Topic
Claims
A drastic (but effective) way to keep water out of the basement
June 2, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA foundation membrane could cost a homeowner client $15,000, and it is probably not something your clients should try installing themselves, but it is “often the most effective method” of waterproofing a basement, a Bobvila.com author suggests. A foundation membrane…
Are your condo clients covered for ‘special assessment’ costs?
June 2, 2021 by David GambrillIn an age when a condo corporation’s insurance may not provide enough coverage for an insured loss, brokers can help their clients by advising condo unit owners about the merits of special assessment insurance, one lawyer suggests. “It is important…
How video conferencing misbehaviour creates commercial liability risk
June 1, 2021 by Greg MeckbachInappropriate behaviour during video conferences can lead to employment practices liability claims, an expert with The Travelers Companies Inc. warns. New York City-based Travelers is observing “Zoom etiquette claims,” said the insurer’s employment practices liability product manager, Chris Williams, during…
Restoration firm suing DKI Canada over termination of agreement
May 30, 2021 by Greg MeckbachRestoration firm DKI Canada Ltd. is being sued in British Columbia by Coquitlam-based Canstar Restorations Limited Partnership, a former member of the DKI network. Allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court. Until 2020, Canstar was operating multiple…
Appeal court rules for insurers in handling of HST in auto AB claims
May 27, 2021 by Greg MeckbachOntario auto insurance claimants cannot take insurers directly to court over how carriers treat sales tax on accident benefits claims, the province’s appeal court has ruled. This is because the province’s Licence Appeal Tribunal, not the Superior Court of Justice,…
Why your clients could expect price reductions in home insurance
May 25, 2021 by Greg MeckbachIf insurers can achieve combined ratios of less than 80% in personal property, homeowners should expect to see lower prices and possibly even rebates, the CEO of LowestRates.ca suggests. “For consumers, if insurance companies are making money, then it means…
Pollution coverage gaps your clients may not know about
May 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe cost of cleaning up after spills of petroleum, oil, or other contaminants may not be covered under your client’s liability or property policy, a managing general agent warns. Many clients are exposed to pollution risk but are not necessarily…
What’s driving auto claims costs during pandemic
May 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe long-tail nature of auto bodily injury claims, in addition to insurers’ fixed claims adjustment costs, are among the reasons why insurers are not likely going to reduce auto premiums in proportion to the drop in driving observed during COVID-19.…
Why Intact didn’t have to pay $10K for a claimant’s proposed medical report
May 17, 2021 by David GambrillOntario’s Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) has ruled that Intact Insurance is not obligated to fund a claimant’s $10,200 multidisciplinary report, the purpose of which was to dispute Intact’s decision to cease income replacement benefits after a 104-week period of entitlement.…
How Intact views auto claims severity during pandemic
May 14, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe long-tail nature of motor vehicle liability and auto accident benefits claims means a temporary drop in total miles driven due to the pandemic does not necessarily equate to a corresponding drop in premiums for your clients, Intact executives suggest.…
Coverage dispute arises as to whether construction exclusion applies to building under renovation
May 13, 2021 by Greg MeckbachEditor’s Note: In an earlier version of this story, Canadian Underwriter incorrectly reported that Intact was denied leave to appeal an earlier court finding that a building renovation does not necessarily trigger an “under-construction” exclusion. In fact, the Court of…
How these auto reforms could reduce liability exposure for hospitality clients
May 10, 2021 by David GambrillB.C.’s move towards a form of no-fault auto insurance could wind up reducing liability exposure for commercial insureds in the hospitality and other high-risk sectors, according to a recent blog by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. The province’s no-fault amendments came…