Insurance Business Canada has published its 2026 5-Star Claims list, identifying the top insurance claims carriers in Canada based on broker-validated performance across claims handling, responsiveness, operational consistency, technology, and broker support.
To determine the 5-Star Claims insurers for 2026, Insurance Business Canada conducted a comprehensive research process leveraging its national network of brokers and industry claims handling and overall service delivery.
Insurers that received a sufficient volume of broker nominations were then invited to complete a detailed submission outlining claims capabilities such as service standards, claims turnaround times, dispute resolution processes, technological innovation, and broker support frameworks.
The research team analysed both the quantitative survey results and any qualitative information provided through insurer participation. Final scores were determined primarily based on broker ratings across key performance indicators, with additional consideration given to consistency of service and demonstrated claims outcomes. The 5-Star Claims designation was awarded to those organisations that achieved outstanding broker ratings while demonstrating strong performance in claims management, operational efficiency, and broker engagement.
More than 200 broker evaluations and 18 insurer nominees shaped this year's results.
Among the winners are:
For the full list of 5-Star Claims winners, check out the report here.
The 2026 research process identifies several qualities that consistently define Canada's strongest claims operations.
Technology is embedded in the workflow, not beside it: the leading carriers have built AI, automation, analytics, and digital intake into how claims actually run - across triage, fraud review, assignment, communication, and settlement. The objective is fewer delays, better visibility, and more time for experienced adjusters to focus on judgement and customer support.
Coverage positions are being set at first notice, not later: the strongest claims operations establish coverage direction early, communicate it clearly, and hold to it - reducing the prolonged timelines and shifting positions that have long been among the industry's most persistent sources of friction.
Consistency is the defining differentiator: across this year's winners, every touchpoint - regular updates, plain-language explanations, proactive broker communication, active ownership from intake through settlement - is treated as part of a trust relationship, not a compliance requirement.
Canada's claims environment has rarely been more demanding. In the summer of 2024 alone, the Insurance Bureau of Canada recorded approximately 250,000 claims and more than CA$8 billion in insured losses from four catastrophic events - a 443% increase over the 20-year average. The full-year 2024 total reached CA$9.1 billion in insured catastrophic losses, the highest annual total ever recorded in Canada, according to CatIQ (January 2026). By 2025, insurers had closed 92% of claims from the July 2024 Toronto and southern Ontario flooding, and 86% from the Calgary hailstorm, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
In 2025, CatIQ recorded CA$2.4 billion in insured catastrophic losses, ranking the year second for total catastrophes declared and first for fire catastrophes.
The full report, the complete winners list, market analysis, and full methodology, is available now.
