insurance advisor

insurance agent

financial advisor

senior claims representative

claims adjuster

Co-operators

I write this review as someone who was looking to build a financial planning practice and joined Co-operators when they were launching CFIS, their mutual funds business. I liked the idea of being able to offer investments and protection products to satisfy financial plans. The life insurance products are competitive, both in price and features, and the mutual fund shelf is pretty good, featuring the likes of Fidelity, Mackenzie, SEI etc. I was also attracted by the timing - getting in on the ground floor of something new and being able to being my almost 2 decades of experience to the table.

So far so good but, unfortunately, that is where the good ends.

It was my impression that the company had started CFIS more as a "side hustle" than anything serious. Their financial planning software is laughably simplistic, with no hint after almost 4 years that they are looking to upgrade it. Their back office is a joke - they cannot accept eletronic in kind transfers, for example. With some notable exceptions, the back office is poorly trained and show little desire to improve. Management, both of CFIS and certainly locally, leave a lot to be desired. Some of them have risen to the top through means other than talent or track record. Others simply do not seem to possess the requisite knowledge to be in such positions. And none realize that they need to build processes to convert transactional interactions, such as you get with auto and home clients, into wealth prospects.

I would note that agency owners are different and many of them are to be admired but all of them have to put up with management for whom it is difficult to have any respect.

Ultimately, after almost 4 years, I decided to leave as I felt the company was going nowhere with financial planning and that I would jeopardize my own career by remaining. 

Working as a Systems Developer at Co-operators has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The company fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth, making it an ideal workplace for IT professionals.

One of the standout aspects is the supportive and inclusive work environment. From day one, I felt valued as a team member, and my contributions were recognized. The leadership team actively encourages professional development, offering numerous training opportunities and resources to help employees grow their skills and stay ahead in the industry.

The technology stack is modern, and the company is committed to leveraging the latest advancements to improve processes and deliver value to clients. This focus on innovation ensures that as a developer, you're constantly challenged and engaged.

Additionally, Co-operators has a strong sense of social responsibility, which is reflected in its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. It’s fulfilling to work for a company that genuinely cares about making a positive impact beyond business objectives.

Overall, Co-operators provides an excellent balance of professional growth, work-life balance, and purpose-driven work. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a dynamic and meaningful career in the tech field.

This ruthless company treats its employees like mere numbers, without caring about their well-being. There is no support from upper management, and no recognition for the hard work of the employees. It has been the worst professional experience of my life. I strongly advise avoiding the claims department, as it is extremely incompetent.

What's even more concerning is the company's disregard for the mental health of its employees. The work environment is incredibly stressful and there are no resources provided to support the emotional well-being of the staff.

Furthermore, the company shows a complete lack of concern for the overall health of its employees. There is no effort made to promote work-life balance or provide necessary assistance for mental health issues.

In summary, this company's treatment of its employees is inhumane. The lack of support, recognition, and disregard for mental health create an unbearable and stressful workplace. It is important to avoid getting involved with such a harmful and uncaring organization.

o Provide sales support for activities such as: finding product information required for quotation, quotation preparation / status follow up.
o Manage clients’ database / update all electronic and hardcopy clients’ documentations.
o Research competitors’ product and pricing.
o Co-ordinate the generation of flyers and promotional activities.
o Prepare, coordinate weekly sales meetings and record minutes.
o Maintain and organize vacations, training, calendars, schedules, and organize tasks.

o Responsible for the daily office administrative duties including managing office supplies and equipment.
o Perform general office administration duties - photocopying, maintaining electronic filing systems, clean up of current filing systems.
o Develop and manage directors’ schedules on a daily basis.
o Co-ordinate travel arrangements, schedule meetings, and book conference calls.
o Act as a first point of contact for the customers for any issues.
o Receive and resolve customer inquiries and questions regarding products, service, account information or problem resolution.
o Maintain the customer relationship by informing clients of specific offers and periodically reviewing their needs and updating their files.

Great benefits, excellent coworkers, and most managers are decent. You will always get the odd one or two that are bad eggs.
A lot of fundraising and contests within the company, personally I have won a few things in my 5 years there - $100 gift card, $50 lunch voucher, and assorted goodies from their Co-op website (like a backpack, water bottle, etc).
All newbies start on contract, and if they like them, they will make you full time. Dont let the contract bother you - the end date is always flexible and it totally depends on your performance. 
The only frustrating thing about this company is the location of their buildings. The parking options nearby are horrendous, and if you are not full time staff, they do not help you at all. You will find yourself parking far away on residential street and having to walk 20 minutes into work. That part really sucks... by law is constantly monitoring downtown so dont be surprised if you are ticketed on a daily basis. Know your streets, know your parking rights, and arrive a good HALF HOUR before work in the morning to find parking and to walk into work.

A Typical day

- Take 15-25 calls a day customers/advisors regarding specifics about their life insurance policies.

- Process work such as policy loans, cancellation of policies, and investigative work such as finding policy history information.

What I learned
-How to use positive language when dealing with clients.
- How to quickly alternate between tasks

Management
- Did a great job of upholding company values.
- Seemed to be hands off when dealing with employees. 

Hardest part of the Job
- Constantly switching between phone calls and process work.
- Trying to maintain focus on mundane, repetitive tasks

The Most Enjoyable part of the Job
- Having happy and satisfied clients
- I was never had to find things to do to fill my time. There was always ample work to be done.

There seems to be plenty of Lateral movement within the company (IE different job same pay grade) but little opportunity to move up unless you work for 10 or more years.

Started in Campbellford service office and then offered a position at the regional claims office in Peterborough. While there I was responsible for answering the phones and processing minor automobile claims. This included discussing the loss with the Insured, making the necessary arrangements for the repairs with the appropriate vendors and overall ensuring the client was dealt with fairly and promptly. Will there I was recognized nationally within the company with a customer excellence award. The management was excellent to employees and co-workers have become life long friends. The most diffficult part of the job was having to deny coverage to policyholders when a loss was not covered. The most enjoyable part of the job was being appreciated for the service provided by the policcyholders and management.

When intially offered the position, I was sold the idea that the Co-operators product was amazing with a very top-notch claims response program, and that the company is large enough for you to explore different fields within the organization. That is most definitely not the case. Listening to the client feedback on their claims experience was horrifying, adjusters advising that if insureds want their claims to be processed sooner should opt for a lower basis of settlement, clients not being given the information they need to make an informed decision all the while being charged egregious amounts of money to renew their insurance. While im all for justifying a slightly increased cost for stellar service provided by their individual service agent. I simply cant justify a cost that is 2 to even 4 times the cost of what's available on the market.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The company benefits and pension plan

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The management are all micromanagers. The ones that have moved up the ranks within the company have extremely poor management skills.  The compensation is under par for the amount of work that is expected.  They are known to overwork their staff. Very high expectations.  I was there for many years in many areas, it’s the same in all areas 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It is okay.  Some of the staff are very competitive and love drama.  It makes for an uncomfortable workplace.  You see clear favouritism of management for some staff.  

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
From the moment you start to the end you are busy.  Rarely take breaks or lunch.  The office is hybrid so can be lonely & quiet

This company treats the agency owners and agency trainees extremely harsh. If you decide to become an Agency Owner Trainee be sure you review the contract with a lawyer, you will however not be given the complete contract at the start of your 3 year trainee period. You will be working under a Districts Manager, many of them have a terrible character. There are often too many managers working in the district office who will give you different information and unreliable guidance. I sincerely regret that I had to go through those abusive 3 years and wish I could turn back the time. Many trainees decide not to continue with the contract and often have to leave the insurance industry. The Co-operators will start litigation against you if contact an existing or potential client after you terminated your contract. Be aware.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Insurance advisor 84 salaries reported	$56,296 per year
Insurance agent 12 salaries reported	$52,227 per year
Financial advisor 28 salaries reported	$76,619 per year
Senior claims representative 69 salaries reported	$84,102 per year
Claims adjuster 4 salaries reported	$72,441 per year

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