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AUTO / HOME
BUSINESS / FARM

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PERSONAL SERVICE,
EVERY TIME

COVID-19 UPDATES

Offices Closed to Public

COVID-19 Questions & Answers

Letter From The CEO

PRODUCTS

What are some of the benefits of having your Home & Auto insurance with us?

Premium Savings

You may qualify for a 10% multi-line discount on your auto insurance premium.

One Deductible

Your home and auto insurance policies have separate deductibles that apply when you have a claim. When both policies are with Howard Mutual, you pay only one deductible when a loss occurs involving your home and car.

More Convenience

It only takes one phone call to ask questions or make changes to both your home and auto insurance. Two locations to better serve you.

Better Service

Your Agent has a better understanding of your insurance needs and can advise you on how a change could impact insurance coverage or rating on both policies.

ABOUT HOWARD MUTUAL

We are a community focused company working together with our policyholders to provide insurance solutions and personal service.

Howard Mutual Insurance Company's Mission and Vision for the future will be accomplished only by operating our company according to values that speak to our relationships we have with all our stakeholders including our policyholders, team members, community and our vendors.

Download: 2019 Financial Statements

We Support Our Community

We are the sum of our parts, we are comprised of the policyholders that are the collective owners of Howard Mutual. Together, we form an effective and efficient organization with clear and like-minded goals; to spend wisely the investments of our stakeholders and to support and enrich the communities that we call home.

Chatham Salvation Army received a $7000 donation from Howard Mutual.

Ridgetown Salvation Army received a $7000 donation from Howard Mutual.

Ridgetown Kiwanis received a $500 donation from Howard Mutual.

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance received a $1000 donation from Howard Mutual for Music for the Mind.

Area Royal Canadian Legions received a donation for a total of $1500 from Howard Mutual.

Learn more about applying for a donation from Howard Mutual.

OUR TEAM

Ridgetown Office

Gary H's Bio

Gary Houston
Agent Since 1993

Greg B's Bio

Greg Babula
Agent Since 2006

Rob B's Bio

Rob Bednarowski
Agent Since 2012

Paul's Bio

Paul Spence
Agent Since 2017

Tasha's Bio

Tasha Shaw
Agent Since 2018

Blenheim Office

Chris H's Bio

Chris Hill
Agent Since 2007

Dan P's Bio

Dan Peltier
Agent Since 2014

John Jr's Bio

Jonathan Derksen
Agent Since 2011

Scott's Bio

Scott Thompson
Agent Since 2018

Board of Directors

Jim Clark
Chair of the Board
Highgate - Board Member Since 2011

Gerry Sullivan
Vice Chair
Blenheim - Board Member Since 2009

Dan McDonald
Past Chair
Muirkirk - Board Member Since 2005

Rob McKinlay
Director
Morpeth - Board Member Since 1991

Ken Scott
Director
Ridgetown - Board Member Since 2010

Darrin Spence
Director
Blenheim - Board Member Since 2009

Janet Nauta
Director
Blenheim - Board Member Since 2016

Heidi Wyma
Director
Kent Bridge - Board Member Since 2019

Petra Hathaway
Director
Melbourne - Board Member Since 2020

Interested in Becoming a Director?

Please send name, address and contact information to nominations@howardmutual.com.
For more information about becoming a director please see below:

Director Job Description (PDF)
Director's Qualifications

be part of the

HOWARD MUTUAL TEAM

Available Positions

Agent

We are currently seeking energetic and highly motivated sales-oriented individuals to our dynamic team. This position is best suited for individuals that have excellent customer service skills, hands-on sales experience, demonstrated successful networking and is looking for a career in a thriving and supportive workplace.

Read the full job description and learn how to apply.

Our Team in Action

Mutuals coming together to gift isolation gowns to the pediatrics mother-baby labour delivery and NICU units at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

CONTACT HOWARD MUTUAL

Ridgetown Branch Office
20 Ebenezer St. W, Box 398
Ridgetown, Ontario
N0P 2C0
Office: 1-519-674-5434
Fax: 1-519-674-2029

Blenheim Branch Office
45 James St. Unit #5, Box 239
Blenheim, Ontario
N0P 1A0
Office: 1-519-676-1042
Fax: 1-519-676-1045

REPORT A CLAIM

Ridgetown Office: 519-674-5434

Blenheim Office: 519-676-1042

Toll Free: 1-866-931-2809

How to Report an Auto Accident.

When an auto accident occurs, report to the police through 911. Notify the operator of any injury that may require medical assistance. Obtain the: name, address, phone number, license plate number and the insurance particulars (insurer name and policy number) of all drivers involved in the accident. The police will give you an accident report. The officer’s name and badge number will be on the form, as well as the occurrence number and any information regarding possible charges. Try to remember the answers to the following questions:

Where did the accident happen?
Why were you there?
Was the road in good or bad condition?
What was the weather like?
Was the sun in your eyes?
What time of day was it?
If your vehicle has to be towed, make sure you know who the towing company is, their phone number and where they are located. Also, inquire specifically where your vehicle is being towed, as the drop-off point may not be the same address as the Towing Company.

Next, call Howard Mutual and have the information outlined above readily available. If your accident occurs on a weekend or after hours there will be a message from Howard Mutual prompting you to dial an emergency number. This number will ensure your claim is handled by an after-hours adjuster.

Once you have reported your claim, an adjuster will be assigned to your file. The adjuster will then have an appraiser look at the damage to your vehicle. If you are injured, an Accident Benefits adjuster will be assigned and will contact you immediately.

Howard Mutual will serve you professionally and ethically with the utmost good faith.

When adjudicating a claim we pay what is owed under the contract of insurance, no more, no less.

All Claims employees will follow the applicable laws or member association agreements, to adjust claims in a manner, which is in the best interests of the consumer.

We value the elements of professionalism, fairness, promptness and courtesy in the claims service process, and they form the core of our commitment to provide the ultimate delivery of the insurance product, the equitable settlement of claims.

How to report a claim of Theft, Fire, Wind or Liability, etc. to your property?

In the event of a property loss, it’s important to immediately contact the following, to prevent further loss:

The Fire Department: in case of a fire
Plumber: in the case of water event
Police: in the event of theft or vandalism (you will be given an incident number by the police. Have this ready for your adjuster.)

If your property has been damaged, you should take steps as soon as possible to prevent further damage by covering broken windows, securing broken doors, etc. Do not throw away any damaged property before talking to your adjuster. The adjuster needs to see all the damage so he or she can make an accurate calculation of the loss. After an adjuster has had a chance to assess the damage he or she will advise you on how to get repairs completed and/or belongings replaced.

If one of the above should happen, or if you don’t know if you need to file a claim, call Howard Mutual and ask for help. Please call in a timely matter so an adjuster can be assigned immediately.

Have your Howard Mutual policy number ready when you call. It is located in the very top right hand corner of your declaration sheet. This makes it faster for an adjuster to locate your coverage information.

Our experienced adjusters will guide you through the filing and processing of your claim and begin to relieve some of the stress you have suffered.

Howard Mutual will serve you professionally and ethically with the utmost good faith.

When adjudicating a claim we pay what is owed under the contract of insurance, no more, no less.

All Claims employees will follow the applicable laws or member association agreements, to adjust claims in a manner, which is in the best interests of the consumer.

Request A Quote

We are happy to provide a quote on Home, Auto, Business or Farm. Please contact one of our offices or call us toll free at 1-866-931-2809.

Ridgetown Branch Office
20 Ebenezer St. W, Box 398
Ridgetown, Ontario
N0P 2C0
Office: 1-519-674-5434
Fax: 1-519-674-2029

Blenheim Branch Office
45 James St. Unit #5, Box 239
Blenheim, Ontario
N0P 1A0
Office: 1-519-676-1042
Fax: 1-519-676-1045

AUTO

Individualized Automobile Insurance Rating

Ontario Automobile Policy Changes

Optional Accident Benefit

If you are concerned that the standard Accident Benefit Limits may not be adequate to meet your needs following an automobile accident, increased limits can be purchased.

Protection Plus!

If purchased, this option protects your good driving record if you are at least six years accident free. In the event of your first “at fault” accident, you keep your accident free rating! (This protection cannot be applied to accidents resulting in any criminal code or major Highway Traffic Act violations.)

Emergency Road Service!

This coverage reimburses you for towing and emergency service up to $50.00 per emergency.The coverage pays in excess of (or in absence of) any auto club, manufacturers or dealers warranties or credit card programs.The cost of parts or fuel does not qualify.This coverage is included at no additional charge when your private passenger vehicle is insured for “Collision and Comprehensive” or “All Perils” physical damage coverages.

Transportation Replacement!

If purchased, this option pays for the rental of a substitute vehicle while your vehicle is out of service due to a loss that your vehicle is insured against.

Rental Vehicles Liability for Damage to Non-owned Autos

When this option is purchased for your private passenger or travel trailer, you no longer have to buy the physical damage insurance coverage sold to you as a daily rate when you rent a car.

Premium Discounts

● Property Insured Discount! Save on your auto policy premium when you insure your home, condominium unit or farm residence with us! If you are a commercial policyholder, you may be eligible to save on your auto policy premium when you insure your property with us!

● Retiree Discount! A discount may apply to the ‘Accident Benefits’ section of your private passenger auto policy if you are retired and not receiving any income from any business or occupation and you are over the age of 65 or receiving pension under any government or registered pension plan.

● Long Term Policy Holder Discount! A discount may apply to your private passenger auto if you have had automobile insurance with us for three consecutive years.

● Theft Deterrent System Discount! A discount may apply to the ‘Comprehensive’ portion of your private passenger automobile if you have an ‘Approved Aftermarket Theft Deterrent System’ installed by an approved installation facility.

● Trail master Discount for Snowmobiles! A Trail master discount is available for motorized snow vehicles provided all operators are 40 years of age or over and all operators have remained accident and claims free for the last six years. You must have owned a snow vehicle throughout the past five years.

Ontario Automobile Policy Wording

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HOME

Insurance on Your House

Comprehensive or limited perils options
Swimming pools & fixed outdoor equipment
Trees, plants, patios - Includes removal of debris from insured loss
Optional guaranteed replacement cost on contents
Separate coverage for detached garages and sheds

Home Contents & Personal Property

Comprehensive or limited perils options
Replacement cost coverage
Extensions for property while away from your home and for students’ contents
Includes property of family members living in your home
Specialty coverage available for jewelry, fine arts, collectibles, tools, musical instruments, electronic equipment and watercraft

Other Features

Protection against fraud for your credit/ debit cards and cheques
Coverage on the contents of your freezer if it breaks down
Cleanup coverage if gas, oil or other pollutant is accidentally spilled on your property

Additional Living Expense

If your home is damaged because of an insured loss, we will cover the extra cost of living away from your home while your house is being repaired.

Public Liability

We will defend you and pay for losses you are legally liable for if someone sues you because you injured him or her or damaged their property
Many optional extensions available

Condominium All Peris Policy Wording
Condominium Named Perils Policy Wording
Residential Form ( Standard Plus ) Policy Wording
Tenant's Standard Form Policy Wording
Tenant's Plus Form Policy Wording
New Boat Owners Policy Wording

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BUSINESS

Broadform Building Coverage

Replacement cost
Increased reconstruction costs due to bylaws
Accidental breakage of glass and signs
Vandalism and malicious damage by tenant

Broadform Contents Coverage

Replacement cost
Optional sewer/sump backup coverage
Vandalism and malicious damage by tenantsLoss of Income Coverage
Replaces business income lost as a result of insured damage to property (less expenses, which do not continue)

Crime Coverage

Contents including cash
Optional coverage for loss resulting from employee dishonesty

Public Legal Liability

Premises coverage (slip and fall)
Optional environmental pollution damage

Retail Store Coverage

Broadform Store Coverage

Replacement cost
Increased reconstruction costs due to bylaws
Accidental breakage of glass and signs

Equipment Coverage

Replacement Cost
Optional theft coverage
Optional mechanical breakdown to computers
Optional sewer/sump back up

Stock Coverage

Optional theft coverage
Market value for stock on shelves
Damage resulting from change in temperature
'Peak season' coverage automatically increases stock limits up to 25%

Loss of Income Coverage

Replaces business income lost as a result of insured damage to property (less expenses which do not continue) crime coverage
Contents including cash
Optional coverage for loss resulting from employee dishonesty

Public Legal Liability

Retail store premises (slip and fall)
Products coverage (All goods you sell)
Tenants legal liability

Contractors Coverage

Broadform Building Coverage

Replacement cost or depreciated value
Accidental breakage of glass and signs

Broadform Contents Coverage

Property of clergy and others while on premises
Includes religious articles and equipment
Optional sewer/sump backup coverage

Loss of Income Coverage

Replaces income lost as a result of insured damage to property (less expenses which did not continue)

Public Legal Liability

Premises coverage (slip and fall)
Congregational activities
Optional professional liability
Optional protection for church entity against allegations of abuse
Optional directors and officers liability coverage

Home Based Business Coverage

Broadform Equipment Coverage

Replacement cost
Optional mechanical breakdown to computers
Electrical surges by power fluctuation

Stock Coverage

Optional theft coverage
Market value for stock in inventory

Crime Coverage

Home business contents including cash

Loss of Income Coverage

Replaces business income lost as a result of insured damage to property (less expenses which do not continue)

Public Legal Liability

Office premises at home (slip and fall)
Products coverage (goods you sell)
Optional professional liability

Apartment Building Owners Coverage

Broadform Building Coverage

Replacement cost
Increased reconstruction costs due to bylaws
Accidental breakage of glass and signs
Vandalism and malicious damage by tenant

Broadform Contents Coverage

Replacement cost
Optional sewer/sump backup coverage
Vandalism and malicious damage by tenants

Loss of Income Coverage

Replaces business income lost as a result of insured damage to property (less expenses, which do not continue)

Crime Coverage

Contents including cash
Optional coverage for loss resulting from employee dishonesty

Public Legal Liability

Premises coverage (slip and fall)
Optional environmental pollution damage

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AGRICULTURE

Machinery Coverage

All external perils coverage
Damage to non-owned or leased machinery
Loss of use
Optional replacement cost

Building Coverage

Broadform or named perils coverage
Optional replacement cost
Increased reconstruction costs due to bylaws

Produce Coverage

Seed, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and commercial feed, refrigerated product

Livestock Coverage

Standard or broad form coverages available for cattle, swine, poultry and horse
Loss of Income Coverage
Ongoing and extra expenses after a loss

Public Legal Liability

Corporate & family farm operations
Environmental pollution coverage
Extensions for custom work

Farm Form Standard Policy Wording

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Applying for a Donation from Howard Mutual

Howard Mutual supports a number of local charitable and volunteer organizations each year with gifts that can include money, in-kind items, and possibly volunteer help.

Donations will be considered for organizations and events whose goals provide a direct benefit to the Company, such as reducing claims, or whose goals improve the quality of life for our local community. These organizations or events will include, but not be limited to, those who focus on cultural, agricultural, environmental, health, heritage, or educational goals.

Howard Mutual, under normal circumstances, will not consider donations to: adult sporting teams, organizations, or events (however, we will consider donations to youth sports teams, organizations, or events); “for profit” organizations or events; and religious or sectarian organizations, unless they support broad-based community needs.

In-kind donation requests will be considered (e.g., pens, yardsticks, and fire extinguishers) as long as they meet the Company criteria listed above.

We ask that donation requests be submitted to us in writing, either by mail or email.

Mail:
Howard Mutual Insurance Company
20 Ebenezer Street West, P.O. Box 398
Ridgetown, Ontario N0P 2C0

Email: donations@howardmutual.com

For any questions, feel free to contact us in writing, or by phone at 1.866.931.2809.

When submitting your request, please include the following information:

Tell Us a Little About Your Organization

Organization name
Charitable number (if available)
Address and telephone number
Contact person
Email
Purpose of your organization, what you do, who you help
Brief history of your organization
Your organization today, members, volunteers, etc.
Funding or other support received from us in the past

Tell Us About Your Request

Brief description of your project
What you would use our donation for
Amount requested
Other organizations you have applied to for support for this project, if applicable
How you plan to provide recognition of Howard Mutual’s support for your project
Anything else you would like us to know

Howard Mutual strives to support organizations with good governance and financial stability. If your donation request is of a large nature, please provide us with the following additional information:

A list of your officers and their contact information
A budget for your project, listing the expenses and revenues
A copy of your organization’s most recent financial statements

Gary Houston

I have lived in Chatham Kent my entire life and was fortunate to remain on the family farm. I graduated from Ridgetown College and began working on the family farm in 1973. My insurance career began in 1984 when I worked for Ontario Crop Insurance as a claims adjuster. Then in 1989 I was asked to join the Howard Mutual Board of Directors. Who knew this would lead me to my next career in the insurance industry as an Agent in 1993. My new role allowed me the opportunity to keep connected to my family roots and farming. It is rewarding to assist my clients in finding the right coverage and price for their individual needs. My wife and I have been married for over 40 years and we have 2 sons and 2 wonderful granddaughters that keep us busy. In my personal time, I enjoy curling, hunting and travelling. I sing with the Chatham- Kent Chorale and for years we have been performing at the Capitol Theatre in early Dec. with a variety of sacred and secular songs. We usually follow up with one or two mini concerts at retirement homes in the Blenheim and Chatham followed by an annual Christmas Concert. I also enjoy singing in the church choir at St. Paul’s in Chatham

Greg Babula

I was raised in this area as my family relocated to Ridgetown in 1974. I started working in the insurance industry with Sun Life financial in the Life and Long Term Care division. I joined Howard Mutual in 2006 as an Agent. Working with my clients feels like connecting with old friends and creating new ones. After a career in advertising, I became involved in the golf business as a golf professional. I worked as an assistant golf pro member of the CPGA and earned the title of a “Class A” Head Professional and a full member of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association. I then became the Head Golf Professional at the Tilbury Golf Club from 1989 to 2000. I have 2 beautiful adult daughters. I naturally have a passion for golf, love to travel and cook. In my spare time I enjoy attending classic car shows.

Rob Bednarowski

I have worked in the insurance industry since 1990. I started in the business as a Life Agent and then became an insurance broker. I joined Howard Mutual in 2012 and work in the Ridgetown Head Office. I am an avid music fan with a particular interest in mid-70’s art rock. I enjoy reading, especially speculative fiction and history. In the summer, I enjoy spending time outdoors gardening.

My wife and I have been married for over 31 years and we reside in the Hamlet of Duart.

Paul Spence

I joined Howard Mutual early in 2017. I attended and graduated from the University of Guelph with a diploma in Agricultural Business and a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. I was born and raised in McKay’s Corners on our family farm and I have a long history with Howard Mutual as both policy holder and because my Grandfather and Uncle both worked for the company. I am married to my beautiful wife Sara who immigrated from Ecuador and we have two amazing children; Joah and Vivien.

I am proud to carry on their reputation and tradition of service excellence and promote the Howard Mutual difference. I can still remember my uncle’s schedule servicing clients, critics on the value of insurance while working on the farm and listening to insurance topics as a small boy. All these experience I hope will serve me in how I treat my clients today. I pride myself in knowing all of my clients and their families personally, their value to our community and being responsible for their insurance needs is an honour that I enjoy and plan to take very seriously.

Tasha Shaw

I have just recently joined Howard Mutual Insurance as a Sales Agent. I graduated from Fanshawe College with a diploma in Business Insurance and I have my CIP designation. I have been working in the insurance industry for over 17 years as an insurance broker and am very eager and excited to start this new chapter in my insurance career. I currently reside in Thamesville with my husband and two busy, fun loving boys Cody and Roewen. You can usually find me in the cheering section at my children’s hockey, baseball and soccer games. I enjoy hockey, golfing, boating and being with my family. I take great pride in providing my clients with personal and courteous service and look forward to a long, prosperous career continuing to help clients with all of their insurance needs.

Chris Hill

I have worked at Howard Mutual since 2007. Previously to my time with Howard Mutual I attended and graduated from Ryerson University with a bachelor’s degree in business and played on their varsity hockey team. I have been a small business owner, I have also worked at various jobs in the agriculture, construction and insurance industries. I was born and raised in Ridgetown where the Howard Mutual Head Office is located. I am proud to carry on their reputation and tradition of service excellence. I can still remember my parents’ Howard Mutual Agent sitting at their kitchen table discussing insurance coverages when I was a small boy and that is still the way I treat my clients today. I pride myself in knowing all of my clients and their families personally and being responsible for their insurance needs is an honor that I enjoy and take very seriously. My Wife and I, along with our two sons, live on a rural property just outside Rondeau Provincial Park. I enjoy the outdoors, camping and working with my hands on various projects on our hobby farm. I help coach my eldest son’s local hockey team and I am looking forward to doing the same with my younger son this coming year when he starts playing hockey.

Dan Peltier

I started my insurance career in 2008. I am fortunate to love what I do along with helping people to protect their most valuable assets. I have witnessed firsthand how important having the right insurance protection is to a family. As a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident, my Mom is in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. When I was a volunteer fireman I witnessed how quickly someone can lose one of their largest investment, their home and personal belongings. I realize that you may not get everything back as sentimental items are impossible to replace, but, you will have peace of mind that you are properly protected. I have two boys that are ages 11 and 7 and enjoy watching them grow, coaching their baseball team and spending time outdoors together. I enjoy anything that has to do with cars and love working on them as well. During my spare time you will find me fishing, golfing, playing baseball or out on the water.

Jonathan Derksen, Jr.

I started in the Insurance Industry as an Insurance Broker in 2003. After trying the broker side for 8 years, I came to work at Howard Mutual as an Agent. Coincidentally my father has been a Howard Mutual agent for the past 35 years. So I guess you could say that insurance runs in the family and I am the second generation. In the future, I look forward to continuing the exceptional quality and service that is provided by the Howard Mutual Agents. On the personal side, I have been married for over 10 years. My wife and I have 5 children who are all under the age of 8. So as you can imagine things are busy in our household. Nevertheless we still find time to be active in the community. Currently I am the Senior Boys Basketball Coach at Chatham Christian High School. I also stay active by playing volleyball and softball in the Chatham Men's leagues and helping coach my son's little league team. How do I find the time to do all this? Well let's just say I have a very understanding wife.

Scott Thompson

I joined the Howard team in 2018. I was born and raised in the Chatham area and I have an extensive background in multiple industries. In 2002, I graduated from the 3-year Advertising program at St. Clair College. My grandfather was a partner in the Smalley, Brisco & Thompson Insurance Brokerage located in Chatham, with roots dating back to the 1930’s, so I guess you could say that insurance is in my blood.

In my personal life, I am married with a son and daughter and we have been an active foster family for nearly 13 years. I enjoy being involved with my kid’s sports including coaching hockey teams, caddying for my son, and volunteering with the Chatham “Y” Pool Sharks for my daughter. I enjoy golfing, playing volleyball, hockey and any activity that involves water. I am incredibly excited to be a part of this outstanding team and look forward to providing the unparalleled service that Howard Mutual offers.

Accessible Customer Service

Howard Mutual Insurance Company (Howard Mutual) strives to provide equal treatment and benefit through its services and facilities. We are committed to removing barriers to access for people with disabilities and welcome feedback about how we can improve our customer service. All goods and services provided by Howard Mutual will follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

Assistive Devices

Howard Mutual accommodates the use of personal assistive devices that enable a person with a disability to access our services and facilities. Assistive devices include, but are not limited to: GPS, mobility devices, personal oxygen tanks, mini pocket recorders and communication boards.

Service Animals

Howard Mutual recognizes a person’s right to have their service animal with them at all times. Service animals are permitted to be with their person while on the premises.

Support Persons

A support person is a person who accompanies the person with a disability in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or access to goods or services. The support person can be a paid support worker, volunteer, friend, or family member.

When a person with a disability is accompanied by a support person, Howard Mutual employees, directors and third-party contractors will ensure that both persons are permitted to enter the premises. In situations where confidential information might be discussed, consent will be obtained from the customer before any potentially confidential information is mentioned.

Communication

When communicating with a person with a disability, Howard Mutual is committed to doing so in a manner that is respectful and dignified.

Notice of Service Disruption

In the event of any temporary disruptions to facilities or services that customers with disabilities rely on to access or use Howard Mutual's goods or services, Howard Mutual will post: a notice of the goods and services that are disrupted or unavailable, the reason for the disruption, the anticipated duration of the disruption, and a description of alternative services or options that are available. At minimum, this notice will be posted in a conspicuous place at the affected premises and may also be posted on Howard Mutual’s website.

Training

Howard Mutual is committed to ensuring that its employees and directors who deal with the public and customers receive training on accessible customer service. We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that third-party contractors who deliver goods and services on behalf of Howard Mutual meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Howard Mutual’s training plan includes information on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standards. The Human Resources Coordinator will ensure that training records are maintained, including dates when training was provided and the number of employees who received training.

Billling and Documentation

Howard Mutual is committed to providing accessible invoices and documents to customers. For this reason, invoices and documents will be provided in hard copy, large print, e-mail, etc. upon request. We will answer any questions customers may have about the content of the invoice or document in person, by telephone, or email.

AODA – Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Plan

Howard Mutual’s full AODA – Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Plan is available upon request and in a format that takes into account the customer’s disability.

Feedback and Comments on Policy

Feedback, questions, or concerns regarding accessibility may be provided in person, by telephone, in writing, or by email or other electronic means. Feedback, questions, or concerns received by Howard Mutual will be responded to within fifteen (15) business days, documented and tracked.

Please contact:

Jodi Rich, President and CEO
Howard Mutual Insurance Company
20 Ebenezer Street West, P.O. Box 398
Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0
Email: jrich@howardmutual.com
Phone: 1-866-931-2809 ext. 260

Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance companies selling home, auto and business insurance are committed to protecting your rights. These include the right to be informed fully, to be treated with respect, to timely claims handling and complaint resolution, and to privacy. Insurance is a two-way contract, and you have a role to play. You are responsible for understanding your needs, asking questions and providing accurate, up-to-date information to your insurer. For more information about your role, speak to your insurance representative and read your policy.

Right to Be Informed

You have the right to an easy-to-understand explanation of how insurance works and how insurers calculate price based on relevant facts. You can expect to access clear information about your policy, your coverage and the claims settlement process. Under normal circumstances, insurers will advise an insurance customer of changes to, or the cancellation of, a policy at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the policy. Your insurer is required to provide you with the renewal terms of your policy at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the policy.

You have the right to know how your broker or agent is compensated, and if they have any conflicts of interest.

Right to Timely and Transparent Claims Handling

You can expect qualified staff to respond to your claim in a timely manner. You have the right to be informed of procedures and timelines for settling your claim, as well as the status of your claim. If your claim is denied, you have the right to be informed why.

Right to Complaint Resolution

You can access your company’s complaint resolution process. Your insurer, agent or broker can provide you with information about how you can ensure that your complaint is heard and promptly handled. You may also contact your provincial insurance regulator or the independent General Insurance OmbudService (www.giocanada.org).

Right to Privacy

You have the right to understand how your personal information will be used. All insurers have privacy statements and are subject to Canada’s privacy laws. Ask your insurer to provide you with a copy of its privacy statement.

Responsibility to Understand Your Needs

You are responsible for asking questions and educating yourself about your policy. Visit www.ibc.ca for information about questions you should ask your insurance provider. Make sure you ask all relevant questions and give your insurance provider a detailed explanation of your circumstances to help him or her make informed recommendations on what your policy should include. This will ensure that you have the right insurance coverage.

You are responsible for making premium payments as required by your insurer. Failure to do so could result in a lapse of coverage or cancellation of your policy.

Responsibility to Provide Accurate Information

You are required to provide all relevant information in your application for insurance and you must ensure that the information is accurate. If you have questions about the application or policy, contact your insurance representative and have him or her explain it to you to ensure that you understand your and the insurer’s obligations.

Responsibility to Update Your Information

To maintain your protection against loss, you must promptly inform your insurance company, broker or agent of any change in your circumstances, such as renovations to your home, the purchase of a big-ticket item that may require additional insurance coverage or having a home-based business.

Responsibility to Report the Facts

You must report an accident or claim, providing complete and accurate details, as soon as possible following the accident or incident giving rise to the claim.

Have a Coffee on Us!

This program is specifically designed for Realtors. We'd like to say Thank You for your referrals. For every qualified referral, you will earn referral rewards.

Simply fill out the form below and press send....Yes, it's really that simple.

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Individualized Automobile Insurance Rating

For the past 40 years, Howard Mutual Insurance as a member of the Ontario Municipal Insurance Association has offered automobile insurance to our policyholders with a focus on competitive, stable rates. Our rating system was based on only a few factors such as location and age for example. This simplified system of rating automobile insurance has served us well, however, the majority of the insurance marketplace in Ontario has moved to individualized rating models. In order to ensure our continued ability to offer competitive automobile insurance solutions for you, we need to implement changes to keep pace with the automobile insurance marketplace in Ontario.

Effective, June 1^st, 2019 Howard Mutual is implementing an individualized rating system to our auto insurance products to ensure that all of our policyholders have the most effective individual rating for them. This new system utilizes a number of additional specific rating factors to arrive at your individual insurance premium. As such, you may notice a change in your policy rating when you receive your automobile insurance renewal.

In order to be sure that we have up-to-date, current information on file so that you are receiving the most appropriate automobile insurance rating, we have included an “Automobile Insurance – Individualized Rating Information Form” with your insurance renewal. We are asking our policyholders to complete this information and return it to their agent at their earliest convenience. This will ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate individual rating for you. If you did not receive this form, please click on the link below to access a copy.

Automobile Insurance – Individualized Rating Information Form

On another note, you will notice that the discounts portion of your auto policy declarations page appears different. In the past, if you were receiving a discount, the percentage of the discount appeared on your declarations page. Going forward you will find that if you are receiving a discount, your declarations page will indicate that the discount is included however, the actual percentage is gone. The discount percentage has not changed, it has simply been included in our individualized rating model. If you are receiving the Long-Term Policy Discount on your Howard Auto Insurance Policy, you will notice that this discount no longer appears on your policy declarations page however, you will still be receiving it as part of the individualized rating structure as well.

If you would like more information on these changes, please contact your Howard Mutual Agent.

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Ontario Automobile Policy Changes

In addition to the Individualized Automobile Insurance Rating changes, there have been some minor changes to the Ontario Automobile Insurance policy wording. These changes affect the Fault Determination Rules for accidents and the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). These changes are being made to ensure that drug-impaired driving is treated equally to alcohol-impaired driving under insurance contracts. The amendments expand the types of driving offences where the Fault Determination Rules do not apply. The amendments also expand the types of driving offences where, regardless of fault, certain accident benefits, such as income replacement, are not provided (e.g. impairment by a combination of alcohol and a drug, failing or refusing to perform a physical coordination test, or refusing to submit to an evaluation).

If you would like more information on these policy wording changes, please contact your Howard Mutual Agent or visit the FSCO website at the following link:

http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/

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We Support Our Community

Chatham Salvation Army received a $7000 donation from Howard Mutual.

Ridgetown Salvation Army received a $7000 donation from Howard Mutual.

Ridgetown Kiwanis received a $500 donation from Howard Mutual.

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance received a $1000 donation from Howard Mutual for Music for the Mind.

Area Royal Canadian Legions received a donation for a total of $1500 from Howard Mutual.

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