Topic Claims Professionals
Stock market volatility may spike E&O claims
May 17, 2022 by Michelle SchriverInvestors are taking a turbulent ride as global stock markets correct and increasingly run the risk of entering recession territory. And, with some advisors’ clients ‘at the edge,’ that raises a red flag for errors and omissions (E&O) claims against…
Rising lumber, materials costs lead claims professionals to tweak their approach
May 16, 2022 by Philip PoradoWith the inflation rate at a 30-year high, specialists handling home reconstruction claims are making adjustments that reflect surging prices for construction components – including lumber, finishing materials and appliances. What started as supply chain problems, some of which were…
What auto insurers need to deny coverage based on alleged suicide attempt
May 11, 2022 by David GambrillEditor’s Note: This article has been corrected so that all incorrect references to Unica have been replaced with correct references to Optium. Canadian Underwriter apologizes for the error. If an insurer wishes to deny auto coverage to an injured…
Unlicensed adjuster doesn’t fit the ‘expert’ exemption: Regulator
May 9, 2022 by David GambrillManitoba’s insurance regulator fined a former adjuster $500 and ordered him to pay partial investigation costs of $2,500 for acting as an adjustor without a licence and not, as the former adjuster claimed, as an ‘insurance expert’ helping claimants. Kenneth…
Don’t investigate fraud suspicions indefinitely, court tells insurer
May 6, 2022 by David GambrillIf an insurer suspects fraud in a house fire contents claim, it might be better to deny the claim within 60 days, alleging fraud, rather than to prolong the claims investigation indefinitely while asking for documentation from the insured that…
3 lessons about brokers’ obligations to insureds
May 6, 2022 by Harmon C. HaydenA broker has an obligation to help clients understand policy specifics and avoid coverage gaps, and it’s not necessarily going to save them if the client hasn’t reviewed the policy, the British Columbia Court of Appeal found recently in Alvaro…
Insurance investigators: Be on guard when sharing info with police
May 5, 2022 by David GambrillInsurance investigators need to be on their guard about sharing information with police, lest they breach their duty of good faith to their insureds, note lawyers for Borden Ladner Gervais, referencing a 2021 Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench decision. The…
How telematics is a game-changer for claims
May 2, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoTelematics, which allows insurance companies to measure client driving behaviour, has largely been used by carriers in the underwriting process, but it may prove to be equally as useful for claims, says one telematics provider. Claims telematics can be used…
Why multi-factor authentication isn’t the cure-all for your client’s cyber woes
April 21, 2022 by Jason ContantStaying one step ahead of cybercriminals seems to be a never-ending battle for insurers and insureds, cyber experts said during an industry event Wednesday. “The problem is, as we increase our cyber hygiene and become better insureds, the criminals adapt…
Leaving hibernation: What’s next for P&C industry?
April 21, 2022 by David GambrillLook for Canada’s P&C industry to fine-tune the hybrid workplace model over the next six months, as the country starts to ease pandemic restrictions, industry execs say. The tinkering will involve achieving the best balance between meeting in person with…
Ukraine war insured losses could outstrip 9-11
April 20, 2022 by Philip PoradoWhen adjusters are finally able to assess the damage stemming from the war in Ukraine, costs may exceed the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks as the largest industry-wide insured loss, across all classes of business, in history, said a specialty…
Cabbie assaulted while chasing fare outside taxi is not involved in an “auto accident”
April 19, 2022 by David GambrillA taxi driver who was severely beaten by a passenger, after the driver walked 40-to-50 steps away from his running taxi to collect a fare, was not involved in an insurable “auto accident,” the Ontario Superior Court has confirmed. The…