Features
On the Move (May 01, 2004)
May 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterJean-Francois Blais will take over as CEO of AXA Canada with news of the retirement of Jean-Denis Talon. Blais has been with the company since 1988, most recently as president and COO. Talon will remain as chairman of the company…
70 Years of Insurance
April 1, 2004 Vikki SpencerWhen Norman Jardine published the first edition of Canadian Underwriter in 1934, “in the interests of fire and casualty insurance in Canada”, the world was a very different place. The population stood at about 10.5 million, the country was weathering…
Market Signals
April 1, 2004 Craig HarrisCanada’s insurance “wholesale” market, which includes underwriting managers, managing general agencies (MGAs) and special risk facilities, has swollen to a considerable size after a turbulent three years. Some of the larger players are now on the same footing as standard carriers when it comes to premium volume. The main question emerging today is how much, and what kind of business will flow back to regular insurers as market conditions change?
Storm in a Tea Cup?
April 1, 2004 John MorinRegulation of Quebec’s auto insurance system has a long history of controversy. Now, with private auto insurance in the other provinces of Canada seemingly having lost anchorage with runaway accident benefit claims costs, Quebec’s system has been held up as a shining example of a workable model. The question is, can this be maintained? Recent political pressures to restrict insured benefits of drivers convicted of a criminal offence and to allow innocent victims to sue such offenders could reopen the door to increased tort costs.
Wolves in Sheeps’ Clothing
April 1, 2004 Mark RamThe specialty lines business. Fat premiums. The appearance of fast, easy money. When markets turn soft and growth sounds good, they can attract insurers like mice to cheese. But, those hungry insurers who venture uninformed and unprepared into the high-risk specialty areas of insurance are more often than not dealt a blow that leaves them reeling.
CIP Business Summit: A Dangerous Game
April 1, 2004 Vikki SpencerThe world is a dangerous place in which to write insurance right now, and the legal environment is a good part of the reason why. Speakers at the CIP’s recently held Business Summit pointed to a number of legal and legislative developments making insurance a treacherous gamble in Canada as well as on a worldwide basis. The ever-expanding litigation environment, including rising bad faith awards against insurers themselves, are causing insurer headaches. And, unresolved issues regarding auto insurance regulation continue to make for a “rocky landscape”.
Global Political Dangers
April 1, 2004 Patrick DoigCan corporations afford to not be a part of the expanding “global economy”? For many enterprises, the quest to remain competitive and produce adequate revenue and earnings growth to meet shareholders’ expectations makes stepping out operations from the home market an essential component in their business strategy. But, are companies fully aware of the political risk exposures they potentially face in expanding their operations abroad?
Moments in Time (April 01, 2004)
April 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterEach month of this special 70th anniversary year, Canadian Underwriter will look back at a pivotal period in the industry’s history. These are the people, events and issues that have shaped Canadian Underwriter and the insurance industry for seven decades.
Celebrating Success
April 1, 2004 AxiomHello, Fred! Hello, Dave!” The welcome came from Tom Johnstone, president of a long-established and successful brokerage in the city which was celebrating its 100th year in business. He shook our hands warmly, “thanks for coming”. A huge sign across…
Hub Revenue Rises 30%, Re-Branding Campaign Planned
April 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterBroker network consolidator Hub International Ltd. (TSX: HBG) boosted total revenue by 30% year-on-year to a record US$286.4 million for the 2003 financial year (2002: $220.0 million). Net earnings for the year came in at $38.5 million, equal to $1.14…
Views (April 01, 2004)
April 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterB + L Consultants and Vigil Technology Locating Systems Inc. have signed a national promotional services agreement. The three-year deal will see B + L promoting the Vigil GPS system nationally to 900 car dealers, with an annual target of…
Workplace Violence Legislation Impacts Employer Duties
April 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterCorporations and their risk management departments face new responsibilities with the passage of federal Bill C-45, which seeks to reduce workplace violence and accidents, attendees to an AIG seminar were recently told. The new law establishes criminal liability for corporations…