Five insurers have been awarded a compliance certification from the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) after removing all Z-codes, or non-standard coverage codes, from their data exchanges with broker partners.
The certified companies are Algoma Mutual, a division of Integrated Mutual Insurance Group; Axiom Mutual Insurance Company; Edge Mutual Insurance Company; North Blenheim Mutual Insurance Company; and Usborne & Hibbert Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
By adopting only CSIO Standard codes, the insurers enable brokers to access and interpret policy data more efficiently through their broker management systems. CSIO said the shift supports smoother workflows, improved accuracy and a more consistent experience for brokers and customers alike.
The certification also boosts each insurer’s Standards Certification Rating for personal lines, part of a broader CSIO initiative to track adoption of industry data standards.
“By earning compliance certification, these five insurers have achieved significant progress in advancing data standards to increase broker productivity,” said Kathryn Sinclair, interim president at CSIO. “Together, CSIO and the industry are committed to eliminating Z-Codes, ensuring data accuracy and seamless connectivity in the P&C broker channel.”
The compliance certification process involves replacing legacy codes with approved standard codes. If a standard code does not exist for a particular coverage, insurers can submit a maintenance request (MR), which is reviewed by CSIO’s National Standards Working Group. The group meets monthly to evaluate proposed changes and approve updates that reflect evolving business needs. Once approved, standard codes can be integrated into insurer systems, eliminating the need for custom or non-standard codes.
CSIO said insurers that have fully phased out Z-Codes are eligible to apply for compliance certification. A full list of certified insurers is available on CSIO’s website.
The compliance certification initiative is part of CSIO’s broader standards certification rating program, which was launched to recognise insurers and BMS vendors for their use of CSIO Data Standards.
The program assigns separate ratings to insurers for personal and commercial lines, while BMS vendors receive a single overall rating.
CSIO said the ratings reflect an organization’s commitment to adopting standardised, business-focused data practices. The highest rating – platinum - is awarded to organizations that fully implement the standards and meet all program criteria.
