Cowan Insurance Group

Cowan Insurance Group: independent insurance and benefits advice since 1927

Cowan Insurance Group (CIG) is a Canadian-owned, family-owned and independent brokerage headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario. The firm states it has provided customized insurance and risk management advice and placement for commercial and personal insurance, group benefits and wealth management needs since 1927. It describes itself as a nationally licensed organization with more than 600 employees across Canada, international partnerships and an expanding footprint.

The company presents itself as a market leader and cites recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for the 14th consecutive year, with Platinum Club status in that program. It also refers to recognition as one of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures. These distinctions are reported as the company's own presentation.

Business insurance and sector specialisation

For companies and organizations, the brokerage arranges commercial property, liability, trade credit and commercial auto insurance, alongside corporate planning and commercial insurance services. It also offers programs, partnerships and associations.

Its industry practice is organised around specific segments:

• Agribusiness insurance
• Construction insurance
• Manufacturing insurance
• Transportation and fleet insurance
• Technology insurance
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Municipalities, universities, school boards and hospitals

The company says it combines specialisation in strategic commercial industry segments with multiline offerings and integrated solutions, supported by technical expertise and product knowledge.

Group benefits and retirement solutions

On the employee benefits side, Cowan provides group benefits coverage and related consulting services. The offer includes group benefits consulting, global benefits consulting, third-party administration and payment services, wellness and disability solutions, and international benefits solutions. It is completed by group retirement benefits and by programs, partnerships and associations aimed at employers.

Personal insurance and wealth management

For individuals, the brokerage places car insurance, home and property insurance, pet insurance, boat insurance, leisure vehicle insurance and group home and auto insurance. It also offers a Cowan Private Client service and StorageShield™ insurance for contents in storage.

In life and living benefits, it covers life insurance and living benefits as well as travel insurance. Its wealth management area includes retirement planning, investing, life insurance and living benefits, business owner planning, financial estate planning and estate planning.

How the brokerage works with clients

Cowan presents its model around direct access to a specialist in the relevant insurance product, so that the client speaks with the right person on the first contact. It also emphasises custom coverage: learning about the client's needs and understanding the specific business before proposing coverage. As an independent broker, it states that it works for the client and seeks the best coverage at a competitive rate.

Structure, community commitment and recognition

Cowan Group Ltd. is described as a private holding company headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, that provides insurance and risk management solutions through its operating companies: Cowan Insurance Group Ltd. and its subsidiary Fountain Street Finance Inc., and Cowan Benefits Ltd.

The Cowan Foundation, established in 1995, states it has invested more than $35 million back into local communities. Through the combined efforts of employees and the Foundation, the company says it donates in excess of $2.5 million annually to local charities.

The company also maintains self-service digital access for personal and business insurance clients, group benefits members and plan administrators, as well as a self-storage portal and online payment facilities.