A deeper look at our segments: Realty
September 18, 2025
Commercial Lines
Take a closer look at one of our Commercial Lines segments this month. This quick-reference guide outlines the types of businesses we’re looking for, key underwriting considerations, and a real-world example of a successful account we wrote.
We’re looking to insure property owners who take pride in smart, proactive management. Well-kept residential and commercial buildings that have consistent occupancy, and solid maintenance routines. Bonus points for modern infrastructure and a clear plan to keep operations running smoothly.
Appetite at a glance:
Preferred occupancies |
|
Favourable attributes |
|
General underwriting considerations
Gore’s Extended Bundles offer added peace of mind with key coverages tailored for realty businesses:
- Master key coverage – Covers the cost to replace or reprogram locks if a master key (controlling all doors at listed locations) is lost or damaged due to an insured event.
- Functional pro-environment upgrade – Allows replacement of damaged property with a more energy-efficient or environmentally friendly version, up to the policy limit.
- Roadways, walkways & parking lots – Extends protection to exterior paved surfaces, retaining walls, and permanent landscaping structures.
Subject to terms and conditions of the policy.
Client-specific exposures:
Additional considerations for accurate building valuation:
- Parking features: Underground garages or heated driveways can significantly impact rebuild costs.
- By-law upgrades: Post-loss updates may be required to meet current city codes, affecting rebuild costs.
- Debris removal: Clearing fallen trees, rubble, or hazardous materials can be expensive and should be factored in.
These exposures are key in ensuring your client is properly covered.
Business interruption – Gross rentals
A valuable coverage that continues until the building is re-tenanted, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
Submission quality – Help us, help you!
To support accurate underwriting and tailored coverage, please include the following when submitting a risk:
- Years of building ownership
- Year built, construction details (including roof structure and covering), occupancy, mechanical updates etc.
- Maintenance plan including snow removal protocols
These details help us deliver faster, more accurate quotes and better protection for your clients!
Real-world example: why we wrote this account
- Client profile: Building Owner – Single Occupancy – Mercantile – Repair Garage
- Established: 2020
- Gross rentals: $200,000
- Location Insured Value: $7.2M
- Risk highlights:
- Claims-free history
- Continuous coverage
- Lease agreement in place with no short-term rentals
- Building details:
- Newer construction building, built in 2010
- Masonry non-combustible
- Protected
- Snow removal contract in place
- Management plan monitored by a property manager
What’s the latest?
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – office closure notice
September 18, 2025
Each year, September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Please note that all of our offices will be closed.
System enhancements: Updates to Guidewire and Billing Access
August 21, 2025
Gore Mutual has streamlined Guidewire and billing systems for broker partners. You’ll now get email alerts for completed referred activities, and legacy billing tools and public site payment options are being phased out to simplify processes.