IBAO unveils new broker course on residential risk

Comprehensive program features real-world scenarios

IBAO unveils new broker course on residential risk

Property

By Terry Gangcuangco

The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) has introduced a new online course titled “Property Foundations: Residential Risk.”

The program aims to equip novice brokers with a substantial understanding of key risk categories in residential property insurance, covering areas such as electrical systems, solid fuel heating appliances, and water lines and drains.

The course is part of IBAO’s broader Foundations series, which also includes a course on statutory accident benefits.

The comprehensive, three-part program features real-world broker scenarios, complete with videos and quizzes to illustrate practical applications. Each module includes printable exercises and summary sheets to reinforce long-term retention and serve as quick reference tools.

Developed in collaboration with Jo Anne Mitchell, CIP, from Effective Training and Communication Plus, the course is designed to rapidly enhance new brokers’ knowledge. It covers all types of solid fuel appliances, various home piping materials, and different electrical wiring types, answering common questions such as:

  • What distinguishes PEX piping from PVC piping, and why is this important to insurers?
  • How likely is it that an older home contains outdated materials?
  • What are the requirements for insuring a solid fuel heating unit, and why are some units classified as primary while others are auxiliary?
  • As modern homes increasingly use electronics, how many amps are necessary to power them, and are current service panels adequate?

“We wanted this course – and our growing foundational course series – to accelerate the development of newer brokers,” said Brett Boadway, chief operating officer at IBAO. “It often takes years to build up this knowledge by learning on the job alone.

“We’ve been working to attract new talent to the industry through our various recruitment efforts and want this new generation set up for success.”

The on-demand course, accredited by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario for four technical hours, is priced at $260 for IBAO members and $360 for non-members.

Brokerages interested in bulk enrolment can contact [email protected] for discounted pricing.

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