What’s changing on January 1, 2027, and how ILScorp is building a training program to meet it.

If your business sells insurance as part of how you serve customers, credit protection on a vehicle loan, a warranty on construction equipment, travel coverage at the point of booking, the rules are about to change.

Starting January 1, 2027, British Columbia’s new Restricted Insurance Agent Licence Regulation takes effect. The Insurance Council of BC will begin accepting training course accreditation submissions in July 2026, and licence applications from businesses in November 2026. For many businesses that have offered insurance incidentally to their main products or services, this is the first time formal licensing, training, and oversight requirements will apply.

We’ve been following this closely. Here’s what’s coming, and what ILScorp is doing about it.

What’s actually changing

For years, businesses in industries like motor vehicle sales, travel, and equipment dealing have been able to offer specific insurance products to their customers without holding an insurance licence. That exemption is ending.

Under the new framework, businesses that sell eligible insurance products must:

• Hold a Restricted Insurance Agency (RIA) Licence issued by the Insurance Council of BC
• Appoint a Designated Representative — an officer, director, or partner of the agency — who oversees regulatory compliance and serves as the Council’s primary contact. The Designated Representative must complete a specialized course administered by the Council itself.
• Hold Errors and Omissions insurance
• Have at least one contract with an insurer authorized to operate in BC
• Ensure every employee offering insurance has completed accredited training specific to the products they sell

That last point is the one most businesses underestimate. It isn’t enough for the business to hold the licence. Every person who explains a product, processes an application, or answers a customer question about coverage needs proper training.

This brings BC in line with restricted licensing regimes already in place in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick, but it represents a significant operational shift for businesses that have never had to think about licensing before.

Who this applies to

The Insurance Council of BC’s Restricted Insurance Cross-Reference Guide identifies eighteen affected business types across eleven product classes. If you operate in any of these spaces, you’ll need to be ready:

Business Type	Eligible Insurance Products
Construction equipment dealerships	Credit protection, construction equipment warranty, GAP
Credit grantors	Credit protection
Customs brokers	Cargo
Deposit-taking institutions	Credit protection
Extra-provincial trust corporations	Credit protection
Farm implement dealerships	Credit protection, farm implement warranty, GAP
Freight-forwarding companies	Cargo
Funeral providers	Funeral services
Mortgage brokerages	Credit protection
Motor vehicle dealers	Credit protection, GAP, vehicle warranty
Peer-to-peer vehicle service providers	Rented vehicle
Pleasure craft dealerships	Credit protection, GAP, pleasure craft warranty
Portable electronics vendors	Portable electronics
Transportation companies	Cargo, travel
Travel agents	Rented vehicle, travel
Travel wholesalers	Rented vehicle, travel
Trust companies	Credit protection
Vehicle rental agencies	Rented vehicle

Note on scope. ILScorp’s RIA Training Program applies to all of the affected businesses identified above. The program currently features dedicated industry context modules for nine industries: motor vehicle dealers, mortgage brokers, equipment dealers (construction and farm), pleasure craft dealers, travel agents, electronics vendors, funeral providers, rental agencies, and cargo and logistics, with the underlying training framework (core modules plus product modules) applying equally to all RIA-affected businesses. If your business offers any of the eleven RIA product classes, the training is for you.

If your business model includes any of these products as an add-on to your main offering, the new licensing requirement will apply to you, whether or not your specific business type is one of the nine with a dedicated industry context module.

What the training has to cover

The Insurance Council has set out Performance Requirements that any accredited training course must meet. These are organized into three core competency areas:

1. Knowledge of Insurance. Foundational concepts and terminology, plus a working understanding of the specific products being sold.
2. Technical Abilities. The practical skills involved in product sales, processing, and servicing — along with the legal and regulatory rules that govern those activities.
3. Business Skills. Professional conduct and ethics, errors and omissions, and information management and record-keeping.

In other words: your team needs to know what they’re selling, how to sell it correctly, and how to do so ethically and within the rules. The training isn’t optional, and it isn’t a one-time formality — it’s the regulatory foundation for every customer conversation.

How ILScorp is building its RIA Training Program

We’ve spent the past several months developing a comprehensive RIA Training Program specifically for the BC market. Here’s how it’s structured:

Six core modules that map directly to the Insurance Council’s three competency areas:

1. The RIA Framework — context, regulatory authority, and licensee responsibilities
2. Insurance Fundamentals — concepts, terminology, and how insurance products work
3. Sales, Explaining & Processing — the technical mechanics of an insurance transaction
4. Compliance, Disclosure & Regulatory Responsibilities — what must be disclosed, when, and how it’s documented
5. Ethics, Conduct & Customer Protection — professional conduct and the customer-first standard
6. Integrated Customer Conversations & Applied Decision Making — applied scenarios that pull the previous five together

Around these core modules, the program covers eleven product classes and nine industry contexts, so a representative at a construction equipment dealership learns the same regulatory foundation as a travel agent, but with industry-specific scenarios that match the work they actually do.

The program is modular and scalable, so businesses can train representatives on only the products and contexts relevant to their operation. A funeral provider doesn’t need the rental vehicle module. A mortgage broker doesn’t need portable electronics.

You can see the full program overview, including industry-specific coverage and current accreditation status, on our RIA Training Program page.

A note on accreditation timing

We want to be transparent about where the program sits in the process.

Under the framework, training courses must be accredited by the Insurance Council of BC. There are two important dates to keep separate:

• July 2026 — the Council opens its training accreditation submission process. Course providers can begin submitting programs for review.
• November 2026 — the Council begins accepting licence applications from businesses.

ILScorp’s RIA Training Program has been developed to align with the Council’s published Performance Requirements. We are preparing to submit our program for accreditation as soon as the Council’s review process opens in July.

We’re not claiming accreditation we don’t yet have. What we are doing is building the program now, against the Council’s published standards, so that we’re ready the moment submissions open — and so our customers have an accredited training option available well before the licensing requirement takes effect.

What you can do now

The businesses that handle this transition well will be the ones that start preparing now, not in the fall. Four things worth doing in the meantime:

1. Identify your Designated Representative. This person needs to be an officer, director, or partner, and will need to complete a separate Council-administered course. Knowing who this is now saves time later.
2. Inventory your insurance products. Which of the eleven eligible classes does your business actually sell? That determines which training modules your team will need.
3. List the people who need training. Anyone who explains, sells, or processes an insurance product on behalf of the business will need accredited training before January 1, 2027.
4. Get on the ILScorp RIA update list. Sign up on our RIA Training Program page to be the first to know when our program is accredited, when enrolment opens, and what it costs.

Stay informed

We’ve built a dedicated RIA Training Program page with everything in one place: the full timeline, the industries and product classes covered, our program structure, and live updates on accreditation status.

It’s also where you can join the update list. The people on that list will be the first to know when our program is accredited by the Insurance Council, when enrolment opens, and what it costs — ahead of any public announcement.

We’ve spent decades helping the BC insurance industry meet its training and compliance obligations. The RIA framework is new, but the work — making sure professionals are properly trained so customers are properly served — is exactly what we’ve always done.

We’ll be ready. And we’ll help you be ready too.

Have Questions?

Have questions about the new RIA framework or how it applies to your business? Visit our RIA Training Program page or reach out at [info@ilscorp.com](mailto:info@ilscorp.com).

If you’re ready to take the next step in your insurance career, ILScorp has great news — our brand-new Alberta Level 2 Licensing Exam Prep Course is now live! Designed specifically for Alberta insurance professionals looking to upgrade from a Level 1 licence, this self-paced, online course gives you everything you need to prepare for the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) Level 2 General Insurance Exam.

Why This Course Is a Game Changer

We know preparing for the Level 2 exam can feel overwhelming — that’s why we built this course to make studying simple, structured, and effective. Each module breaks down key insurance concepts and walks you through real-world examples, interactive quizzes, and a full-length practice exam that mirrors the AIC format. You’ll cover essential topics like:

• Property, liability, automobile, and commercial insurance
• Risk management and underwriting
• Claims handling and loss prevention
• Professional ethics and best practices

Whether you’re brushing up on core principles or learning new material for the first time, ILScorp’s online platform lets you study anytime, anywhere — on your schedule, at your own pace.

Built for Busy Professionals

This course is perfect for licensed Alberta Level 1 brokers and agents who want to advance their qualifications, expand their expertise, and prepare with confidence for the Level 2 exam. With over 30 years of experience delivering trusted insurance education across Canada, ILScorp is here to help you succeed.

Get Started Today

Enroll now and start preparing for your exam with confidence. Prepare. Practice. Pass. with ILScorp. Register for the Alberta Level 2 Licensing Exam Prep Course

Dreaming of a new career but worried about tuition costs?

Now you can launch your career in insurance at no cost to you.

Through a partnership between Excel Career College and ILScorp, the 6-Month Insurance Career Program is fully funded – meaning you get access to professional training, licensing preparation, and career support without paying out of pocket.

This is your chance to get licensed, get hired, and get started in one of Canada’s most stable and rewarding industries.

100% Tuition Coverage – No Cost to Students

That’s right – your tuition is covered. This program is funded so you can focus on learning, not worrying about how to pay for it.

This includes full access to ILScorp’s Level 1 General Insurance Licensing program, the most trusted online training for aspiring insurance professionals, plus Excel Career College’s guided 6-month career program.

The Power of Partnership: Excel Career College + ILScorp

This fully funded program combines the strengths of two industry leaders:

• Excel Career College – Guides you through a structured 6-month timeline, providing career coaching, job search support, and accountability so you finish on time and enter the workforce ready.
• ILScorp – Delivers the complete Level 1 General Insurance Licensing training package, including:
• Online video lessons with unlimited replays
• Comprehensive textbook and workbook (650+ practice questions)
• Mobile flashcards for on-the-go review
• Two full-length practice exams that mirror the real thing

Together, this partnership takes you from student to licensed professional – with zero tuition cost.

What You’ll Gain in Just Six Months

By the end of the program, you will:

• Complete ILScorp’s Level 1 Licensing program
• Write and pass your provincial licensing exam
• Apply for your Level 1 General Insurance Licence
• Receive job search support to start working right away

In just half a year, you can transform your future.

Why Insurance? Why Now?

• Strong Career Demand: Insurance is an essential industry with thousands of job openings across Canada.
• Fast Entry: No multi-year degree required – just licensing education and a passing exam.
• Stability & Growth: Insurance offers long-term security and a path for career advancement (Levels 2 & 3, management, or brokerage ownership).
• No Financial Barrier: With tuition fully funded, there has never been a better time to enter the field.

Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for:

• Career changers seeking stability and a professional career path
• Recent grads who want meaningful work without student debt
• Anyone ready to invest six months into creating a new future

Your Next Step: Enroll Now

Seats are limited, and funding is available for eligible applicants – don’t wait!

Next Start Date: OCTOBER 2025

Apply Here: Launch Your Insurance Career in 6 Months

Start your new career path with the confidence that your training is fully funded and backed by ILScorp’s proven licensing education.

In a workplace transformed by remote work, rising health concerns, and a growing demand for flexibility, group benefits have emerged as more than just a checkbox on an HR form—they’re a strategic advantage. Today’s employees expect more from their benefits plans. At the same time, employers face mounting pressure to manage costs, meet compliance requirements, and foster a culture of well-being. So how do you balance it all? At ILScorp, we believe the answer starts with knowledge. That’s why we created “Trends, Technology, and Strategy in Modern Group Benefits”—a self-paced online course designed to help professionals lead confidently in this fast-changing environment. Here’s a preview of five trends you’ll explore in depth:

1. Chronic Disease Is Redefining Benefits Design

Chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease affect over 40% of Canadian adults. These aren’t one-time medical events—they require long-term, ongoing care. This shift is pushing employers and insurers to move beyond reactive coverage. Think wellness programs, virtual care, and remote monitoring. Forward-thinking benefits plans now prioritize prevention just as much as treatment.

2. Mental Health Is a Core Priority—Not a Perk

Mental health conversations have come a long way, but the need for support remains urgent. Stress, burnout, and post-pandemic fatigue are fueling demand for therapy, digital wellness tools, and Employee Assistance Programs. What’s changed? Employers are moving toward proactive mental health support, from mindfulness apps to internal awareness campaigns. Employees aren’t just looking for help—they’re looking for cultures that normalize asking for it.

3. Financial Stress Is Driving Utilization

Inflation, high interest rates, and the housing crisis are placing financial strain on employees—leading many to lean heavily on their benefits plans as a lifeline. Employers are responding with flexible benefits options like Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), cafeteria-style plans, and financial wellness initiatives. The takeaway? Benefits aren’t just about health anymore—they’re about overall security.

4. AI Is Quietly Transforming Insurance

From risk assessment to fraud detection and claims automation, Artificial Intelligence is reshaping insurance operations behind the scenes. And while it promises efficiency and insight, it also raises critical questions around data privacy, transparency, and ethical use. Our course walks you through where AI is being applied—and how to navigate its challenges with confidence and compliance.

5. Communication Is the Missing Link

Even the best-designed benefits plan fails if no one understands it. That’s why modern benefits strategies now include year-round, multi-channel communication—tailored by demographics, delivered through apps, and backed by real metrics. Whether you’re promoting mental health coverage or launching a new wellness program, strategic communication turns benefits into engagement drivers.

Become the Strategic Advisor an Organization Needs

Benefits professionals today need more than admin skills. You’re guiding organizations through economic pressures, technological disruption, and shifting employee expectations. Our course equips you to do just that—with real-world scenarios, interactive tools, and a capstone strategy challenge. Ready to lead the future of group benefits? Enroll in the course today. Stay tuned for more insights from the ILScorp Learning Blog, where we turn trends into training and complexity into clarity.

As Canada grapples with one of its most severe wildfire seasons on record, the call to action is clear: we must be better prepared. With over 11,700 hectares already scorched and major blazes encroaching on communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, wildfire resilience has become a national priority.

But preparation isn’t just about firefighting—it’s about education, prevention, and strategic response. That’s where our newest training solution comes in.

New Course: Inferno Insights – Understanding Wildfires

In response to the escalating wildfire crisis, ILScorp has launched a vital online course: Inferno Insights – Understanding Wildfires. This training is designed for insurance brokers, adjusters, and professionals in wildfire-prone industries who need actionable knowledge to protect people, property, and communities.

Explore topics including:

•      Natural vs. human-caused wildfires and how to mitigate both
•      The impact of climate change and “zombie fires” on fire seasons
•      Lessons from real disasters like the 2024 Jasper wildfire
•      Fire-resistant building practices and defensible space design
•      How to explain wildfire coverage, exclusions, and endorsements
•      The evolving role of adjusters in recovery and client care

Whether you’re helping clients recover from a loss or preparing them to avoid one, this course equips you with practical, real-world insights rooted in the Canadian wildfire experience.

Why This Course Matters Now

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reports that insured losses from wildfires have skyrocketed—from $84 million annually between 2003 and 2014 to over $700 million per year in the past decade. The 2024 Jasper wildfire alone caused more than $1.1 billion in damages and displaced over 25,000 residents.

And the risk is spreading. Fires in 2025 have already devastated parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with early-season blazes larger than ever expected. This is no longer just a Western Canada issue—it’s a nationwide emergency.

Turn Insight Into Action

You are your client’s first line of defense. Inferno Insights – Understanding Wildfires helps you:

•      Explain wildfire risks in ways clients understand and act on
•      Recommend coverage that matches today’s evolving risk
•      Advocate for fire-smart renovations and landscaping
•      Provide empathetic, effective support during claims

Enroll Now

Don’t wait for the next alert to prepare your clients—or your team.

Register now for Inferno Insights – Understanding Wildfires

Ideal for brokers, adjusters, underwriters, and real estate professionals.

Gain the knowledge to reduce wildfire losses, support recovery, and lead with confidence in the face of Canada’s new wildfire reality.

The increasing cost of repairs, parts shortages and rising auto thefts are all driving up insurance rates across Canada. But the single biggest reason for the increase in rates in Alberta is the increasing costs of personal injury claims.

Alberta is undergoing significant changes to its auto insurance system, including a shift towards a no-fault model and increased rate caps for good drivers. The changes aim to streamline claims processes, reduce litigation, and provide better benefits for accident victims.

The “Care-First” system, expected to be fully implemented in 2027, will focus on care and support for those injured in collisions, rather than legal battles. Additionally, the rate cap for good drivers has been increased to 7.5% for 2025.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the changes:

Short-Term Changes (2025):

• Increased Rate Cap for Good Drivers: In 2025, rate increases for good drivers will be capped at 7.5% per year, with a 2.5% rider allowed for natural disaster-related costs.

“Good Driver” Protection:

This protection applies to drivers with no at-fault claims in the last six years, no criminal code traffic convictions in the last four years, and no major traffic convictions in the last three years.

Long-Term Changes (Starting 2027):

• No-Fault System (Care-First): A “Care-First” system will be introduced, shifting the focus to providing medical, rehabilitation, and income support benefits for all those injured in collisions.

Limited Right to Sue:

Victims of accidents will generally not be able to sue at-fault drivers, except in cases where the at-fault driver is convicted of a criminal offense (e.g., impaired driving).

Focus on Care:

The system aims to expedite the process of providing care and support for those injured, reducing the need for lengthy legal battles.

Independent Medical Examinations:

The legislation will outline the process for independent medical examinations, ensuring fair and transparent assessments of injuries.

Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal:

An independent tribunal will be established to address disputes between insurers and individuals regarding the benefits provided under the new system.

Key Objectives of the Reform:

• Reduce Litigation: The no-fault system aims to significantly reduce the need for court battles and legal fees.

Improve Benefits:

The Care-First system is designed to provide more comprehensive and faster access to benefits for accident victims.

Lower Premiums:

The government anticipates that the changes will lead to lower average premiums for drivers.

Hold Bad Drivers Accountable:

While the system focuses on care, it will continue to hold at-fault drivers accountable through higher premiums.

Becoming an Auto Insurance Broker in Alberta

Interested in a career in auto insurance? To become a broker in Alberta, you need to earn a Level 1 General Insurance License. A great first step is taking the ILS General Insurance Level 1 Licensing Exam Prep Course, which covers the essentials of auto, property, and liability insurance, as well as Alberta-specific regulations.

After completing the course, you must pass the Alberta Insurance Council’s Level 1 exam and find employment with a licensed brokerage. From there, you can start working with clients and continue your professional development through ongoing education and higher-level licensing.

It’s a solid path into a growing industry – especially with big changes ahead in Alberta’s auto insurance system.

Alberta’s auto insurance reform represents a major shift in how accidents and claims are handled, with a clear emphasis on supporting injured individuals over engaging in costly legal disputes. By implementing short-term protections for good drivers and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive no-fault system through the Care-First model, the province is aiming to create a fairer, more efficient insurance landscape. These changes are expected to provide better benefits, reduce litigation, and stabilize premiums in the long run. While the full impact of the reforms will unfold over the coming years, Alberta drivers can expect a system that prioritizes care, clarity, and accountability.