Topic Claims Professionals
Adjusters stretched thin after back-to-back storms
May 31, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoManitoba has experienced one of the wettest springs on record, and the back-to-back storms and flooding have stretched adjusters’ resources very thin, claims professionals say. Strong winds and a rainstorm that occurred in Manitoba last evening have continued into today. This event…
War and other factors loom over shipping sector: report
May 27, 2022 by Philip PoradoWhile fewer total losses of cargo ships worldwide is good news for marine insurers, the number of shipping casualties rose during 2021, said Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty’s (AGCS) annual Safety & Shipping Review. Globally, 54 total vessel losses were…
Auto insurance: How to handle acid spill claims
May 26, 2022 by Jason ContantInsurers would be well-advised to have experts and claim-handling protocols on hand to identify unique claim situations such as the two sulphuric acid spills in Trail, B.C. several years ago, two forensic engineers say. On Apr. 10 and May 23,…
Emergency alerts when severe weather happens can be improved: Environment Minister
May 26, 2022 by Mia Rabson - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – Emergency weather alerts that are broadcast over the mobile network should be improved to make sure they are getting to the right people at the right time, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Wednesday. Guilbeault is in Germany for…
How to speed up claims response for NatCats
May 25, 2022 by Yasser Korany, Mario Delorme and Mazen HabashExtreme weather events have become common, some bringing unprecedented levels of destruction to structures and facilities, overwhelming owners, property managers and insurers. In response, nearly all major insurers have created centralized Cat units dedicated to handling claims arising from extreme…
First Cat of the year predicted after powerful “derecho” storm
May 24, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoA series of powerful thunderstorms that affected Ontario and parts of Quebec this weekend is already being billed by the industry as the first major Cat of 2022. And while industry experts anticipate a large number of insured damages, one…
Brokers beware: High inflation may catch up to claims valuation software
May 20, 2022 by Philip PoradoValuation models in software systems used by insurers to calculate replacement and restoration costs for commercial structures must be checked more often when inflation’s running high. That’s because costs for labour, lumber, drywall, concrete and other construction materials can jump…
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…