Topic
Legal
Systemic Change Needed
January 1, 2014 May Gibillini, President, inHEALTH Inc.Ontario’s automobile insurance dispute resolution system is currently under review. But will the review – meant to develop recommendations to make the system more efficient and predictable – get to the root of conditions that continue to drive consistently high dispute volumes?
The Greater Whole
January 1, 2014 Ben Kosic, Chief Executive Officer, CANATICSIn the past, fraudsters have taken advantage of individual insurers who opted to piece together suspicious claims in isolation. A new initiative, however, is based on the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, bringing insurers together and pooling their data.
Combating Cargo Crime
January 1, 2014 Craig Harris, Freelance WriterWhether they are hauling laundry detergent, t-shirts or electronics, trucking companies – and their insurers – are facing a rising tide of crime that involves more than just theft.
High-end SUVs among most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada: IBC
December 19, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Honda Civic has topped this year’s top 10 list of most frequently stolen vehicles, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, but higher-end SUVs were also a target. The 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2DR is at the top of…
Manitoba broker, U.S. company partner to offer text-blocking mobile app in Canada
December 18, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterManitoba broker Waggoner Insurance has partnered with a Florida-based mobile applications provider to offer a text-blocking and distracted driving solution across Canada. The partnership and distribution agreement has created DriveAlert-Canada, which will offer Protext Mobility DriveAlert product. The app, currently…
FSCO seeking submissions for three-year auto insurance review
December 18, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Financial Services Commission of Ontario is requesting submissions for compiling its three-year report on auto insurance regulation in the province. The Insurance Act requires FSCO to conduct a review every three years of Part VI of the act (auto…
Public comment begins on $627 million in environmental restoration projects in Gulf of Mexico funded by BP
December 13, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced it is taking comments from the public on proposed US$627 million plan, to be funded by BP Exploration and Production Inc., towards 44 restoration projects to address losses caused…
Ontario court rules against property maintenance firm over two-year limitation period
December 12, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterAn Ontario judge recently ruled against a property maintenance firm which is being sued by a resident who slipped, fell and injured his back, noting the property manager’s insurer initially advised the plaintiff there were no potential defendants in the…
Ontario Auditor General issues warning over unfunded liability for auto insurance claims fund
December 12, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterOntario’s motor vehicle accident claims fund (MVACF) has an unfunded liability, no action has been taken since 2011 to address that liability and provincial officials estimate MVACF can only meet its financial obligations through the 2020-21 fiscal year, suggests the…
High River homeowners win right to go to arbitration to try for buyouts
December 11, 2013 THE CANADIAN PRESSHIGH RIVER, Alta. – Homeowners in two southern Alberta neighbourhoods that were under water for almost a month have won a small victory in their fight with the Alberta government for compensation. A judge has awarded 18 families who own…
Federal politicians debate privacy breach notification bill
December 9, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterFederal politicians debated last week a privacy breach notification bill, with the former president of an insurance brokerage warning that Bill C-475, if passed into law, could result in “notification fatigue” among consumers. “The bill would require organizations to report…
B.C. court rules in favour of insurer in dispute over coverage for revenue loss after evacuation order
December 6, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterA British Columbia recently ruled this week in favour of St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company over a dispute on the scope of coverage of an “interruption by civil authority” clause in a commercial policy. On July 18, 2009,…