Our Story
Anchor Insurance Brokers Ltd. was formed in 1970 when two agents James McDonnell and William Thompson formed a partnership. After a couple of years, the partnership was not going well and McDonnell bought Thompson’s shares in a shot gun agreement that had been written on the back of a paper napkin. Mr. McDonnell effectively ran and grew the brokerage including a couple of small acquisitions until his retirement 20 years later. In 1990, Robert Lawson purchased the company from James McDonnell.
Since 1990, the company has grown expeditiously. This growth has been achieved through in house sales, producer sales and the acquisitions of other brokerages. The major acquisitions have been John Taylor Insurance (1993), McTaggart Insurance (1995), Doug Holyday Insurance (1999) and Dorling-Freeman Insurance (2002).
Anchor Insurance Brokers Ltd. is a professional organization dedicated to providing the best insurance products available to our clients at the most reasonable costs. Our firm is registered as a licensed insurance brokerage with the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario. We act in the capacity of an intermediary between the consumer (the buyer of insurance) and the insurer (insurance company accepting the risk).
We specialize in providing personal and commercial lines of property and casualty insurance, group and individual health coverage, and individual life insurance. By providing outstanding service and assistance to our clients, we have established a base of client referrals as a major source of business. Our insurance companies also recognize that we perform for them beyond just selling insurance. This reputation has distinguished our brokerage as a top performer with our clients and companies. Anchor Insurance Brokers Ltd. takes pride in caring for its clients, insurance companies and fellow employees.