Features
Thinking Big From Small
December 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorMost people in the industry think he has lost his marbles, launching a new property and casualty insurance company in Canada from the ground up in what is widely seen as an overcrowded and cutthroat market. To say that Brian…
COUNTDOWN to a new era
December 1, 1999 Lowell Conn and Sean van ZylThe 1990s will likely go down as the most momentous period in the modern history of the property and casualty insurance industry, a senior executive with experience dating back to the post WWII era recently stated. From “riches to rags,”…
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
December 1, 1999 By Lowell ConnMarketing, distribution and technology are no longer separate components of the insurance business, delegates were told at the Institute for International Research’s recently held Distribution & Marketing in Property & Casualty Insurance conference. Multi-distribution channels including call centers and the…
The future of distribution: Keeping our Options Open
December 1, 1999 Doug Davis of Davis Consulting Inc.With increasing attention being brought to bear on the cost of distribution and how to improve competitiveness, insurers and independent brokers alike are repositioning. This, however, is having a noticeable impact on the industry’s “traditional relationships,” leaving many within the industry unsure to the “what”, “where” and “how” of the future of the independent broker profession.
B.C.’s collision repair industry under the Spotlight
December 1, 1999 Brian Harper, editor of Bodyshop MagazineThe recently held Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) auto repair symposium drew focus on the forces of change sweeping through the industry, in particular the close relationship that exists between property and casualty insurers and shop operators. Similar to the cost-efficiency driven rationalization occurring across other provinces, B.C.’s own market should be preparing for change if the existing independent players plan on surviving into the new millennium, the speakers warn.
Cybersettle.com online in Canada
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterNew York City-based Cybersettle.com, Inc. — an online company that resolves insurance disputes — has set up shop in Canada, settling its first Canadian dispute in late October. The website saves insurers and insureds the cost of court action, with…
OSFI’s tough stand on earthquake reserves
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), the federal government’s financial services watchdog, is unhappy with the current level of voluntary earthquake reserving committed by property and casualty insurers. OSFI special adviser Julie Dickson indicated at the recently…
NOT ALL SPORT UNPROFITABLE
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterNot all of the specialty sports lines are unprofitable it appears. General liability coverage has been good business for Canadian managing general underwriters K&K Insurance, who write $50 to $70 million in premiums annually safeguarding teams against litigation surrounding spectator…
North American initiative tackles CROSS-BORDER AUTO THEFT
December 1, 1999 Lowell ConnThe North American Export Committee (NAEC), formed to combat cross-border movement of stolen vehicles in North America, recently met in Jacksonville, Florida. Canadian and U.S. insurers, customs officials, law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, RCMP and port authorities, came together with auto manufacturers to deal with what is clearly becoming a growing thorn in the foot for the property and casualty insurance industry.
News (December 01, 1999)
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe November Women In Insurance Cancer Crucade educational breakfast educated hundreds of insurance professionals on the challenges of living with serious illness. Attendees at the breakfast watched a dramatic production entitled ‘Handle With Care?’, which was based on a study…
Brokerlink and Vector hit skids
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe proposed merger between listed broker consolidators Canada Brokerlink Inc. and Vector Intermediaries Inc. has hit some skids, both companies confess while asserting the merger will still carry on as planned. According to Jon Ouellette, Brokerlink’s vice president of operations,…
On The Move (December 01, 1999)
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Bureau of Canada has appointed Terri MacLean as senior vice-president and chief operating officer of the Insurance Crime Prevention Bureau. MacLean, an insurance lawyer, joins the ICPB after an extensive career including stops at Commercial Union, Wellington Insurance…