WHAT MAKES AFN INSURANCE BROKERS (AFNIB) AND IT’S GROUP PARTNERS YOUR BEST /ONLY CHOICE TO MANAGE YOUR COMMUNITY INSURANCE PROGRAM
Who is the AFNIB Group?
AFN Insurance was nationally incorporated in 1998 to provide better insurance coverage and services to First Nations – we currently have over 200 First Nations as valued clients and “only” serve First Nations reflecting a commitment not found with other Brokers. AFN is headquartered in Ottawa with an office in Saskatoon and has significant First Nation ownership in its founder (Gil Saunders) who is a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation in Ontario.
We have a very select Group of Regional Broker Partners who have been carefully selected for their insurance professionalism as well as for their affinity and understanding of First Nations – resulting in Brokers services unequalled by anyone else across Canada.
For the past 19 years AFN Insurance has partnered with Major Insurance Markets who underwriter the AFN Insurance Program - as experienced First Nation underwriting partners with financial stability and understanding of First Nations. Our markets are the only underwriter in Canada that has had such a long and complete association with a First Nation Insurance Program (count the number of Insurers who have been on other Programs and compare).
Does the AFNIB Group share profits with First Nations?
In short “no” – as underwriting profits have been only enough to keep our Program in business to continue to provide our services and products. Those that are new to First Nation Insurance (“start-ups” or “up-starts”) say big profits are being made which is misleading and false – statements like this questions how long they themselves will stay in business if these are their expectations.
AFN Insurance and it’s Broker Group make no more than standard industry commissions that are disclosed to all First Nation clients & policyholders, in addition to possible fees at times used to offset travel costs and expenses which are also disclosed where required. Underwriting Profits have been marginal (enough to stay in business) in view of keeping premiums as low as possible for each insured and client. Rate increases are required when claims on the overall Program outpace premiums and are important to sustain the delivery of products and services that First Nations are entitled.
What is the AFNIB Group doing to help minimize rate increases and premiums?
Working with Markets and our Broker Partners we have provided and are newly implementing the following to diminish Community and Housing claims frequency/severity, ultimately to reduce overall costs/premiums to First Nation Policyholders...at no additional costs to you:
1.Provide Loss Prevention and Risk Management Services to individual Community Clients to work with them to improve Fire and Life Safety..ultimately to reducing claims and insurance costs;
2.Continuing to upgrade coverage and products that meet the growing needs of our clients ie. Additional living expense coverage to offset alternate accommodation costs following an insured loss;
3.Launched in 2010 a Community school based “education and awareness” program that will be national in scope and complimenting other fire safety Programs.
In summary we value your support as you as First Nations are our lifeblood and welcome any comments/suggestions from you on how to improve our First Nation Products and Services.