Canadian Underwriter

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Aviva Canada CEO’s take on the commercial lines market

August 17, 2023 by David Gambrill

Canada’s commercial lines market is starting to become more competitive in certain segments after a few years of a hard market during the post-COVID period, Aviva Canada’s CEO observes. But future economic uncertainty suggests insurers aren’t yet ready to plunge…

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Winds, heat and lightning trigger concern as two B.C. wildfires surge

August 16, 2023 by The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER – Wildfire crews in British Columbia are bracing for an incoming weather system expected to bring strong winds and dry lightning by Thursday, but conditions are already flaring in at least two areas of the province. The Regional District…

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What’s trending in auto loss combined ratios

August 16, 2023 by Philip Porado

Some Canadian auto insurers may be experiencing fewer losses than their U.S. counterparts, a new report from ratings agency Fitch suggested. A mid-year review of U.S. personal auto segment results, based on filings for nine public company insurers that report…

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Aviva Canada’s first-half experience in personal lines

August 16, 2023 by David Gambrill

Aviva Canada’s 2023 half-year results in personal lines are a mixed bag, with strong results on the personal property side, but the insurer is taking initiative to shore up its personal auto results. Overall, the company reported half-year growth of…

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Why AB claim doesn’t clear minor injury guideline hurdle

August 15, 2023 by Philip Porado

An applicant who failed to demonstrate her injuries weren’t minor cannot receive benefits beyond the minor injury guideline (MIG), an adjudicator determined in an Aug. 14 Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) decision (Reid v. Aviva General Insurance, 2023 ONLAT 20-015102/AABS – A). The MIG…

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What will help reduce farm fire severity?

August 15, 2023 by Jason Contant

The severity of fire losses in the agricultural sector is increasing as Canadian farms get bigger in size and value, but technologies are available to help reduce the frequency of that severity, a farm insurance expert told Canadian Underwriter. In…

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Humber building talent pipeline into the property restoration industry

August 14, 2023 by David Gambrill

Humber College in Toronto is building a talent pipeline into the Canadian property restoration industry. “We’re looking at building a program that will help get more talented, skilled professionals into the restoration property management space, and then have graduates work…

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Wildfires close evacuation routes out of N.W.T. towns, some being transported by air

August 14, 2023 by The Canadian Press

FORT SMITH, N.W.T. – Residents of a second town near the Alberta-Northwest Territories boundary were ordered to evacuate to safety Sunday evening due to encroaching wildfires, with a new fire meaning the only route out for one of the communities…

Smoke rises from a massive fire at an industrial site in Toronto News ClaimsClaims CanadaCommercial LinesInsuranceMarkets / Coverages

Health concerns raised after massive fire at Toronto industrial site

August 11, 2023 by The Canadian Press

Toronto firefighters were battling to control a major blaze at an industrial site where chemicals are stored in the city’s west-end, as area residents were ordered to stay indoors with their windows shut amid concerns about hazardous smoke. Firefighters are…

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Thunderstorms now a primary concern for insurers

August 10, 2023 by David Gambrill

Damage from secondary perils such as thunderstorms in the first half of 2023 is of primary concern to reinsurers. A series of widespread thunderstorms hitting the U.S. accounted for 68% of global insured natural catastrophe losses in the first half…

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Is third-party liability a significant driver of auto claims costs?

August 10, 2023 by Jason Contant

Subrogation for third-party liability (TPL) in Saskatchewan doesn’t appear to have a significant impact on the cost of insurance for drivers in the province, a Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) spokesperson suggested to Canadian Underwriter.  In Saskatchewan, the public insurer subrogates…

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What could cause a ‘nasty’ hurricane season?

August 10, 2023 by Seth Borenstein - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Record hot ocean temperatures and a tardy El Nino are doubling the chances of a nasty Atlantic hurricane season this summer and fall, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday. With the Atlantic hurricane season already well above normal…