Topic
Legal
Auto insurance regulators outside of Quebec ‘have to change’ their approach to telematics, exec says
March 19, 2014 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorCanada’s provincial auto insurance regulators are relatively cautious in their approach to telematics, but this is changing, suggested speakers at an insurance technology conference this week. “If we want this to transform the industry, our regulators will have to let…
U.S. announces $1.2B settlement with Toyota, files criminal charge for ‘misleading statements’
March 19, 2014 Eric Tucker and Tom Krisher, THE ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON – The government announced a $1.2 billion settlement with Toyota Motor Corp. on Wednesday and filed a criminal charge alleging the company defrauded consumers by issuing misleading statements about safety issues in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Attorney General Eric…
Teens have more relaxed definitions for what counts as distracted, dangerous driving behaviour
March 18, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterTeenage drivers tend to have different, often more relaxed definitions for what it means to engage in certain distracted or dangerous driving behaviour, according to a new survey out of the United States, commissioned by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students…
Majority of Canadians in poll think texting while driving should be a criminal offence
March 18, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe majority of Canadians included in a new survey said they think texting while driving should be a criminal offence, although they saw other distracted driving behaviour as less serious. In the survey of about 1,500 Canadian drivers released Tuesday…
IBC, Canadian Trucking Alliance expand cargo theft reporting initiative across Canada
March 18, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Bureau of Canada and Canadian Trucking Alliance are expanding the current Cargo Theft Reporting pilot program across the country in an effort to allow the trucking community, insurers and the authorities to better share timely information to help…
Growing popularity of car sharing likely to require changes in current policy wordings
March 18, 2014 Angela Stelmakowich, EditorThe increase in car sharing – which some vehicle owners view as an opportunity to rent or lend their vehicles when not in use – will likely necessitate changing current policy wordings at some point, Ron Burns, vice president of…
Canadians relatively honest about reporting insurance fraud: survey
March 17, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterCanadians are relatively honest when it comes to reporting insurance fraud, according to new survey from InsuranceHotline.com. In a poll of about 1,500 Canadians, commissioned by the website and conducted by Leger marketing, 60% said they would report of a…
Ontario proposes three demerit point penalty for distracted drivers
March 17, 2014 THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Ontario is proposing a potentially costly hike in penalties for distracted drivers by imposing three demerit points in addition to a maximum fine of up to $1,000. Drivers who receive demerit points after being convicted of using their…
Court rules against insurer over limitation period in Ontario auto family protection endorsements
March 17, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterLombard General Insurance Company is expected to file an application with the Supreme Court of Canada for leave to appeal a court ruling on the limitation period in Ontario’s optional family protection endorsement for auto policies, according to an article…
Calgary lawyer suggests federal income tax compliance order exposes him to liability for violating solicitor-client privilege
March 14, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterA lawyer who suggests that Canada Revenue Agency is potentially exposing him to “penal and civil consequences,” in ordering him to disclose his accounts receivable records, will have his case heard before the Supreme Court of Canada. The highest court…
Auto insurance fraud affects all premium payers in Manitoba: MPI
March 14, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterManitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is encouraging citizens to come forward and speak out against auto insurance fraud, something that if left undetected, has an impact on all honest Manitobans. MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president of community and corporate affairs for MPI, says…
FSCO testing online arbitration scheduling tool for auto claims disputes
March 13, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Financial Services Commission of Ontario is conducting a testing phase of its online service to schedule pre-hearings and settlement conferences, in an effort to streamline arbitration for auto insurance claims disputes. The Ontario government introduced a bill earlier this…