Since 1880
Niagara's Own Insurance Company
Owned by our policyholders. Guided by our values. Rooted right here in Niagara since 1880.
Who We Are
Protecting Niagara since 1880. Owned by the people we serve.
For over 140 years, BCM Insurance has been protecting homes, farms, businesses, and vehicles across the Niagara Region. But what makes us different isn't just how long we've been here. It's who we belong to.
As a mutual insurance company, BCM is owned entirely by our policyholders. There are no shareholders or outside investors. Every decision we make is guided by one question: what is best for the people we protect?
That's why we have stayed local. and you'll always talk to a real person. That's also why our neighbours trust us with what matters most.
Our Values
A foundation built on four core values.
These principles form the heart of our organization and guide all that we do, day in and day out.
Trust
We earn trust through honesty, transparency, and follow-through. When you call BCM, you reach someone who knows your name and keeps their word.
Kindness
Insurance can feel complicated and stressful. We lead with empathy and patience, treating every policyholder the way we would want to be treated.
Service
Our 24 insurance advisors, in-house loss prevention team, and dedicated claims staff are here to provide responsive, personal service at every stage of your policy.
Professionalism
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of knowledge, accuracy, and accountability, while never losing the warmth that makes BCM feel like home.
Our Mission
To ensure kind and professional service within our communities, by building trust, while respecting our legacy.
Our Vision
To provide the best insurance experience by protecting our communities through trust, respect, and mutuality.
How We Are Organized
By policyholders, for policyholders
BCM is governed by a Board of Directors elected from our policyholders. Because our owners are also our customers, the board's priorities are always aligned with yours: fair pricing, responsive service, and long-term stability.
Our president and CEO leads day-to-day operations with a team of insurance advisors, loss prevention specialists, and claims professionals who live and work in the same communities they serve.
Learn How Mutual Insurance Works
Part of Something Bigger
Local roots, provincial strength.
BCM is proud to be part of Ontario Mutuals, a network of over 40 mutual insurance companies across the province. Through this network and the Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan, we combine the strength of a larger organization with the personal service of a local insurer.
For you, that means real stability. Your claims are backed by the financial reserves of the entire mutual system, so even after a major storm or widespread loss, the resources of more than 40 mutuals stand behind your policy. You also benefit from shared technology, fraud protection, and ongoing product improvements, all delivered by an advisor who lives in your community and knows you by name.
Our History
Neighbours for Over 140 Years
Every mutual insurance company starts the same way: neighbours coming together to protect one another. Our story is no different.
Founded in Fenwick
The Bertie & Willoughby Farmers Mutual Insurance Company began its operations in Fenwick, Ontario, issuing its first fire insurance policy among 104 initial subscribers.
Two Mutuals Unite
The Township of Clinton Mutual Fire Insurance Company, based in Beamsville, merged with Bertie & Willoughby to form Bertie & Clinton Mutual Insurance Company.
Decades of Growth
Under the leadership of Fred Legg (1970-1990), BCM navigated significant industry changes and moved its offices to Dain City in 1981, standing as one of 52 farm mutual companies operating in Ontario.
A Move to Merrittville
Under Keith Hallborg's management (1990-2012), BCM relocated to its Merrittville location, where it would remain until 2017.
New Home in Welland
BCM moved to its current location at 1003 Niagara Street in Welland, a modern facility built to serve policyholders for decades to come.
A New Brand
The company re-branded to BCM Insurance Company, with further refinements in 2022 when we came to be the BCM you know today.
Niagara's Mutual
BCM continues to uphold the principles laid over a century ago. As part of the Ontario Mutuals network, we carry forward the same community-first values that brought those 104 original subscribers together in 1880.
Recognized for How We Work
How we treat our team reflects how we treat our policyholders
These badges speak to the values we bring to every interaction with our policyholders: fairness, respect, and doing right by people.
Great Place to Work Certified
Recognized for building a workplace culture rooted in trust and respect.
Ontario Living Wage Employer
Committed to paying wages that reflect the real cost of living in our community.
Financial Reports
Transparency is a responsibility
As a mutual insurance company, BCM is owned by its policyholders. We publish our annual financial statements so you can see exactly how your company is performing.
Frequently Asked
Your questions, answered.
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Is BCM Insurance regulated, and by whom?
Yes. BCM is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), the same independent body that oversees every property and casualty insurer operating in the province. We meet FSRA’s requirements for capital adequacy, solvency, and fair treatment of policyholders.
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How long has BCM been in business?
BCM has been writing insurance in the Niagara region since 1880. That is 145 years of continuous operation through every recession, market shift, and catastrophic loss year in Canadian history, including the 1998 ice storm, the 2008 financial crisis, the 2017 floods, and the pandemic.
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Where can I find BCM’s financial statements?
BCM publishes its audited annual financial statements publicly. You can download the statements for the most recent eight years in the Financial Reports section of the About page. As a mutual owned by its policyholders, we believe you should be able to see exactly how your company is performing.
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Where does BCM provide insurance?
BCM serves Ontario residents and businesses from our office in Welland, with a focus on the Niagara region. We write home, auto, farm, business, and commercial property insurance for individuals and families across the area.
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How financially strong is BCM?
BCM has been continuously solvent and meeting capital requirements for 145 years. Every BCM policy is backed by Farm Mutual Re, the reinsurance partner for Ontario’s mutual network, whose financial strength has been rated good with a stable outlook by independent analysts at AM Best. Behind that sits the wider Ontario Mutuals network of more than 40 member companies, which share reinsurance protection so even a once-in-a-generation loss event will not put any member’s policies at risk.
Keeping promises since 1880.
Get in touch with a local advisor, or learn more about what makes BCM different.