Tillsonburg councillors learned how the town’s insurance rates are determined during a recent presentation by an insurance provider.
Rob Fiddler of Intact Public Entities addressed the council in December, outlining the company’s role as one of the few insurers handling risk assessment, underwriting, policy issuance, and claims processing for municipalities.
Fiddler explained that rates are calculated based on loss ratios, with liability claims representing the majority of costs. Over the past 10 years, Tillsonburg recorded 59 claims totalling $707,351, which Fiddler described as a favourable loss ratio. Slip-and-fall incidents, trip-and-fall accidents, and sewer backups accounted for the largest portion of claims.
“Those are the common ones we see across the province,” Fiddler said.
He highlighted eight significant claims in the town’s insurance history: a 2016 storm sewer backup and sinkhole causing $61,727 in property damage; a 2017 alleged breach of contract requiring $34,263 in legal defence costs; a 2018 ice storm resulting in $34,249 in property damage; a 2018 parking lot trip and fall costing $143,847; a 2020 child fall on icy conditions totalling $119,410; a 2022 slip and fall valued at $55,110; a 2023 community centre arson amounting to $31,565; and a 2024 zoning and permits matter involving $30,000.
Fiddler noted that Intact Public Entities provides additional services, including building inspections and road and sidewalk assessments, to reduce trip-and-fall risks.
Coun. Bob Parsons questioned the company’s approach to defending claims.
“We are very aggressive in trying to defend claims from going further,” Fiddler said, citing the company’s legal team and experience.
Deputy mayor Dave Beres asked whether the town’s $15 million liability coverage was adequate. Fiddler confirmed this amount is standard practice, noting Tillsonburg also carries an additional $5 million in excess liability coverage.
Council received the presentation for information purposes.
The town’s insurance policy renews on April 1. Initial projections estimated a 6% premium increase to $775,980, though recent information from Intact Public Entities suggests the increase will likely be 5%.
