Topic Alberta
Why auto rates are increasing despite fewer drivers on the road
March 6, 2021 by Jason ContantAverage auto insurance rates rose in Canada during the second half of 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns that led to fewer drivers on the road, a new report from LowestRates.ca found. The average auto insurance premium climbed by…
How Western Financial made its presence known in Atlantic Canada
March 1, 2021 by Greg MeckbachWestern Financial Group is taking a non-controlling interest in Saint John, N.B.-based Huestis Insurance Group. The exact terms of the deal, announced Feb. 23, were not disclosed, other than it will give the High River, Alta.-based Western Financial a “significant”…
Letter to the editor: Best Terms — the buyer’s point of view
February 26, 2021 by BC Risk & Insurance Manager’s AssociationTo the Editor, We would like to respond to your editorial titled “Regulators, leave subscription policies alone,” dated Dec. 7, 2020. It is true that these are turbulent times in the insurance market, and that insurers have been experiencing losses…
Why Canada should invest in ‘macrogrids’ for greener, more reliable electricity
February 25, 2021 by The Canadian PressThis article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Disclosure information is available on the original site. Authors: Brett Dolter, Assistant Professor, Economics, University of Regina; Blake Shaffer,…
Cat counter starts the year at $134 million for winter storms
February 19, 2021 by David GambrillFor the Canadian P&C insurance industry, Cat activity roared in like a lion in January, but has looked more like a kitten since then. Two winter storms in Western Canada caused more than $134 million in insured damage, based on…
What’s making it harder to estimate property Cat claims
February 17, 2021 by Greg MeckbachRecent price increases in building materials means it is harder than normal to predict the cost of repairing property damage, restoration experts say. Restoration contractor Peak Services handled several thousand claims after the June 13, 2020, record hail storm in…
One knock-off effect of rising condo deductibles
February 16, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA large increase in deductibles on condo corporations’ insurance is starting to put pressure on individual condo owners’ premiums, a new report from LowestRates.ca shows. “When a deductible goes up – say from $20,000 a year to $100,000, or $200,000…
Next round of funding available to clean up inactive Alberta oil and gas sites
February 16, 2021 by The Canadian PressEDMONTON – Alberta and the federal government say another $400 million in funding is available to help clean up inactive oil and gas sites in the province. The money includes $100 million for clean up in Indigenous communities. The rest…
How COVID-19 has affected repair of vehicles from hail
February 12, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe COVID-19 pandemic has created some barriers to repairing vehicle and property damage – including a shortage of auto body parts, and a labour shortage impacted by Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) recipients who are reluctant to return to work,…
Origin of Excel & Y Insurance Services features renowned Alberta brokers
February 11, 2021 by Greg MeckbachLundgren & Young Insurance is forming a new Alberta brokerage, Excel & Y Insurance Services, as a result of a partnership with Excel Insurance Group Inc. “We remain an independent brokerage wholly owned by myself and my family,” said Robyn…
Licensing exams now offered in a virtual format
February 9, 2021 by Jason ContantLicensing exams for Ontario’s brokers are now available in an online, virtually-proctored format, the result of a partnership between the Insurance Institute of Canada and Ontario’s broker regulator RIBO (Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario). “This is welcome news to many…
COVID’s impact on aviation insurance could be worse than you think
February 1, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe drop in international air travel is not causing a corresponding decline in aviation insurance claims costs, a Calgary-based commercial specialty expert warns. Meanwhile, airlines will not see sales return to pre-pandemic levels even after most Canadians get their COVID…