Topic Claims Technology
Lessons learned from ‘the toughest Cat season’
March 2, 2021 by Adam MalikThe COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult at times for insurers to work through natural catastrophes, said a Wawanesa executive during a recent web conference. But they’ve learned a few lessons because of it. As Cats stormed through Alberta to the…
Why some tech vendors are becoming MGAs
January 7, 2021 by Greg MeckbachInsurers could distribute coverage through technology firms that adopt the managing general agent model, a Montreal expert for a venture capital fund observes. “Some technology startups are adopting the MGA model to partner with a carrier or reinsurer to distribute…
Overcoming AI’s bias: Models are only as good as the data you feed into them
January 6, 2021 by Adam MalikIf people intend to use data to help mitigate risk or save lives, that data must be trustworthy, says an artificial intelligence expert. Sean Griffin, CEO and co-founder of Disaster Tech, a disaster risk data firm, pointed out during CatIQ…
A sign that insurers are actually investing in technology
December 11, 2020 by Adam MalikInsurers have talked about the need to be more digital for years now but there is one clear sign that they’re actually following through on their plan, according to a KPMG insurance expert: A significant number of them are investing…
How Ottawa is trying to lower earthquake related property losses
December 7, 2020 by Greg MeckbachNatural Resources Canada is hoping to help insurers cut their loss costs with a yet-to-be released earthquake early warning system. The warning system could provide seconds to tens of seconds of warning before a location is affected by strong shaking,…
How this mutual insurer eliminated phone tag
November 23, 2020 by Greg MeckbachArtificial intelligence is being used now to support human staff with text messaging being a prime example, an Ontario mutual CEO says. “We are seeing a reduction in cycle times that we have now eliminated that dreaded phone tag that…
How COVID could change adjusting for good
October 29, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed the way property insurance clients want their claims handled, a technology vendor suggests. “COVID has been the awakening for many companies,” said James Swayze, Toronto-based executive for Canada at CoreLogic Inc. After COVID-19 was…
How ‘extra steps’ can make for a bad customer experience
October 27, 2020 by Greg MeckbachBrokers who are concerned about carriers having “too direct” of a relationship with the broker’s customers should consider what service those customers are expecting, an industry consultant suggests. “As an industry, we have a number of places where we have…
How a smart phone can drive efficiency in the claims process
October 19, 2020 by Greg MeckbachUsing a smart phone to take pictures of property damage as soon as it happens could speed up the claims process and reduce fraud risk, the head of a Canadian claims technology vendor suggests. “The best way to drive efficiency…
Fight continues over proposal to acquire property data provider CoreLogic
October 1, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA proxy battle is underway for control of the corporate parent of Canadian insurance technology vendor Symbility. Hedge fund advisor Senator Investment Group said Wednesday it is asking shareholders of CoreLogic Inc. to vote this November in favour of replacing…
How the pandemic will change insurers’ medical assessments
September 23, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe COVID-19 pandemic has prompted some insurers’ medical examiners to consider virtual exams instead of in-person exams when the examiner needs to speak with the claimant. “We work with a number of firms that provide independent medical assessments and evaluations…
FM Global appeals $25-million BI award arising from reactor shutdown
September 17, 2020 by Greg MeckbachFactory Mutual is appealing an Ontario court ruling that included a finding that “resulting physical damage” can mean loss of use. David Liblong, a partner with Liblong Digambar Professional Corporation, told Canadian Underwriter Wednesday that the insurer is appealing MDS…