Denied claim or dispute with your insurer? Learn the required first step, the free GIO complaint process, and where health disputes actually go.
Find Your Path
Step 1 — Get your insurer's final position
Work through your insurer's own complaint process first. You need their final position letter on the issue before GIO can open a case.
Step 2 — Contact GIO (free)
The General Insurance OmbudService handles claims disputes, policy coverage interpretation, and policy processing issues for home, auto, and property insurance — all free to consumers.
GIO — Submit a Complaint — 1-877-225-0446 →Life or health insurance? Different body
GIO covers general insurance only. If your dispute is about a life insurance policy or a health/disability insurance claim, it needs a different ombudservice — ask Asya below and it'll point you to the right one.
Where ComplaintCA Fits
ComplaintCA doesn't replace GIO or your insurer's own process — it helps you draft a clear, factual complaint to your insurer, in one of 7 supported languages, so you have a solid record for your final position letter and, if needed, your GIO complaint.
No need to read this whole guide — Asya can ask a few questions and draft your insurance complaint in seconds.
Start with Asya Now →Frequently Asked
Can I go straight to GIO?
No — you need a final position letter from your insurer first.
Does GIO cover life or health insurance?
No — that goes to a separate ombudservice for life and health insurance.
Is GIO free?
Yes, all GIO services are free to consumers.
What is ComplaintCA?
A Canadian civic complaint platform that routes you to the correct authority, with AI-assisted drafting in 7 languages, an MP finder, a lawyer panel, and cyber crime reporting support.
I'm Deaf or hard of hearing — how do I call a phone-only authority?
Use Canada VRS (free sign-language video relay, available 24/7) or dial 711 for a text-based relay operator — both let you place a real phone call to any number listed on this page.
Sources & Verification
This guide is maintained by ComplaintCA and checked against the official sources linked throughout, including:
Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.