Independence American Seeks Canadian Branch

Summary#

Independence American Insurance Company says it plans to apply to set up a Canadian branch to insure risks in Canada. The company intends to file the application on or after March 9, 2026 and says it will offer property insurance in Canada.

What it does#

• The company will file an application with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions under the Insurance Companies Act asking for permission to insure risks in Canada under the English name Independence American Insurance Company and the French name Compagnie d’Assurance Indépendance Américaine.
• It intends to conduct property insurance business in Canada if the application is approved.
• The company’s head office is in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the ultimate parent is located in Luxembourg.
• The planned Canadian chief agent will be located in Newmarket, Ontario.
• The notice in the Gazette was submitted by the law firm Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.

Who's affected#

• People and businesses looking for property insurance in Canada, if the branch is approved.
• Insurance brokers and agents who place property coverage.
• Other insurers in the property-insurance market (possible new competition).
• The federal regulator, the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, which will review the application.
• It is not explicit which provinces or lines of property business would be targeted beyond the general statement that the company intends to do property insurance.

Why it matters#

• If approved, this could add a new option for property insurance in Canada, which can affect choice and competition.
• A foreign-headquartered insurer with a Canadian chief agent could change how certain policies are offered or managed here.
• Right now this is a notice of intent to apply — the company still needs regulatory approval before it can insure risks in Canada.