Topic Brokers
Brokers, mutuals split on tactics after ministry’s controversial phone call
May 22, 2018 by David GambrillThe Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (CAMIC) and the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) are split on tactics regarding a federal government bill that would allow banks to share customer data with fintechs. Which path better protects consumers…
How Saskatchewan brokers are handling the French fries challenge
May 17, 2018 by Greg MeckbachRoughly half the motorists in Saskatchewan lack adequate auto insurance because they are only buying the mandatory minimum required by law from the province’s government-run auto insurer, a broker warns. Saskatchewan’s 70-year-old-plus Auto Fund writes basic minimum liability, damage to…
Behind this brokerage’s plan to build a “best-in-class” employee benefits platform
May 15, 2018 by Jason ContantHub International’s recent acquisition of a brokerage in Quebec is part of its plan to built a “best-in-class” employee benefits platform for Canada, a spokesperson for the Chicago-based global brokerage told Canadian Underwriter Monday. On May 7, Hub International acquired…
Brokers worried that Ontario auto problems will force companies to exit market
May 11, 2018 by Jason ContantBrokers in Ontario are concerned that if auto insurance in the province remains unsustainable, companies may start to leave the market. Traci Boland, chairwoman of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), spoke to Canadian Underwriter Thursday about trends in…
Economical set to roll out ‘full training’ to brokers on Vyne
May 10, 2018 by Greg MeckbachBrokers will soon be able to learn Vyne, Economical Insurance’s Guidewire-based computer system, touted as a way of administering insurance policies with less manual intervention. “Soon we will roll be rolling out full training to 22,000 brokers across the country,”…
Hub acquires Quebec benefits brokerage
May 9, 2018 by Jason ContantHub International has acquired the shares of a Quebec benefits brokerage, a move designed to strengthen benefits and retirement offerings throughout Canada. The Chicago-based global insurance brokerage reported on May 7 that it acquired the shares of Les Avantages Sociaux…
Broker fined after leaving agency with his own book of business
May 8, 2018 by David GambrillA B.C. broker who believed he was leaving one agency for another with his own book of business received a $2,500 fine for a privacy breach when he took a spreadsheet of his clients’ information with him. Before joining his…
Why this broker sold into the independent broker channel
May 6, 2018 by Jason ContantWhen Ron Bagnell was looking to retire, handing over his brokerage to the family was not an option, so he sold into the independent broker channel. “My children had no interest in taking over the business, so I knew that…
Strength of Canadian broker channel may lead to agnostic tech solutions
May 3, 2018 by Jason ContantWith an estimated 45% of personal insurance written through the broker channel in Canada, tech vendors understand the importance of the channel. “Our only business is broker,” Jeff Purdy, senior vice president of international operations with Applied Systems, told reporters…
Hub acquires Alberta brokerage specializing in commercial lines
May 3, 2018 by Greg MeckbachCarlton Insurance Brokers Inc. of Jasper, Alta., a full service brokerage that specializes in commercial auto and oil and gas, has been acquired by Hub International Limited. Carlton places insurance for a variety of clients including trucking companies and the…
Archway snaps up Bay Insurance & Financial in local merger deal
May 3, 2018 by Jason ContantBay Insurance & Financial, a smaller brokerage in Tantallon, Nova Scotia, has merged with one of Atlantic Canada’s largest brokerages, Archway Insurance. Bay Insurance’s existing location on Peggy’s Cove Road in the heart of the St. Margaret’s Bay Area will…
After Toronto van attack, what should brokers tell their rental firm clients?
April 30, 2018 by Greg MeckbachThe van attack that killed 10 people and wounded 14 in Toronto Monday highlights the importance of brokers giving proper coverage advice to fleet owners, an insurance defence lawyer says. Eric Grossman, founding partner of Zarek Taylor Grossman Hanrahan LLP,…