Island Savings Insurance (First West Insurance Services) is now Westland Insurance

New name, same great company

While you’ll continue to deal with the same great team and receive the same service you’ve come to expect from Island Savings Insurance (First West Insurance Services), there’s now expanded capacity, broader underwriting capabilities, and improved claims support with Westland Insurance. We’ll go the extra mile every step of the way to provide you with a personalized coverage solution.

Payment Plan Changes

Policies previously enrolled on the First West Smart Pay payment plan will be amended to Westland’s monthly payment plan on renewal. The Westland monthly payment plan has no application fee, and a low administrative fee of 5% of your policy premium. This is lower than the Smart Pay plan. Monthly withdrawals will now show as “Westland Insurance” on  bank statements.

Locations

The formerly Island Savings Insurance (First West Insurance Services) branches below are now Westland Insurance. We’re committed to supporting the local communities where our clients and teams work and live. Each year, we invest over $1m into local and charitable initiatives.

Chemainus

103C-3055 Oak Street, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K1

View branch details

Duncan – Cowichan Commons

101-2951 Green Road, Duncan, BC V9L 0B9

View branch details

Lake Cowichan

87 Darnell Road, Lake Cowichan, BC V0R 2G0

View branch details

Mill Bay

140-2720 Mill Bay Road, Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P0

View branch details

Nanaimo – Cedar Road

2E-1834 Cedar Road, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1H9

View branch details

Salt Spring

124 McPhillips Avenue, Salt Spring, BC V8K 2T6

View branch details

Westland Insurance Group acquires First West Insurance Services

SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA  – August 22, 2019 — Westland Insurance Group Ltd. is pleased to announce the acquisition of First West Insurance Services, a subsidiary of First West Credit Union, effective Sept. 30, 2019. BMO Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Westland and KPMG Corporate Finance acted as financial advisor to First West.

“First West Insurance Services is a landmark acquisition for Westland,” says Jason Wubs, CEO of Westland Insurance Group Ltd. “They are a pillar in the communities they serve and have built a client-centric culture that is perfectly aligned with Westland’s core values.”

First West Insurance Services provides personal, auto and business insurance in British Columbia under three regional divisions: Envision Insurance in the Lower Mainland, Valley First Insurance in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys and Island Savings Insurance on Vancouver Island and the Gulf islands.

“We were thrilled to find a partner like Westland Insurance,” says Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union. “We believe Westland is perfectly poised to realize the incredible potential of our insurance teams and provide the best possible service for our insurance customers in B.C.”

Westland Insurance will add 300 employees and 36 offices from First West Insurance Services in British Columbia, expanding its reach to 110 locations in 56 communities across the province. Post-acquisition, Westland will have nearly 1,500 employees and more than 130 offices in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“We are excited to introduce the First West Insurance Services team to the Westland family and further strengthen our community presence in British Columbia, as well as add to our broader capabilities as an organization,” says Wubs.

 

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia’s third largest credit union with nearly $10 billion in assets, nearly 250,000 members and approximately 1,750 employees. It operates 50 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First and Island Savings divisions.

 

About Westland Insurance Group

Westland Insurance Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing independent insurance brokers in Canada. Trading over $3.5 billion of premium, Westland continues to expand coast to coast. Westland’s brokers provide expertise and advisory-based services across commercial, personal, employee benefits, farm, and specialty insurance segments. Since its founding in 1980, Westland has remained committed to supporting its clients, industry partners, and local communities. For more information, please visit westlandinsurance.ca

 

Media Contact:

Westland Insurance Group Ltd.
Jessica Thiessen, Director, Corporate & Change Communications
[email protected] 

Chat bubble icon

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re looking for insurance for your first home or wanting to discuss your existing policy, our team is ready to help. Connect with us today.

Get Insurance

Call us 1 (800) 899-3093

Need some help?

Claims

We'll help you get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Claims

Contact Us

When you need us, we’re here. Connect with us.

Contact Us

Visit Client Support

Check out our resources page for helpful content or connect with our client support team.

Contact Client Support