Independence American seeks Canadian branch

Summary#

Independence American Insurance Company says it will apply to the Superintendent of Financial Institutions on or after March 9, 2026 to set up a Canadian branch and get approval to insure risks in Canada. The company plans to sell property insurance, with a Canadian chief agent in Newmarket, Ontario and its head office in Scottsdale, Arizona.

What it does#

• The company intends to file an application under subsection 574(1) of the Insurance Companies Act (Canada) to get an order allowing it to insure risks in Canada.
• It will ask to operate under the English name Independence American Insurance Company and the French name Compagnie d’Assurance Indépendance Américaine.
• It says it will be a general insurer focusing on property insurance in Canada.
• The company’s head office is in Scottsdale, Arizona and its ultimate parent is located in Luxembourg.
• The planned Canadian chief agent is in Newmarket, Ontario.
• The notice in the Gazette is dated February 18, 2026 and is filed by solicitors Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.

Who's affected#

• Canadian businesses and property owners who buy property insurance could see a new provider enter the market.
• Insurance brokers and agents who place property coverage.
• Competing insurance companies and the broader property-insurance market in Canada.
• The Superintendent of Financial Institutions, which will review the application.
• If approval is granted, clients who deal with the firm’s Canadian chief agent in Newmarket, Ontario may be directly affected.

Why it matters#

• A new insurer could increase choices for property insurance and influence prices or coverage options.
• The application must be reviewed by the federal regulator, so approval is not guaranteed — nothing changes immediately.
• The notice signals potential new market activity and could matter to businesses shopping for property insurance or brokers tracking available carriers.