FAQ

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


The Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan (ICS) receives many calls and inquiries on a daily basis. We are working to build this this FAQ section with answers to the most common questions.

Licensing

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received by the Council. If your application requires amendments, it will be returned to you for changes. If your application remains inactive for 60 days, it will be canceled. You will receive email notifications if your application is returned for revisions, if payment is required, if changes are needed, and when it has been processed.

General News

  • For the best experience, please use Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge when accessing the licensing portal.
  • Save your progress before navigating away from a page or exiting the application to avoid losing your work.
  • The licensing portal is not monitored on Saturdays, Sundays, or statutory holidays. To avoid late filing fees, please ensure your Annual Return is submitted on time.

 

Application Status Definitions

  • Pending Recommender Review – Your application is with your recommender for review. Once approved, it will automatically be forwarded to the Council for review.
  • Pending ICS Review – Your application is in the ICS portal and will be reviewed as soon as possible.
  • Pending Payment – Your payment is not yet complete. Even if you have already entered your payment details, you must enter them again to finalize the transaction. The initial payment was a pre-authorization, meaning funds were temporarily held but not fully processed. The payment will only be finalized when the Council issues your license.
  • Pending Resubmission – Your application was returned for amendments. You must complete the required changes before resubmitting. Once resubmitted, it will go back to your recommender for approval before returning to the Council for review.
  • Rejected – Your application has been rejected by your recommender or was incomplete.  You are required to start a new application.

You can find information regarding the types of general licenses here: https://www.skcouncil.sk.ca/getting-licensed/general-insurance/

You can find information regarding types of life licences here:  https://www.skcouncil.sk.ca/getting-licensed/life-insurance/

The fee schedule can be found here:  https://www.skcouncil.sk.ca/getting-licensed/licensing-fees/

Compliance

Filing a Complaint against an Insurance Company

If you have a complaint against an insurance company that does not have to do with the value of loss or damage to property, you can file a complaint with the Superintendent of Insurance.

Before filing a complaint, please attempt to resolve the matter with the insurance company or agent, agency or adjuster.

To register a complaint against an insurance company, please complete an Insurance Complaint Form and return it to the address provided on the form.

Complaints about a particular licensed agent, agency, or adjuster, should be directed to the Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan.

You should be aware that laws set out limitation periods for starting court action. You may wish to consult a lawyer regarding any limitation periods that may be applicable.

For complaint inquiries or more information, please contact:

  • Superintendent of Insurance
    Insurance and Real Estate Division
    Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
    Suite 601, 1919 Saskatchewan Drive
    Regina, Saskatchewan  S4P 4H2
    Phone: (306) 787-6700
    Fax: (306) 787-9006
    Email:fid@gov.sk.ca

The consumer complaint form can be found here: https://www.skcouncil.sk.ca/consumer-information/making-a-complaint/  and should be submitted to compliance@skcouncil.sk.ca.

Council cannot force an insurance agent to resolve your complaint or give you compensation. As such, you may wish to consult with your lawyer with respect to your complaint.

Ombudsman Saskatchewan has jurisdiction over the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC). If you have a complaint or inquiry about an SCIC decision, contact them first to find out what appeal process is available. If there is no appeal process available to you, or if you appeal and disagree with their decision.

  • Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC)
    Toll-Free: 1-888-935-0013

Website: https://ombudsman.sk.ca/ 

 

Ombudsman Saskatchewan does not have jurisdiction over private insurance companies, private life insurance, or health insurance, such as long-term disability benefits. If your complaint is of this nature, you may wish to contact one of the following organizations.

  • General Insurance Ombudservice
    Toll-Free: 1-877-225-0446
    Website: giocanada.org
  • Canadian Life and Health Insurance Ombudservice
    Toll-Free: 1-888-295-8112
    Website: olhi.ca
  • Saskatchewan Superintendent of Insurance
    Phone: 1-306-787-6700
    (Ombudsman Saskatchewan has jurisdiction over the Saskatchewan Superintendent of Insurance.)

The Agent Code of Conducts can be found here: https://www.skcouncil.sk.ca/licensee-resources/code-of-conduct/ 

Any compensation paid to non-licensees in connection with the sale of an insurance policy may contravene the Act. Specifically, the Act refers to the ‘solicitation or negotiation’ of insurance as an activity which requires an insurance licence. Compensation is a broad term and includes payment of money, goods, or services. Licensees should not enter into any

arrangement where an unlicensed person is compensated for soliciting clients on their behalf. If a licensee pays any referral fees or finders’ fees to an unlicensed person, the client should be informed of the nature and amount of any such fee

Reference: General Insurance Council of Saskatchewan Agent Code of Conduct