Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms and Regulatory Acknowledgment

By accessing or using Summit's website and services, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws and regulations including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act), provincial privacy laws, and insurance intermediary regulations in your province.

Summit is a licensed insurance broker operating across multiple Canadian provinces. We hold insurance licenses issued by provincial regulatory bodies. Use of our services constitutes acceptance of these terms and your consent to our brokerage practices as described herein.

2. Nature of Our Services

Summit is a licensed insurance broker and intermediary. We act on your behalf to facilitate the purchase of insurance coverage from licensed insurance carriers. Our services include:

• Risk assessment and insurance consulting
• Sourcing and comparing insurance quotes from multiple carriers
• Policy placement and placement assistance
• Policy renewal and modification support
• Claims support and guidance (though claims are managed by the insurance carrier)
• Regulatory compliance and documentation

We are a broker, not an insurance carrier. Insurance policies are contracts issued directly between you and the insurance carrier. We facilitate the arrangement but do not underwrite, issue, or guarantee coverage.

3. Broker-Client Relationship and Duties

By retaining Summit, you establish a broker-client relationship. As your broker, we:

• Act in your best interests and in accordance with your instructions
• Maintain confidentiality of your business and personal information
• Comply with all applicable insurance regulations and professional standards
• Disclose any conflicts of interest or commission arrangements
• Use reasonable care in assessing your insurance needs and placing coverage

You acknowledge that Summit may receive compensation (commissions, contingency payments, or fees) from insurance carriers for placing business. Details of our compensation structure are available in our "How We Get Paid" disclosure and individual engagement letters.

4. Your Information and Representations

To provide appropriate insurance advice and secure coverage, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and truthful information regarding your business, operations, loss history, and risk profile
• Disclose all material facts that could affect insurance availability or pricing
• Inform us immediately of any material changes to your business, ownership, operations, or risk exposure
• Provide updated information during renewal periods and upon request
• Not misrepresent information on insurance applications or policy documents

Material misrepresentation or non-disclosure may result in policy cancellation or denial of claims by the insurance carrier. Summit is not responsible for losses arising from your failure to disclose material information or for inaccurate information provided to us.

5. Insurance Policy Terms and Conditions

Summit facilitates the placement of insurance but does not issue or guarantee coverage. You acknowledge that:

• Each insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance carrier
• The insurance carrier's terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations govern coverage
• Coverage is subject to underwriting approval and may be declined, limited, or subject to conditions
• You are responsible for reviewing and understanding all policy documents before acceptance
• Claims are handled directly by the insurance carrier, not by Summit
• We will not be liable for any coverage gaps, exclusions, or claim denials by the carrier

We recommend thorough review of all policy documents. If you have questions about coverage, we are available to discuss, but final coverage determinations rest with the insurance carrier.

6. Premium Payment and Billing

You agree to pay all premiums when due as specified in billing statements and policy documents. Payment terms are typically due before the policy effective date. You acknowledge that:

• Non-payment of premiums may result in policy cancellation
• Payment must be made to the designated payment method or account
• Interest or late fees may apply to overdue payments as permitted by law
• Summit may arrange payment through third-party finance providers
• You remain responsible for premiums regardless of financing arrangements

7. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• Summit does not guarantee the availability, renewal, or terms of any insurance coverage from any carrier
• Summit is not liable for changes in insurance laws, regulations, or carrier underwriting practices
• Summit is not liable for market conditions, rate increases, or changes in carrier appetite
• Summit is not liable for delays in policy issuance, renewal, or modification due to carrier processing

SUMMIT DOES NOT WARRANT THAT SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR MEET ALL YOUR REQUIREMENTS. WE PROVIDE SERVICES "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Summit, its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms or applicable laws
• Inaccurate or incomplete information you provided
• Your failure to notify us of material changes to your risk profile
• Claims arising from your business operations or conduct
• Your use of our website or services in violation of these Terms

9. Confidentiality and Data Security

Summit maintains strict confidentiality of your personal and business information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws. Information you provide may be shared with:

• Insurance carriers for underwriting and claims purposes
• Third-party service providers (premium finance, data processors)
• Regulatory authorities as required by law
• Law enforcement or courts as legally required

We implement industry-standard security measures but cannot guarantee absolute security. You acknowledge the inherent risks of electronic communication.

10. Dispute Resolution and Complaints

If you have a complaint or dispute regarding our services:

1. Contact us at compliance@summitcommercial.ca with details of your complaint
2. We will acknowledge your complaint within 10 business days
3. We will investigate and respond with a resolution within 30 days
4. If unresolved, you may escalate to your provincial insurance regulatory body or ombudsman

Most disputes are resolved through good-faith negotiation. Either party may pursue legal action only after exhausting complaint resolution procedures.

11. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate the broker-client relationship by providing written notice. Upon termination:

• We will cooperate in the orderly transition of your insurance portfolio
• You remain responsible for all outstanding premiums
• We will retain records as required by law
• Confidentiality obligations continue after termination

12. Intellectual Property

All content on our website and in our communications—including text, graphics, logos, software, and methodologies—is owned by Summit or our licensors and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or transmit this content without our express written permission.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Both parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of British Columbia.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or if not possible, severed. The remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

15. Modifications to Terms

Summit reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominently displayed on our website. Continued use of our services after notification of changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, requests for clarification, or to file a complaint:

• Email: legal@summitcommercial.ca
• Compliance: compliance@summitcommercial.ca
• Website: www.summitcommercial.ca

For provincial insurance regulatory inquiries, contact your provincial insurance regulator or visit their website.