Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Insurance Solutions
Reliance Insurance Agencies has been a trusted insurance advisor since 1985, offering protection beyond traditional insurance through custom risk solutions. Our diverse team of over 125 employees serves clients from Burnaby, Toronto, and Montreal, specializing in commercial, home, auto, and employee benefits insurance. We prioritize client needs with a holistic approach to risk management, combining industry expertise with personalized service.As a WING partner, we provide global coverage while maintaining local market knowledge. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our top 10% ranking among Canadian insurance brokers and active community involvement.
Services
Commercial Liability Insurance
Property Insurance
Specialty Coverage
Group Benefits
Home Insurance
Auto Insurance
Cyber Insurance
Environmental Liability
Equipment Breakdown
Business Interruption
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 39 years of insurance expertise with a client-first approach
- Our team includes certified professionals with industry-specific knowledge
- We provide global coverage through our WING partnership network
- We implement systematic risk assessment methodologies for comprehensive protection
- Our claims advocacy ensures prompt and fair resolution of insurance claims
What people say
Promptly and fairly
Knowledgeable professionals
Proactive support
Creative solutions
Excellent communication
Services
Commercial Liability Insurance
Protect your business against property damage and bodily injury claims with comprehensive liability coverage. Our solutions address aviation, cyber, environmental, and product liability risks. We help businesses manage contractual obligations and non-owned auto exposures through tailored insurance programs that adapt to evolving commercial challenges.
Property Insurance
Safeguard your business assets against fire, water damage, and equipment failures with customized property coverage. We offer builders risk, business interruption, and earthquake buydown options. Our risk assessment specialists help determine appropriate coverage limits for your commercial property and inventory needs.
Specialty Coverage
Address unique insurance gaps with our specialized coverage solutions. We provide appraisals, media crisis training, risk audits, and trust-building workshops. Our team helps businesses navigate complex risks including kidnap and ransom insurance, harassment prevention, and run-off coverage for legacy operations.
Group Benefits
Enhance your employee retention strategy with comprehensive group benefit plans. We design customized health, dental, and retirement packages that meet business needs. Our solutions help employers establish competitive benefit programs while managing costs and compliance requirements.
Home Insurance
Protect your home with tailored insurance solutions for houses, condos, and rental properties. We offer earthquake buydown options and specialized coverage for home-based businesses. Our policies provide financial protection against property damage, personal liability, and living expense disruptions.
People
Jim Ball
President
Jim Ball founded Reliance Insurance Agencies in 1985 and has grown it into one of BC's top insurance brokerages. With over 30 years in the industry, he has held leadership roles in multiple insurance associations and actively supports community development initiatives in Nicaragua through Bridges to Community Canada.
Chris Ball
CEO
Chris Ball leads Reliance Insurance with extensive experience in complex risk management. He previously worked with Fortune 1000 companies before returning to Reliance in 2005. Chris maintains active roles in insurance associations and community organizations, including the British Columbia Food Processors Association where he received the Rising Star Award.
Sharon Hardy
CFO
Sharon Hardy manages Reliance's financial operations with expertise in insurance brokerage systems and fiscal responsibility. She brings over 20 years of experience from Pat Anderson Insurance and holds the CIP designation. Sharon contributes to community development through Bridges to Community Canada and focuses on staff development initiatives.
Evan Miles
Vice President, Claims
Evan Miles advocates for clients during complex insurance claims with his background in firefighting and insurance adjusting. He previously managed litigated claims for BC's largest insurer and brings 15+ years of claims management expertise. Evan also teaches insurance courses through the Insurance Brokers Association of BC.
Erin Thomas
Vice President, Commercial Lines
Erin Thomas leads commercial insurance initiatives with 25+ years of experience across Canada and Australia. A Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker, she specializes in insurer negotiations and key account management. Erin has completed advanced risk management programs and mentors emerging insurance professionals in the industry.
Questions
What types of commercial insurance do you offer?
We provide comprehensive commercial insurance including liability, property, cyber, environmental, and specialty coverage tailored to business needs.
Do you offer home insurance for condominiums?
Yes, we offer specialized condo insurance policies covering personal possessions, improvements, and liability protection for condominium owners.
Can I get auto insurance for specialty vehicles?
Yes, we provide coverage for collector vehicles, specialty vehicles, and private car insurance with options for both ICBC and private market policies.
How do I file a business insurance claim?
Contact our claims advocate team directly or through our website to initiate the claims process with guidance from our experienced specialists.
Do you offer group benefits for small businesses?
Yes, we design customized group benefit plans for businesses of all sizes, including health, dental, and retirement planning options.
What risk management services are available?
We offer risk audits, media crisis training, trust-building workshops, and specialized assessments to help businesses identify and mitigate potential risks.
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