staffWriterThe 5 Best Insurance Agents in Edmonton
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by Oliver Tremblay
Are you looking for an insurance agent to help you go over your existing coverage or to assist you in purchasing a new one? If you are, then this list that we’ve put together today is exactly what you need.
After thorough research, we’ve compiled a detailed list of insurance agents and agencies based on their services, professionalism, and client reviews.
Before we take a look at our list, let’s discuss cost first.
How Much Does an Insurance Agent Cost in Edmonton?
There are a number of insurance policies out there ranging from property insurance to auto insurance, so it’s quite difficult to tackle how much they all cost. To give you a general idea, we’ll focus on one of the most common policies people purchase instead, which is life insurance.
Life insurance can vary greatly in cost because it's based on a number of factors such as your age, overall health, gender, and the policy you’re acquiring.
A 10-year policy for the average, healthy 30-year-old person can cost around $13 per month per $100,000 of coverage while an unhealthy 60-year-old may pay about $100 each month for the same amount.
Below, we’ve collated the average monthly cost based on age for a half-million policy for twenty years of coverage.
| Age | Average Monthly Estimated Price for a $500,000 Life Insurance 20 Year Policy |
| 20 years old | $32.00 |
| 25 years old | $33.00 |
| 30 years old | $34.00 |
| 35 years old | $35.00 |
| 40 years old | $50.00 |
| 45 years old | $80.00 |
| 50 years old | $134.00 |
| 55 years old | $245.00 |
Now, if you want your coverage amount to be higher, then you’ll naturally have to pay a higher rate each month. For a healthy 35-year-old male, the average monthly costs are illustrated in the table below.
| Coverage Amount | Average Monthly Estimated Price for a $500,000 Life Insurance 20 Year Policy for a 35-Year Old Male |
| $100,000 | $13.00 |
| $200,000 | $13.00 |
| $300,000 | $25.00 |
| $400,000 | $32.00 |
| $500,000 | $35.00 |
| $600,000 | $42.00 |
| $700,000 | $48.00 |
You may have noticed that we’ve discussed the cost of the policy and not how much an insurance agent costs. This is because they get paid from commissions from the policies they sell.
Generally, a life insurance agent can receive a commission between 30% to 90% of the amount you’ll pay in one year. So for a $100,000 policy at a $13 monthly premium, they can earn anywhere between $47 - $140.
The Best Insurance Agent in Edmonton
Now that you know what to expect financially when dealing with an insurance agent, we can now take a look at our picks for the top insurance agents in Edmonton.
1. Ted Byrt of Desjardin Insurance Agents
| SERVICES | Auto Insurance, Home And Property Insurance, Business Insurance, Life Insurance, Living Benefits, Mutual Funds, Vehicle Loans, Recreational Vehicle Insurance, Identity Coverage, |
| WEBSITE | https://www.desjardinsagents.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 9903 62 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 0E7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Toll Free: 1-866-833-2978 Phone: (780) 433-7200 Other: (587) 415-5802 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:45am – 5:00pm Walk-in Customers Welcome |
Desjardins Insurance is part of Desjardins Group and was founded in 1995. It’s the largest cooperative financial group in Canada offering a wide range of insurance products and the services of highly experienced agents.
The Desjardins Team consists of agent Ted Byrt and eight other experts in their field who speak a wide range of languages including Tagalog, German, Hindi, and Urdu, among others. Catering to a diverse range of clients from different cultural backgrounds, they are one of our top choices for insurance agents in Edmonton.
They offer auto, home, life, health, and business insurance products with several offers for savings for both individuals and businesses. They are affiliated with Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company and also provide financial advice via Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company.
One reason to go with Desjardins agents is their quick service for personal claims with a hotline that’s available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. They also provide quick quotations on Auto Insurance and Home Insurance, typically getting back to you within a few hours or promptly within the day.
They are also very accommodating towards new immigrants and residents, offering to explain all the details about insurance for those who are not accustomed to the policies. This is because some of the agents at the Edmonton office come from immigrant families as well.
As if that weren’t community-oriented enough, we like Desjardin even more because they’ve been giving back to the residents since 1970. The Desjardins Foundation is a charitable organization that helps the youth attain technical, vocational, and post-secondary studies for a better future.
While they may not be affiliated with a wide range of insurance companies, what you do get with Desjardins is a deeply personal and Edmontonian experience, which is why they earned a top spot on our list of the best insurance agents.
Pros
- Can manage your account easily with mobile app
- Up to 35% discounts for bundled policies
- Multicultural agents can speak several languages
Cons
- Can’t change agents without notifying current agent
- Doesn’t have a wide range of policies to choose from
Client Reviews
With over 1,000 reviews on Google, Ted Byrt and his team have certainly cemented their reputation as one of the top insurance agents to go to in Edmonton. Melanie Palmer, a client, shares her story:
“We have always been insured through Ted and his staff. They are always super helpful and professional. And they make it so easy!! There are no hidden clauses or ‘small print’ that catches you out…It could be you may find insurance a bit cheaper elsewhere but you won’t get the same service and honesty like we do with these guys.”
Oa Terezi, another long-time client, adds:
“My husband and I have been with Ted Byrt for almost 6 years. We are happy with their service and what they offer. Prices are reasonable. They are prompt to help you anytime you need them and in a timely manner. Keep up the good work!”
2. John Kluthe of Sun Life Financial
| SERVICES | Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Personal Health Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Permanent Life Insurance, Workplace Benefits, Group Retirement Benefits |
| WEBSITE | https://www.sunlife.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 8104 – 160 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5Z 3J8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Toll Free: 1-877-SUN-LIFE (1-877-786-5433) Phone: (780) 432-1700 Email: [email protected] Phone: (780) 784-0262 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 9:00pm |
John Kluthe is an insurance agent and financial advisor with seven years of experience at Sun Life Financial. He received his business management degree from the University of Lethbridge, is a certified financial planner, and now specializes in insurance and investment planning for potential clients.
Sun Life Financial has been around for more than 150 years, with roots in Canada selling insurance and personalized health packages. Their focus is on financial security and health, specializing in Group Benefits, Group Retirement Services, and Individual Insurance and Wealth.
They have “advisors” instead of agents, with around 4,000 of them spread out across the country, sharing industry practices with clients to help them keep finances in check. Whether it’s helping people build their savings or to ensure their families are taken care of, Sun Life focuses on protecting your wealth.
As a large nationwide company, Sun Life Financial does have the usual drawbacks of feeling impersonal and can move slower in processing your policies compared to a smaller company. However, with the right agent, you can get some semblance of an advisor that looks out for your well-being and truly wants to get you the best coverage possible.
One of the things we like at Sun Financial is that they can easily connect you to a health care provider via their brainchild Lumino Health. Through this program, you can view a range of rated services in your area such as massage therapists and mental health professionals that aren’t covered by Alberta’s Health Care System.
Pros
- Access to Lumino Health, which connects you health care providers
- Specializes in wealth protection and health
- Agents can be found in multiple locations
Cons
- Can take some time to process your policies
- Customer service is often less than desirable
Client Reviews
While Sun Life Financial may not always sit well with clients as a company, their advisors or agents certainly make up for any poor past experiences. Doug Fleshman, a client, shares his thoughts on dealing with John Kluthe:
“John is outstanding and I proudly refer him to all my family and friends. Aside from being really, really, really good looking he has all the qualities you want when trusting someone with your hard earned money. Looking for a change or just want some financial guidance? Give John a call.”
Graham Tanner, another client, was also impressed with John’s knowledge on different policies as he adds:
“John is a Professional through and through, also very caring to customer needs.
The scope of information he can help families and individuals with is staggering,
When you need Life, Health and disability insurance look no further than John Kluthe at SunLife Financial.”
3. Jenn Stone of Leibel Insurance
| SERVICES | Personal Vehicle Insurance, Personal Property Insurance, Recreational Vehicle Insurance, Additional Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Life Insurance, Health Insurance |
| WEBSITE | https://ligroup.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | #102 17415 – 102 Ave NW Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1J8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Toll-Free: 1-866-484-8880 Phone: (780) 484-8880 Email: [email protected] Phone: (780) 341-7448 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm Friday: 8:30am – 4:00pm |
Leibel Insurance Group is a family-owned and operated company that’s on its second generation of owners, first founded in 1981. What sets them apart is their collaboration with various insurance companies, which helps them build comprehensive packages to offer clients.
They have a wide range of personal policies such as auto, homeowners, and umbrella insurance, just to name a few. They also cater to businesses by offering commercial packages for contractors, property rentals, and health.
If you’re applying for personal insurance, you’ll be meeting with Jenn Stone, who will present to you all the best options for the type of coverage you’re looking for. This is where you see one of the benefits of dealing with a homegrown Edmonton company: it will always have a more personal touch, especially if you’re a fellow resident.
We like Leibel Insurance because they offer coverage for things you normally wouldn’t see offered at other companies. These include coverage for your recreational vehicles such as a motor home or ATV and even personal items like expensive drones.
Although they have an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, they are not an accredited business on the online platform. However, if you consider first-hand client testimonials better proof of their excellent services, then we guarantee you’ll be convinced to go with Leibel Insurance.
One of the things to consider is that they also offer easy switching of insurance for unionized employees that are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE). With special rates for more savings, it’s no wonder that they’re one of the highest-rated insurance agencies in the city.
Pros
- Partnered with multiple insurance companies
- Offers discounts for unionized employees
- 24/7 emergency insurance claims
Cons
- Not BBB-accredited
- Expensive personal insurance policies
Client Reviews
Eugene Brown, a long-time client, praises the professionalism and responsiveness from the agents at Leibel Insurance. He shares:
“I have been with this insurance group for a long time from day one they have always been very helpful to my needs definitely a good place to have insurance”
Jim Lines, another client, has dealt with Jenn Stone directly, and is impressed with her friendly demeanor and knowledge. He says:
“Jenn helped me recently, and I was impressed with the information and excellent customer service she provided. I asked many questions over a few days, and I always received prompt, thoughtful, and clearly written responses that were easy to understand. I can see why this company is so highly rated by many people!”
4. Melanie Yakumchuk of Klondike Insurance
| SERVICES | Auto Insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Recreational Vehicle Insurance, Property/home Insurance, Commercial Property/business Insurance, Rented Dwelling Insurance, Bonds/surety Insurance, Travel Insurance, Tenant Package Insurance, Condominium Insurance, Farm Insurance, Life Insurance, Boat Insurance, Goldbar Financial |
| WEBSITE | https://www.klondikeinsurance.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 10140-81 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6E 1X1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Toll Free: 1-855-439-0715 Phone: (780) 439-0715 Fax: (780) 433-5179 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm |
Klondike Insurance Agencies Ltd. was founded in 1961 and remains a family-owned and operated business until today. Starting out as a small office in Edmonton, they’ve now amassed over five decades of experience in insurance, helping Edmontonians with commercial, personal, and life insurance policies.
Melanie Yakimchuk is one of their insurance agents with over 12 years of experience in the field. She holds an LLQP Full Life Insurance License and a Level 2 General Insurance License as part of her credentials.
Although they offer a wide range of services with over a dozen affiliate partners, they are best known for having one of the best motorcycle insurance plans in Edmonton. Not only do they have a diverse range of payment plans, but they also offer discounts to those who work in the oil and gas sector and a special Harley Davidson program as well.
Not limiting themselves to two-wheeled vehicles, Klondike also offers auto insurance with special rates but only for those that have existing accounts with them. If you’re a senior citizen or haven’t been in an accident in the past six years, you’ll be privy to special discounts as well.
They also specialize in home insurance, with a diverse range of policies to choose from, although their basic package doesn’t include coverage for personal liability, flood, and earthquakes.
Their premium policies do however offer this at a higher cost, and they can even insure historic homes and registered landmarks.
With exceptional customer service and agents willing to help you get the best deal for your needs, Klondike insurance earns a spot on our list as one of the top agencies in Edmonton.
Pros
- Offers discounts to oil & gas workers for motorcycle insurance
- Special promotions for auto insurance
Cons
- Basic home insurance policy is lacking
- Discounts are only offered for a few policies
Client Reviews
Bryan and Tamara Roll have been clients of Klondike for over ten years and praise their bedside manner and efficient service. They share their experience:
“Just a quick note to say thanks to you and your team for the great service we’ve received over the last decade or more. At a time when “customer service” infers a far-off call centre, it is refreshing to have someone who knows your name on the other end of the phone…We appreciate your team’s dedication and look forward to when we can once again stop in & say hi but in the meantime, thanks and stay safe.”
Jon G, is another happy and loyal client of Klondike’s, who adds:
“Thank you!!! You have no idea how much I love having a real person to talk to when I call. As long as you guys do this I will remain your very happy loyal customer. Klondike insurance is the best!!!”
5. Kori Maki of Direct-Line Insurance
| SERVICES | Home & Auto Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Farm Insurance |
| WEBSITE | https://directlineinsurance.ca/agents/ |
| ADDRESS | 6414 – 112 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Canada T5W 0N8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Toll Free: 1-800-563-0709 Phone: (780) 468-1007 Fax: (780) 465-7226 E-mail: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm |
Direct-Line Insurance has been helping families since the 1940s, assisting with policies involving their homes, vehicles, and businesses. Servicing all across the province, their success is due to their personalized agents who are trained to know your case inside and out.
Kori Maki, one of their agents, has been working in insurance for over 10 years, specializing in home, vehicle, commercial, and farm insurance to Direct-Line. She is known for her extensive knowledge of policies and for finding the best coverage options for her clients’ needs.
Direct-Line has various affiliations with some of the top insurance companies, thereby giving you more options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for health insurance or want policies to cover valuable items, they have it covered.
However, some of their more robust programs are from these third-party policy providers. Moreover, if you’re looking for Direct-Line branded personal health insurance, you won’t find it here.
However, one of their standout services is providing farm insurance, whether it’s a family farm or a full-fledged commercial operation. Direct-Line can help you keep an eye out for any risks to your business, and can match policies that will cater to the needs of your operation.
Although their primary focus is on home insurance here at Direct-Line, they do have years of experience to back it up, making it easy to help clients choose the right policy to protect their property in an unfortunate event.
Pros
- Specializes in house insurance policies
- Vast network of partnerships
Cons
- Coverage for valuable items covered by third-party partner
- No persona health insurance offered
Client Reviews
Bev Ashton, a client, appreciates the quick turnaround service at Direct-Line, implying that the speed of a callback is similar to the company name. She says:
“This is one place that makes life easy. No tremendous waiting. You just go directly to voice mail and get a call back. It’s so easy. It’s up front. It’s approachable. The people are straight with you. I am so glad I switched. No one is ever condescending or arrogant. When I think of some of the places I’ve been I would never go back. Ever.”
Jess Oh, on the other hand, has commended Kori directly for the stellar service. She shares:
“I called to see if I could get a better rate for auto/home. Kori provided me with a quick response and was able to lower my home insurance. My auto was currently the best rate but she offered to transfer that account so she could manage both and I would have one point of contact. The transition was smooth, Kori was polite and helpful the whole way, she was eager and available for any questions I had. I would highly recommend Direct-Line and Kori Maki, you won’t be disappointed!”
FAQs about Insurance Agents
This concludes our list of the best insurance agents in Edmonton. We hope you were able to find an agent from this list that suits your needs!
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations for other agents who weren’t included in our list? Drop us a line and we’ll make sure to check it out.
Now in the event that you want to file an insurance claim, it’s best that you hire a lawyer. We’ve got you covered with this list of the best insurance lawyers in Edmonton to help you out.
