About our office
The Office of the Consumer Advocate for Insurance represents the interests of insurance consumers across the province.
The Office assist customers with any insurance issues at no cost.
The Consumer Advocate for Insurance is an officer of the Legislative Assembly, not part of an insurance company and therefore provides customers with an independent oversight.
Our services are provided in both official languages in the province of New Brunswick.
The head office is located in Bathurst, N.B. but new Brunswickers can reach us by various means for any insurance related inquiries.
Automobile Insurance
Yes, you should report any accident to your insurer to avoid any coverage issues in the future whether you intend to make a claim or not.
A collision in insurance terms refers to your vehicle making contact with another vehicle or an object — such as a guardrail, tree, or building. Collision coverage applies regardless of fault, though your premiums may be affected if you are determined to be at fault.
DCPD is a mandatory coverage in New Brunswick. It provides that in the event of an accident you will deal with your insurer as opposed to a third-party insurer for the damage caused to your vehicle. Your insurer will reimburse you based on your degree of fault for the accident. For example, if you were 50% at fault for the accident you will only get reimbursed for 50% of your damages under DCPD.
Collision coverage provides that in the event of an accident your insurer will reimburse you for your damages to your vehicle whether you are at fault for the accident or not. It is typically optional unless required by a lender or leasing company.
Standard personal auto insurance typically does not cover commercial activity. If you drive for a rideshare company, you should notify your insurer and may need a commercial endorsement or a separate policy. Failure to disclose this use could void your coverage.
New Brunswick requires all drivers to carry mandatory auto insurance. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, your own policy's uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Contact your insurer immediately and reach out to our office if you believe your claim is being handled unfairly.
If you are injured in a vehicle accident in New Brunswick, the accident benefits section of your auto policy covers medical expenses, income replacement, and rehabilitation — regardless of fault. If your claim is denied, in whole or in part, our office can review your case at no cost.
Home insurance
A standard home insurance policy generally covers your dwelling (the physical structure), personal property, additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable, and liability if someone is injured on your property. Coverage details vary by policy — always review your specific policy wording.
Most homeowners’ policies provide that the building cannot be vacant for more than a set number of days. It is very important to review your policy to know exactly what it provides otherwise your insurer may refuse to cover any loss suffered while the building is vacant.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a loss. Document the damage with photos and a written inventory and keep receipts for any emergency repairs. If your claim is denied, unreasonably delayed, or you believe you are treated unfairly, contact our office.
You may be able to reduce your premium by increasing your deductible, bundling home and auto coverage with the same insurer, installing security systems or smoke detectors, or maintaining a claim-free history. Some insurers will also reduce your premium if your mortgage as been paid out. Ask your insurer what discounts are available to you.
Standard home insurance policies in Canada typically do not include overland flooding. Some insurers offer overland water coverage as an optional add-on, and sewer backup coverage is also often sold separately. Review your policy carefully to understand exactly which water-related events are included. Ask your insurer if you are covered or not, before an a flood event actually occurs.
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, your policy's "additional living expenses" coverage may pay for temporary accommodation, meals, and other costs above your normal living expenses. There are usually limits and time restrictions — check your policy wording for details and talk to your broker or insurer regarding your specific coverage.
Filing an Inquiry
Any New Brunswick resident who has a dispute with an insurance company or simply a question in relation to an insurance matter can contact our office. This includes policyholders, claimants, and in some cases beneficiaries. Insurers, brokers, adjusters, and other insurance industry stakeholders are also welcome to reach out. The inquiry must involve an insurance company licensed to operate in New Brunswick.
Our office does not impose any deadline, but we recommend contacting us as soon as a dispute arises. Delays can affect the evidence available and, in some cases, may interact with legal timelines or limitation periods under your policy or under New Brunswick law.
You will need your policy number, the name of your insurance company, a clear description of your inquiry, and any relevant documents — such as your policy wording, correspondence with your insurer, and claim documentation. The more detail you can provide, the more efficiently we can assist you. We will tell you what information you may need to provide us in addition to the above as each situation is different.
Yes. A family member, legal representative, or other authorized person may file an inquiry on your behalf. We may ask for written authorization confirming that you have given them permission to act on your behalf.
You can contact us by phone at 1 888 283 5111, by mail at 270 Douglas Ave, Suite 406, Bathurst, NB, E2A 1M9, dropping by our office, using our Facebook page or through the inquiry form on this website. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.