Insurance Agency Licence
Apply for an Insurance Agency Licence. You need the licence to do business in Nova Scotia.
An insurance agency is a business (sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation) involved in the placement of insurance contracts.
Insurance agencies must be licensed to operate in Nova Scotia. Licences are issued in the following classes of insurance:
- life (including accident and sickness)
- accident and sickness only
- general (other than life)
- travel, accident and baggage
Licence updates
Over the term of your licence, there may be changes to the information you submitted.
To update your contact or office information, advise us by email or mail. In some cases, such as a change in sponsor, you will need to send us (another) Corporate Insurance Application Form.
Information for general agencies
Every general insurance agency shall appoint an Agent-in-Charge who is a Level III general insurance agent or an agent acceptable to the Superintendent on the basis of experience and qualifications.
All other agencies shall appoint an Agent-in-Charge who holds a Nova Scotia insurance licence for the same class of insurance in which the agency intends to sell.
Trust Accounts - general insurance
General insurance agencies and independent general insurance agents are required to maintain a trust account to hold insurance premium deposits. A Trust Account Reconciliation Worksheet (PDF) must be filed annually within 120 days of the fiscal year end.
How to apply
- Complete the Corporate Insurance Licence Application Form (PDF).
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Include payment with your application.
- Send your completed application, supporting documents and payment by mail.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number
- Registry of Joint Stock Companies number
- endorsement by an insurance company that is licensed to operate in Nova Scotia
- current and original Certificate of Authority, if agency is a non-resident business
Renewal
You need to renew your Insurance Agency Licence every 3 years. You should get a renewal package (including instructions) in the mail before the renewal date. It’s your responsibility to renew on time.