Nova Scotia Department of Finance
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Financial Institutions

The Financial Institutions Division licenses 256 insurance companies which operate in the Province as well as 5000 individual insurance agents, brokers and adjusters and 500 agencies, brokerages and adjuster firms.

The division also regulates the operations of credit unions, trust and loan companies

The division responds to approximately 400 documented complaints and about 5,000 enquiries annually which are predominantly insurance related.

Complaints may lead to investigations into the activities of licensees which may result in disciplinary actions as well as referrals to police authorities.

The division administers the collection and verification of $34 million in insurance premiums tax annually and administers the collection of a levy on all auto insurers of about $10 million for the Department of Health.

Contact Information

Administration:
Phone: (902) 424-6331
Fax: (902) 424-1298
E-mail: fininst@gov.ns.ca

Halifax Office
5151 Terminal Road, 7th Fl.
PO Box 2271
Halifax, NS B3J 1A1
Phone: (902) 424-6331
Fax: (902) 424-1298

Sydney Office
380 Kings Road
Sydney, NS
Phone: (902) 563-3700
Fax: (902) 563-3399

Nova Scotia Insurance Review Board

Or contact an Access Nova Scotia Centre in your area.

Office of the Superintendent of Insurance

The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance regulates the business of insurance in the province and enforces the Insurance Act. We license all insurers operating in the province and all insurance agents/brokers, agencies, and adjusters.

The Office is frequently sought out by the insured who often find it difficult to understand positions taken by the industry respecting such things as claims, premium ratings and underwriting decisions. Insurers and brokers call upon the office for interpretation of the Insurance Act and regulations.

The Superintendent's Office facilitates the interface between consumers and the insurance industry by working toward a responsive legislative framework for insurance companies and agents and by assisting insurance consumers in dealing with insurance matters. However, the Superintendent's Office is not responsible to settle insurance claims and has no authority to direct a particular action to be taken in settlement of a claim.

The Superintendent has the authority to take disciplinary actions if the Act is not followed.