(Toronto, ON) The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is hosting a live webcast March 2nd for its members and industry partners. Ontario Auto – Reality Check is a panel discussion featuring legal, E&O, insurer and broker viewpoints, with opportunity for audience polling and live Q&A.

“The landscape has changed since the reforms in 2010,” says Jim Murphy, IBAO CEO. “It’s important our membership understands the importance this set of reforms brings, and learn how to protect themselves.”

Hugh Fardy, Senior Vice President, CG&B Group and webcast panelist continues: “Tremendous significance should be placed on process to protect brokers from Errors & Omission exposure. Consumers will be ever elusive [with June 1st changes] but when the pressure’s on, they’ll have high expectations and a willingness to sue. If I were a broker, I’d want to have a strong process in place for addressing this issue with every renewal.”

Joining Fardy on the panel is Mari Maiments, Thomas Gold Pettingill LLP; Renee Clarke, Travelers Canada; and Gillian Van Kempen, Best Buy Insurance Brokers. Bryan Yetman of First Durham Insurance Brokers will moderate.

“It’s important to stay informed, share knowledge and support one another,” says Van Kempen. In addition to claims scenarios, the webcast will explain coverage choices as they relate to lifestyle, and emphasize how brokers can help clients choose the best coverage for their unique circumstances. Adds Yetman: “It’s about finding ways to truly connect with clients and advise them of the impact of these changes.”

“We hope to inspire brokers to think beyond price when servicing their clients,” says Murphy. “This is about protecting people’s lifestyle, and offering sound advice.”

Ontario Auto – Reality Check is part of the association’s awareness campaign on Ontario Auto Reform that launched mid-January. In addition to broker education, the campaign includes consumer-facing resources and a social media campaign.

Participants can watch the webcast as it’s broadcast live March 2nd between 9:30 – 11:30AM; the webcast is free for members and $195 for non-members. For more information, visit events.ibao.org/ontario-auto.

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