the biggest impact with regards to saving time and eliminating paper is the ability to download the Dec page. CSSI is pleased to say that we are capable of handling EDocs and prepared to work with any of our partner insurance companies to provide this service for their brokers."

CSSI is one of the fastest growing automation software suppliers to the Canadian Insurance Industry. The combination of their insurance experience and technological expertise enables their team to develop and market a user-friendly automation system that takes into account all aspects of a working brokerage. CSSI provides end-to-end information technology solutions to over 400 Brokerage offices across Canada.
 
Insurance Brokers are encouraged to share this information with their insurance companies as this new service gives insurance companies and brokers the ability to send information electronically, saving large amounts of time, which will allow brokers more time to spend with clients.

For more information on this new service, brokers are encouraged to visit: http://www.cssionline.com

IBAO recently hosted its 91st Annual Convention in Toronto, and part of the event included recognizing Ontario’s most outstanding brokers and brokerages!  IBAO’s Awards of Excellence recognize not only an organization’s business achievements, but also highlights the commitment to community that brokers and brokerages are known for.

The winners of the 2011 IBAO Awards of Excellence were:
Individual Broker
Craig Musico, Callister Musico Ins. Group Inc, Sarnia
This is an achievement Craig says, “is a reflection of a strong team that works with consumers through our four business philosophy pillars – professionalism, independence, integrity and excellence.”

Young Broker
Morgan Girouard, All Insurance Ontario Limited, Ottawa
Morgan is heavily involved in his community where he coaches both the junior and senior football team at St. Matt’s High School in Orleans, his alma mater. Morgan is also a board member of the Ottawa Insurance Brokers Association (OIBA), and manager of the OIBA Open House.

Affiliate
Ottawa Insurance Brokers Association (OIBA), Ottawa
OIBA organizes a variety of charity events throughout the year, and is a strong supporter of the Ottawa Fire Department’s Wake up! Program, a successful smoke alarm safety campaign which distributes free smoke alarms. The OIBA is also a main sponsor of the Ottawa Police MEGA RIDE Program.

Brokerage (-10 employees)
Johnston & Mackie Ltd, Pembroke
Johnston & Mackie Ltd. is involved in Operation Christmas Child., participated in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and raised $6,100. Mary Hill, President of the brokerage is also on the business advisory committee for Algonquin College.
 
Brokerage (+10 employees)
Donovan Insurance Brokers Inc., Kitchener-Waterloo
Donovan Insurance Brokers Inc. sponsors a number of local causes including Scouts Canada, Big Brothers and Big Sisters Camp McGovern, the Lutherwood Youth Mental Health and the Lutherwood Foundation. Kevin Donovan, President of the brokerage is also co chair of the annual Ontario General Insurance Hockey Tournament in Kitchener.

IBAO would like to congratulate all of those who were recognized by these prestigious awards!

Click here for a full article from the Canadian Insurance Top Broker Magazine!

IBAO is thrilled to announce a new app available to members titled hereiam™.  This mobile business tool will enhance broker productivity and improve client relationships. 

The state of the art app makes it easy for brokers to connect with their clients when out of the office and can even be used safely while on the road.

This new app gives brokers the ability to:
•    Listen and compose emails while driving. The hereiam™ voice reads email messages back to the subscriber, as well as records voice notes and converts them into composed memos and emails and delivers them to the intended receiver;
•    Dials numbers in their contact list hands free;
•    Follow me/find me feature allows broker clients to reach them no matter where they are;
•    Multi-conferencing;
•    Toll free calling. Clients can call them directly through a toll free number and avoid long distance charges;
•    Out of town calling. While out of their local calling area, they can call anyone in North America for $.05 a minute;
•    Eliminate roaming outside Canada; and
•    A mobile app for smartphones is included.

In fact, we're so convinced that hereiam™ provides real value to Brokers that we invite you to try the service for a 30-day free trial!

IBAO wants to encourage all of its members to sign up for hereiam™ by visiting www.hereiammobile.com. 

New for 2012 – CAIB Live Web Conferencing Discussion Groups
REGISTRATION DEADLINE – December 1st, 2011

How will you step up your game?
Attracting and retaining customers in today’s marketplace is becoming more challenging.   Consumers expect more and are more willing to shop if their needs are not met.  Knowing your product and having the confidence to convey that knowledge is critical to your success. Completing CAIB and/or CPIB will provide you with the tools to deliver that essential customer experience.

Benefits in attaining your broker designation:
·        Greater Industry Knowledge
·        More Confidence with Clients
·        Achieve Personal Goals
·        Improved Customer Service
·        Career Advancement
·        Advanced Standing Credits in MBA/H. B Comm Programs

Have you heard of the CAIB designation?
The Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker is a four part designation program that takes an in-depth look at technical coverages and business management strategies in the Canadian insurance marketplace.  It deals with three major subject areas: personal lines, commercial lines and brokerage management.

New for 2012 – CAIB Web Conferencing
Group Discussion will now be offered online through live video web conferencing every week for the duration of the semester. This new service will be online for the upcoming winter semester which commences on the third week of January. For more information please contact Jacob Maga at jmaga@ibao.on.ca.

Have you heard of the CPIB designation?
The Canadian Professional Insurance Broker program is a six part designation program that is designed for Brokers who have achieved the CAIB or CIP, are seeking a specialization and who want a program to enhance their knowledge of the insurance industry. Brokers can select one of three streams of specialization depending on their interests: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines or Broker Management. Within each stream, brokers must complete three mandatory insurance courses and three elective business courses offered at a recognized college or university of their choice.

More Information:
Please direct any questions on the CAIB and CPIB programs to Jacob Maga at jmaga@ibao.on.ca
or 416-488-7422 or 1-800-268-8845 ext. 119.

Don’t just take our word for it, watch our video testimonials for CAIB and CPIB

IBAO, in partnership with the Ontario Safety League is pleased to announce its new sponsorship of Ontario’s chapter of Operation Red Nose!

IBAO’s sponsorship guarantees that all ‘Red Nose’ cars are properly insured for the 2011 season.

Since its start in 1984, Operation Red Nose has helped thousands of Ontarians make the responsible choice of not driving while under the influence. This program provides free and confidential chauffeur services to individuals across the province. 

This national initiative launched today in Québec, and has undoubtedly been responsible for saving many lives as it serves as a truly effective deterrent against impaired driving.

Small community launch events will be held across Ontario during the month of November with the official Ontario-wide launch being held at Queen’s Park on November 23rd with IBAO’s very own, Bryan Yetman as the host.

IBAO wishes all Ontarians a safe and happy holiday season and encourages you to benefit from the Operation Red Nose program in your community!

For a full list of the Operation Red Nose locations and contact information across province, visit the Ontario Safety League’s website – www.ontariosafetyleague.com