Topic
Legal
Ontario needs to crack down on independent medical examiners: Accident victims’ group
December 10, 2012 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorAn advocacy organization representing auto accident victims is taking issue with some of the recommendations of the recently released report from the auto fraud task force in Ontario. Although it describes the report as “largely a thoughtful and targeted approach…
Getting Personal
December 2, 2012 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorSome lawyers caution that Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment is getting more aggressive about naming directors and officers as being personally responsible for clean-up costs. It is also important to note commercial general liability insurance policies do not usually cover risks of historical contamination and third-party liability does not necessarily cover clean-up costs of one’s own property.
Stalking Fraud
December 2, 2012 Angela Stelmakowich, EditorIt may not have been the 11th hour, but it was close. The Ontario Automobile Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force released its report – promised for the fall of 2012, following a sneak peak this summer – on November 22.
One Call to Action
December 2, 2012 Jim Douglas, President, Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance and John Trozzo, Insurance and RiskThe Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) works to prevent damage to underground infrastructure, including “lifelines” such as phone lines, Internet cables, water lines, natural gas lines and hydro lines. The insurance industry is seen as a strategic partner that can further advance preventive efforts.
Property Loss Trends
December 1, 2012 Glenn GibsonHow recent court decisions may affect adjusters
Ontario appeal court upholds decision on 60-day limit for FSCO mediation wait
November 29, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Court of Appeal for Ontario has upheld a decision by a lower court to dismiss the appeals by insurers, in a case involving the wait time for mediation from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO). The case, Hurst…
Executor liability product aims to cover increasingly risky role
November 29, 2012 Harmeet Singh, Online EditorAs much of the country’s population grows older, many Canadians are being thrown into an unfamiliar new role – one that arguably has become more risky over time. The risk that comes with being the non-professional executor of a will…
Some anti-fraud task force recommendations need work: OTLA
November 26, 2012 Harmeet Singh, Online EditorThe Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) has responded the recent final report from a task force on auto insurance fraud in the province, and while it says it’s supportive of most recommendations, some of them could use some work. Among…
Absence of adjudication may feed future tort in Ontario auto
November 23, 2012 Angela Stelmakowich, EditorA lack of adjudication relating to Ontario’s minor injury guideline (MIG) is creating uncertainty and could set the stage for a large increase in bodily injury (BI) tort, George Cooke, CEO of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, suggested…
No limit to liability for environmental cleanup costs in Ontario: Lawyer
November 7, 2012 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorProperty owners may be asking their insurers to increase the limits on insurance policies covering environmental cleanup costs in the wake of some recent rulings in Ontario, one lawyer says. Rosalind Cooper, a partner with Fasken Martineau, delivered a presentation…
DAS Canada launches DASbusiness policy for Quebec
November 5, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterSpeciality legal expense insurer DAS Canada has launched its DASbusiness policy in Quebec, offering a week of free phone legal advice.The policy covers legal fees associated with issues such as staffing, tax filings and outstanding invoices. “With the average price…
Into the Breach
November 2, 2012 Scott Pidduck, Underwriter, Professional Liability, QBE Services Inc.The first 24 hours following a data or information breach are the most critical, demanding immediate action to help avert hefty costs, as well as to mitigate damage to company reputation and consumer trust.