Features
The “Multi-Sport” Rack Option
February 1, 2004 Kevin CampbellWhile insurer and other industry Internet-based portals have made progress in simplifying personal lines processing, this is not the case with commercial lines. Some companies are building proprietary websites for commercial quotes. While this may please smaller brokers, it represents two steps backward for those brokerages who had invested in automating their commercial lines. Fortunately, tapping into new Internet technology provides a solution to satisfy all brokers.
Internet Data Exchange: Crossing the Lines
February 1, 2004 Lee SlackFor many years, brokers have sought technology that could seamlessly integrate sales-side systems with financial service carrier back-offices. This “holy grail” of broker technology is not merely a distant dream – it is available today.
U.S. Primary Market Outlook: Big Stakes Game
February 1, 2004 Sean van Zyl, EditorA survey conducted by the Insurance Information Institute (III) of the 250 insurance management attendees of its annually held Joint Industry Forum (JIF), which this year’s event recently took place in New York, suggests that four out of five U.S.…
Going Wireless
February 1, 2004 Chris VennIt would seem in today’s tough market environment that “flexibility” has become a competitive (perhaps survivalist) tactic for brokerages in responding to the shifting “marketscape”. And, I have seen brokers respond in many different ways – with some of these responses having been very creative and surprising. “Wireless networking” is one such creative solution.
Moments in Time (February 01, 2004)
February 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.
Meloche Monnex Buys Liberty Mutual’s Personal Lines
February 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterTD Bank’s insurance arm, Meloche Monnex, has acquired the Canadian personal lines book of Liberty Mutual, a subsidiary of the Boston-based Liberty Group. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Meloche Monnex, which sells personal home and auto insurance…
Totten Group Buys August Group Risk Management
February 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterLondon, Ontario-based wholesaler Totten Insurance Group has bought August Group Risk Management, an underwriting office serving brokers of Aviva Canada. Totten Group CEO Ross Totten says AGRM will remain at its current location and become a division of Totten, continuing…
Fairmont Specialty Given Okay by US Regulators
February 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterFairfax’s Fairmont Specialty Group Inc. – which includes the remaining business of former subsidiaries TIG Insurance Group and Ranger Insurance Group – says U.S. regulators have given a “thumbs up” to the company’s structure and capitalization. The announcement prompted rating…
Views (February 01, 2004)
February 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) kicked off its annual BIP advertising campaign last month at the Canadian National Figure Skating Championships. The well-received “Blanket-Anthem” television spots will run from January 5 to the end of May 2004 on…
The Portal: Reloaded
February 1, 2004 Craig HarrisAfter numerous launch delays, the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) believes that its long-awaited Internet portal is ready to go live. However, while proponents of the portal talk of a new industry-wide commitment to comparative rating, single sign-on and new business transactions, others say the execution of the project remains riddled with bugs, design flaws and delays. Is the portal real, or is it merely an elaborate illusion?
Reconfiguring CSIO
February 1, 2004 Vikki SpencerWhen David Patrick took over the top spot at the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) eight months ago, it was an organization in need of an overhaul. Its major undertaking, the internet portal to link brokers and insurers, was over budget and off track. But, Patrick relishes the role of the “turnaround artist” and says with the renewed support of all within the insurance industry, the CSIO portal will become reality.
Old Skeletons…
February 1, 2004 Sean van Zyl, Managing EditorWhile the financial fortunes of North American property and casualty insurers are looking decidedly better for 2004 compared with the last two lean years, there remain many unresolved issues that could undermine the industry’s long-term financial stability. Among these “old…