Topic
Legal
Widespread vehicle technology, telematics pressure brokers to reinvent their business
September 22, 2014 Harmeet Singh, Online EditorOTTAWA – As technology such as telematics and driverless vehicles become more widely commercially-available, brokers will come under increased pressure to provide value, or else watch their profession diminish, according to a panel of experts at this year’s National Insurance…
Home Depot eliminates malware that affected 56 million credit cards
September 19, 2014 David Paddon, THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Home Depot said Thursday that 56 million payment cards used at its American and Canadian stores between April and September were compromised by a type of criminal software that hadn’t previously been seen in other attacks. The Atlanta-based…
Lawmakers unclear on whether distracted driving laws cover smartwatches
September 18, 2014 Michael Oliveira, THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Is using a smartwatch behind the wheel a ticketable offence under the country’s distracted driving laws? It’s up to the police to decide, says Ontario’s transportation ministry. We’re not sure yet, says a spokesman for Ontario’s provincial police…
Some insurers trying to broaden D&O environmental liability coverage
September 17, 2014 Greg Meckbach, ASSOCIATE EDITORWINNIPEG — Property losses often result in pollution losses, but there are “barriers” to getting environmental/pollution coverage on primary D&O insurance policies, speakers at RIMS Canada warned this week. “‘Hazardous substance’ is a catch-all term,” said Justin Perry, vice president…
GM expert says 19 deaths in ignition switch crashes are eligible for compensation
September 15, 2014 Tom Krisher, THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDETROIT – The death toll tied to faulty ignition switches in General Motors small cars has risen to 19, according to a compensation expert hired by the company. The number is likely to go higher. Kenneth Feinberg said Monday that…
Unlicensed entity selling false insurance in Ontario: FSCO
September 9, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) has issued a public alert warning consumers that an organization known as Strategy Insurance Limited is not licensed to do insurance business in the province. Emphasizing the need to exercise caution if contacted,…
FSCO issues warning of unlicensed insurance activity
September 3, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) warned Tuesday that Wangro Antoun – who also goes by the names Yasser Antoun, Yasser Antoun-Debbo, Yaseer Debbo and Mano Faroq – is not licensed to “conduct” auto insurance business in the province. …
Attacking Fraud
September 1, 2014 Willie Handler, Consultant, Willie Handler & AssociatesIt has been nearly two years since the Ontario Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force delivered its final report, with 38 recommendations. A number of regulatory changes were made and with the Liberals re-elected with a majority, it is expected that adoption of the remaining recommendations will accelerate.
Lawyers for Lac Megantic accused want charges dropped
August 28, 2014 THE CANADIAN PRESSMONTREAL – Criminal charges against two men accused in the Lac-Megantic tragedy should be dropped, their union and lawyers argued Thursday. Train engineer Tom Harding, railway traffic controller Richard Labrie and Jean Demaitre, the manager of train operations, are each…
ICBC to ask for 5.2% increase to basic insurance rates
August 26, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Corporation of British Columbia will file a basic insurance rate application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) on Friday asking for a 5.2% increase to basic insurance rates. If the new application is approved, this will mean,…
Ontario to reintroduce bill to toughen penalties for distracted driving
August 26, 2014 THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Drivers in Ontario could soon face much stiffer penalties for texting behind the wheel, as the governing Liberals are set to reintroduce a bill that would boost the maximum fine to $1,000. Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca said…
Alberta company liable for collision caused by employee prohibited from driving
August 25, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Court of Appeal of Alberta recently ruled against a company which owned a vehicle involved in a collision in Calgary but said its employee was prohibited from driving the company truck and only had keys in order to get…