Topic Claims
2018 Outlook: Ulrich Kadow, Chief Agent of Canada, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Americas
December 29, 2017 by Ulrich KadowAcross all markets, including Canada, pricing levels are generally at historic lows, which in many cases are well below technical pricing recommendations. Globally, recent natural catastrophes have highlighted the increasing frequency and potential severity of major events, potentially leading to…
Canadians show disconnect on distracted driving
December 29, 2017 by David GambrillDistracted driving is getting worse, Canadians say, even as the laws are tightening and public education campaigns are in full gear. More than four out of five Canadians (83%) believe texting while driving is a bigger problem today than it…
Christmas claims follies
December 21, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterIn the spirit of the holiday season, insurance companies around the world are sharing their most—and least—common Christmas claims, in the hopes that people keep safe during the festive period. An obvious Yuletide tip would be to keep your lit…
Eastern Canadian earthquake risk a “huge opportunity” for industry
December 21, 2017 by Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorComplacency about real risks, such as an earthquake affecting Eastern Canada, present a “huge opportunity” for insurance providers to educate consumers, a former Economical Insurance CEO said Monday. “Human beings really don’t like thinking about the bad things that could…
Weather service warns that black ice making Nova Scotia roads treacherous
December 21, 2017 by The Canadian PressHALIFAX – Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Nova Scotia warning of black ice forming on roads around the province. The weather service said rain that fell on highways and roads across the province overnight had been…
Regulator weighs in on disputed ridesharing claims
December 20, 2017 by David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefDisputes among Ontario auto insurers, arising from collisions involving vehicles used for multiple ridesharing providers, will likely be handled in the same way insurers handle priority disputes in accident benefits claims, Ontario’s insurance regulator told Canadian Underwriter Wednesday. Aviva Canada…
Economic losses top US$300 billion in 2017
December 20, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterInsured losses from natural catastrophes in 2017, at more than US$130 billion, were more than double the average of the previous 10 years, and more than US$90 billion in losses is probably from three hurricanes alone, Swiss Re said Wednesday.…
‘Resilient, but tired:’ Mental effects of wildfire lingering in Fort McMurray
December 18, 2017 by The Canadian PressFORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – Firefighter Mark Stephenson says he can’t drive through Fort McMurray without being brought back to May 2016. That’s when, in the thick of battling a ferocious wildfire that destroyed 10 per cent of the northern Alberta…
Uber privacy breach could affect 815,000 Canadians
December 12, 2017 by Ian Bickis - THE CANADIAN PRESSCALGARY – Uber Canada said late Monday that 815,000 Canadian riders and drivers may have been affected as part of its worldwide data breach announced in November. The disclosure came the same day the federal privacy commissioner said it had…
Does your claims app verify the car crash photos you’re getting?
December 8, 2017 by David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefA car crashes into a hydro pole. The driver takes pictures of the damage on a mobile device and sends the photos to the insurer through an app to start a claim. How does the insurer know the photos have…
How autonomous vehicles can reduce your claims payouts
December 8, 2017 by Jason Contant, Online EditorMore autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles on the road could potentially result in lower-speed collisions, resulting in a lower severity of damage, a collision repair industry expert told Canadian Underwriter recently. “As we start to see some of these advanced driver…
New Brunswick moves to protect innocent co-insureds
December 7, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterNew Brunswick tabled amendments to the province’s Insurance Act Wednesday to protect innocent co-insureds in cases of intimate partner violence and property damage. Most home insurance policies exclude payment for loss or damage caused by an intentional or criminal act…