When looking for a trusted insurance brokerage in Canada, few names command as much respect as Billyard Insurance Group (BIG). With over 25 years in the industry, aggressive national growth, and award‑winning technological innovation, BIG represents a modern approach to insurance brokerage across the country.
In today’s article, I’m pleased to share an insider’s perspective on what makes Billyard Insurance Group stand out as a great insurer in Canada.
History & Origins of Billyard Insurance Group
Billyard Insurance Group was founded in 1998 in Welland, Ontario, starting as a local, independent insurance brokerage serving Niagara‑region residents. Under visionary leadership from President Stephen Billyard and VP Cody Douma since 2014, BIG embraced organic, broker‑driven growth rather than acquisitions.
By 2021, the company launched its first national branch in Alberta, quickly expanding into Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and major parts of Ontario. Their platform “Precision,” an AI and RPA‑powered underwriting engine, transformed quote‑to‑bind workflows and earned them widespread industry recognition.
Headquarters & Nationwide Branch Footprint
Billyard is headquartered at 38 East Main St., Welland, ON, L3B 3W3. From this base, they now operate over 70 branches across four provinces: Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. This extensive presence allows them to deliver local, personal service with local expert brokers in each community.
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Customer Base & Workforce
As of 2022, Billyard Insurance Group employs well over 500 brokers and 700 total staff in Canada. This includes an in-house underwriting room with 35 underwriters, marketing teams, and technology support, enabling deep client service and operational scale.
With access to over 30 insurance partners, they support thousands of Canadian individuals and businesses through home, auto, life, commercial, and specialty policies.
Insurance Products & Services Offered
Billyard provides a complete suite of insurance products tailored to Canadian households and businesses. That includes:
- Personal Lines: home and auto insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, and life insurance.
- Commercial Coverage: small and medium business liability, property, and vehicle fleets, plus cyber and professional policies.
- Financial Planning Services: offered through affiliate partners alongside insurance advice.
Their “Precision” platform automates underwriting rules on standard submissions, allowing brokers more time to advise clients rather than process paperwork.
Scale, Growth & Market Recognition
BIG’s explosive growth has earned them multiple honours:
- Ranked among Canada’s Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail each year from 2020–2024. Their three‑year growth rates ranged from 644% to over 817%. They ranked #63 in 2020, #70 in 2022, and #225 in 2024.
- Named “Big Brokerage of the Year” in 2022 by Insurance Business Canada Awards for having over 100 staff and outstanding operational scale and broker support.
The digital underwriting innovation behind BIG’s proprietary platform, Precision, has won the “Digital Innovation in a Brokerage” award at the 2024 Insurance Business Canada Awards.
What Makes Billyard Insurance Group Unique?
Scalable & Organic Brokerage Model
Unlike larger networks built via acquisitions, BIG has expanded through attracting entrepreneurial brokers who value their training, tech support, and market access.
Precision: AI-Driven Underwriting Platform
Their automated workflow system ensures faster, more accurate submissions and fewer mistakes, improving broker efficiency and client experience.
Community-Based Branches
With branches in more than 70 communities, they pair local presence with centralized support to deliver personal service at scale.
Client and Broker‑Centric Technology
BIG invests heavily in technology to support both brokers and clients—from individualized broker landing pages to lead tools and broker training through “BIG University.”
Commitment to Culture and Charity
Their “BIG Hearts” charitable foundation raises funds for vulnerable children across Canada, reflecting their community values and corporate responsibility.
Why Policyholders in Canada Choose Billyard Insurance Group
- Local Expertise with National Resourcing
Policyholders benefit from local knowledge and service quality, backed by robust national broker support and technology systems. - Efficiency & Accuracy in Coverage
Precision speeds up quotes and reduces errors, ensuring clients get accurate coverage faster. - Wide Market Access
By partnering with over 30 insurers, BIG offers a diverse range of trusted solutions with competitive rates. - Personalized Service & Stability
Clients often work with the same local broker long-term. That trust and continuity build peace of mind. - Technological Edge
Clients receive digital-first support when needed, without losing advisor access or personal touch. - Proven Growth & Awards
Continuous recognition in national rankings and awards shows BIG’s credibility, professionalism, and healthy trajectory.
Example Use Cases for Choosing Billyard Insurance Group in Canada
Many Canadians turn to Billyard for trusted assistance in:
- Switching insurers after a rate hike
- Bundling home, auto, travel, pet, and life insurance for better value
- Starting a small business and needing commercial coverage
- Accessing insurance referral support from attentive local brokers
- Navigating claims or insurer transitions with a reliable advocate
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Final Thoughts
Billyard Insurance Group is a modern success story in Canadian brokerage. From humble roots in Niagara to a national digital broker platform with over 70 branches, BIG blends community-first service with cutting‑edge technology. Their rapid yet sustainable growth, investment in innovation, and award‑winning underwriting model make them a compelling choice for both brokers and policyholders.
If you value local advice, efficiency, transparent pricing, and access to multiple markets, all backed by deep technology support, Billyard Insurance Group is a brokerage worth considering.
