Features
Investments plague Canadian and U.S. insurers
January 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterThe 1999 third quarter returns for both Canadian and U.S. property and casualty insurers show little improvement in net earnings, with the return on investment of both sectors now hovering at around the 7% mark. The real problem child surfacing…
THE LOGIC BEHIND SELLING
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe majority of brokers that have sold their business, or are contemplating the prospect of doing so, have reacted for one or more of the following reasons: Rate of attrition and threats from dwindling volumes; Desire to be a part…
The quest for EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT
December 1, 1999 Jacinta Whyte, vice president of the personal insurance divisionThe traditional property and casualty (p&c) insurance industry is moving toward multi-channel distribution. The shift may not be as brisk as some industry observers believe is necessary to blunt the competitive challenge posed by the banks and others, even some traditional broker companies. Still, it is difficult to argue with the success that Canadian brokers are having in retaining customers in the face of an expanded range of distribution options already available.
GOOD NEWS ON FEES
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterRIBO announced at its AGM a reduction in broker firm fees for the year ahead, this resulting from a surplus reported for the prior year. The association will also offer an additional $50 reduction to firms and individuals who made…
VICC approves deterrent
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterIn a post NAEC media conference, VICC president Henning Norup says the organization has approved its first “after market” anti-theft deterrent system, where the device has been fitted to the vehicle other than the manufacturer. The Autowatch 329 Ti immobilizing…
Cutting to the fat
December 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorFor those who felt the market conditions of 1999 were worth a good cry over a beer, the year ahead is likely to be a very sober occasion, analysts warn. Results for property and casualty insurers for the final quarter…
RIBO 99 AGM: Broker ownership Rulings Should Be Changed
December 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe issues of broker sole occupation and the current restrictions applying to brokerage ownership will likely be among the top priorities on the Registered Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario’s (RIBO) 2000 agenda with regard to regulatory changes currently under discussion…
Scrambling for loose business
December 1, 1999 Lowell ConnSports insurance is a specialty-lines oddity. It is unprofitable business marred by rising loss payouts not accurately balanced by the premiums generated. It is a competitive market where premium prices should be two or three times their current rate, insiders…
Kingsway hosts Analysts & Investors Day
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterPrices will firm up and standard insurers will tighten underwriting rules, Kingsway Financial Services Inc. president Bill Star says, addressing media and stakeholders at the company’s first annual Analyst & Investor Day. “The result could see more business bypassing standard…
HUON goes online at Kemper
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterKemper Canada has gone online with its HUON system, announcing their personal lines automobile and property markets are now being supported by The HUON Solution. “We now have the system to facilitate a winning environment,” says Judy Maddocks, president of…
Industry turns out for Black Tie Affair
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe 44th annual Toronto Insurance Conference (TIC) black tie dinner was held recently at the Four Season’s Hotel in Toronto. The event’s guest-of-honour, Senator Trevor Eyton, provided an after dinner keynote address. Guests included (clockwise from upper left): American International…
Toronto City struck down in bodyshop fight
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Supreme Court of Ontario has ruled in favour of insurers who mounted a challenge against a City of Toronto bylaw outlawing insurers from directing their insureds to preferred bodyshops. “This is a big victory for the industry and for…