News (November 01, 2001)

UAB Group president and CEO Serge LaPalme (right) is welcomed to the neighborhood by Markham Mayor Don Cousens. UAB Group marked the official opening of its new offices at 90 Allstate Parkway in Markham, which consolidates its Toronto operations. It was also a chance to celebrate the success this “one-stop insurance risk stop” has enjoyed in recent years, including the acquisition of Insurers’ Advisory Organization and its Automated Information Services, Sentinel Underwriting Review, and this year, new partner CompCall Ltd.

The “I Promise” program has been making headlines recently, with feature articles in such publications as the National Post and a radio interview with executive director Gary Direnfeld on the Dave Rutherford Show. Along with promoting the program’s new website, www.ipromiseprogram.com, Direnfeld notes that the organization is gearing up for its official January 2002 launch. The website allows brokers and agents in the U.S. and Canada to print out registration forms for new teen drivers. The program consists of a contract between teen drivers and their parents to reinforce safe driving habits, as well as a decal allowing other drivers to comment on teen drivers’ habits.

RBC Insurance is offering online quotes for its home and auto products through www.rbcinsurance.com. The service provides a guaranteed quote and allows customers to call in to complete the sale. RBC is also entering the group policy business with both auto and home policies. The products are aimed at associations, employers and affinity groups who want to offer members value-added services, while RBC will handle all administration.