Ottawa's insurance market runs on independent brokers rather than single-carrier agents, so shopping around usually means comparing quotes from a handful of local firms rather than one insurer's call centre. This list was put together from each broker's own website, Google review counts and star ratings visible in search results, and public directory listings like the Better Business Bureau. It leans toward firms with a long operating history in the city and a visible pattern of customer feedback, not just a page one search ranking.
1. Tanner Insurance
Area: Ottawa and Eastern Ontario · Specialty: Home, auto, commercial, boat and cottage insurance · Rating: 4.9 on Google · Since: 1922
Tanner has been a family-founded Ottawa brokerage for over a century, and its Google review volume is among the highest of any broker in the city, which is unusual for a firm this old. Reviewers consistently mention responsive agents and help finding savings on bundled home and auto policies. It suits homeowners who want a broker with deep local roots and a wide panel of insurers to shop against.
2. Halpenny Insurance Brokers
Area: Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, based in Westboro · Specialty: Home, auto and business insurance · Rating: 4.9 on Google (344 reviews) · Since: 1912
Halpenny bills itself as the largest independent insurance broker in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, and it holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating alongside its strong Google score. Customers point to responsive, thorough agents and competitive quotes across multiple carriers, though a handful of reviews mention slower communication during busy renewal periods. It's a solid pick for households that want a large brokerage with the resources to place harder-to-insure risks.
3. Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers
Area: Ottawa and Eastern Ontario · Specialty: Home, auto, watercraft and business insurance, with programs for construction, trucking and senior-living operators · Rating: 4.8 on Google (289 reviews) · Since: 1935
Rhodes & Williams grew into one of Eastern Ontario's larger independent brokers before being acquired by global broker NFP, which gives it access to a wider network of specialty markets than most local firms. It's a reasonable fit for homeowners with straightforward auto and property needs, and it also carries niche commercial programs for clients who need both personal and business coverage under one roof.
4. Scrivens Insurance and Investment Solutions
Area: Ottawa, based on MacLaren Street · Specialty: Home, auto, business and life insurance, plus investment planning · Rating: 4.8 on Google (79 reviews) · Since: 1930 in Ottawa
Scrivens is a third-generation Ontario brokerage that represents about 15 insurance companies, which it uses to shop rates on behalf of clients rather than pushing a single carrier. Reviewers repeatedly name specific agents for quick response times and note real savings from bundling home and auto. It suits people who also want a broker that can talk through life insurance or investment products in the same conversation.
5. KBD Insurance
Area: Ottawa, serving Ontario province-wide · Specialty: Home, auto and business insurance · Rating: 4.9 on Google (55 reviews at the Ottawa office) · Since: 2022 in Ottawa, part of a company operating 40+ years
KBD is a newer entrant to the Ottawa market, having opened its local office in 2022, but it's backed by a Quebec-founded brokerage with decades of history and hundreds of five-star reviews across its network. Local reviewers highlight fast, clear communication when getting quotes. It's a good option for people who want a digitally forward broker without giving up phone or email access to a real agent.
6. Reliable Insurance Brokers, Kyle Davis
Area: Ottawa · Specialty: Home, auto and business insurance · Rating: 5.0 on Google (22 reviews)
Kyle Davis is an Ottawa-raised independent broker and partner at Reliable Insurance Brokers, with a perfect Google rating built on a smaller but consistently positive review base. Because the review count is modest compared to the larger firms on this list, it's worth treating the rating as an early but strong signal rather than a settled track record. It's a fit for people who want a single named broker they can build a relationship with rather than a large office.
7. Rowat Insurance Brokers
Area: Ottawa, with locations in Ottawa West and Ottawa East (Vanier) · Specialty: Home, auto, commercial, cottage, tenant, life, health and travel insurance · Since: 1955
Rowat has operated in Ottawa for seven decades and works across two locations, giving it a slightly broader geographic footprint than single-office brokers. Long-time clients describe decades-long relationships with the firm and same-day callbacks from brokers. It suits people who want one brokerage to handle both property and life or health coverage rather than juggling separate providers.
8. McDougall Insurance & Financial
Area: Ottawa, based on Centrepointe Drive · Specialty: Home, auto and business insurance · Since: 1946
McDougall describes itself as the largest insurance brokerage in Eastern Ontario, representing more than 50 insurance companies out of dozens of branches, including its Ottawa office. It carries an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, though the BBB file also notes at least one complaint about slow response times, which is worth weighing against its scale. It's best suited to people who want maximum choice of carriers and are comfortable with a larger, multi-branch operation rather than a boutique office.
9. Orbit Insurance Services
Area: Ottawa, based on St. Laurent Boulevard · Specialty: Home, auto, business, motorcycle, health and travel insurance · Rating: 3.8 on Google (74 reviews) · Since: 1964
Orbit, formerly AGR Insurance Brokers, has been in Ottawa for six decades and also administers a group home and auto program for at least one major public sector union. Its Google rating trails the other firms on this list, so it's included for its long history and range of niche products like motorcycle and travel coverage rather than as a top-rated pick. Worth a call if you specifically need a broker already set up for group or union-affiliated insurance plans.
10. Acera Insurance
Area: Ottawa, based on Kent Street · Specialty: Home, auto and commercial insurance, including small business coverage · Since: 1969
Acera is a national brokerage with a dedicated Ottawa branch staffed by more than 40 insurance professionals, giving it more bench strength than most single-office local firms. Client feedback centres on tailored coverage recommendations and clear handling of more complex commercial policies. It's a good option for small business owners in Ottawa who want their personal and commercial insurance handled by the same broker.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from publicly available sources, including each broker's own website, Google review counts and star ratings as they appeared in search results, and listings on the Better Business Bureau. None of the businesses paid for placement on this list, and ottown has not tested, visited, or independently verified the service quality of any broker named here. Ratings, review counts and founding years are included only where a source directly stated them; where a figure could not be confirmed, it was left out. Insurance rates and coverage details change frequently, so always confirm current terms directly with a broker before buying a policy. Last reviewed: August 2026.
Source: KBD Insurance's directory of Ottawa insurance brokers, along with each broker's own website and Google Business listing.
