A Canadian example, eh

Belair Direct is a very similar insurer to Geico.  Both companies are direct writers, meaning they distribute their insurance products directly to consumer without an intermediary such as an insurance agent or broker.  As you can see in the example below, taking from Belairdirect’s website, the company uses both an animated mascot (Knight) and entices consumer with cost saving of “over $500”.  The company is also currently running a television advertising campaign in Ontario and Quebec (the only 2 provinces the company operates).  Unfortunately, this media is only available in french. however, the humour is still obvious.  There are some clear similarities between Geico’s campaigns and the much smaller, less known, Belairdirect.  

Is this Canadian company taking a queue from a much larger American brand? 

Is a mascot, some humour, and cost savings the only way to market insurance?