Canadian consumers increasingly expect their insurers to play an active role in climate resilience and loss prevention – and many are prepared to switch providers if they do not see that commitment, according to new research from Definity Financial.
The Definity 2026 Climate Resilience and Adaptation national survey, released alongside the group’s 2025 Sustainability Report, polled 1,500 auto and home insurance shoppers across Canada. The findings pointed to a clear mandate for insurer‑led action on climate risk, transparency and resilience.
Definity president and CEO Rowan Saunders said the survey results leave little doubt about what Canadian customers now expect from carriers.
“Findings from the new Definity 2026 Climate Resilience and Adaptation national survey make the mandate clear: 81% of Canadian insurance shoppers expect their providers to actively help them reduce risk and prevent losses,” he said. “We are confident that our strategic focus is directly aligned with what Canadians need.”
That expectation goes beyond traditional claims handling and indemnity. For insurers, it points to growing demand for tools, guidance and incentives that help households and businesses understand their exposures, invest in mitigation and recover more quickly after severe events.
The survey showed climate risk is a mainstream concern. A substantial majority of respondents said they are worried about the financial and physical threats of climate change, with 70% specifically concerned about personal safety and property damage from climate‑related events.
Those fears are consistent with recent experience: Canada has seen successive years of severe wildfires, flooding and other weather‑related catastrophes, with insured losses regularly topping the billion‑dollar mark. Definity’s own 2025 claims data underline the trend; during last year’s wildfire season, its property claims teams handled around 500 wildfire claims, with 71% of those customers classified as “advocates” likely to recommend the insurer based on their experience.
The survey also confirmed that climate change is not an abstract policy debate for customers. It is increasingly viewed as a direct threat to homes, businesses and communities – and as an area where insurers are expected to contribute expertise, data and capital to reduce risk, not simply price it.
The research also suggested that environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance is now a factor in insurer selection. More than half of Canadian insurance shoppers (56%) say they would switch to a provider that is transparent and clearly committed to sustainability.
That willingness to move for perceived ESG leadership gives insurers a commercial incentive to communicate more openly about how they are incorporating climate risk into underwriting, pricing, product design and investments.
Definity's survey was conducted from March 25 to 28 by Sonnet's Business Intelligence team, capturing views from Canadian auto and home insurance shoppers aged 21 to 64.
