Topic Construction
Is specialization the best route to broker independence?
July 27, 2022 by Jason ContantA bevy of challenges, including M&A frenzy, rapidly evolving technology, automation and directs, has spurred some independent brokerages to focus on specialization. And some are even divesting of personal lines. “From a client perspective, it’s great to have a broker…
What the latest wildfire near Lytton, B.C. reveals
July 22, 2022 by Jason ContantThe out-of-control wildfire burning near Lytton, B.C. shows the community and its surrounding area are at high risk of repeated fires, said Glenn McGillivray, managing director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR). The Nohomin Creek wildfire about 1.7…
Who owns the risks posed by artificial intelligence?
July 13, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoAs artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly affects the performance of products consumers use every day, discussions about who owns the AI risk is likely to become more intricate. For companies making these products, it’s important to know the risks involved, be…
Hard market challenges aside, brokers not racing for the exits
July 12, 2022 by David GambrillCanada’s hard market in insurance remains the Number 1 concern of new and experienced brokers alike, as well as brokerages big and small, according to Canadian Underwriter‘s 2022 National Broker Survey. The gender split among respondents was most prominent, with…
What the latest inflation measures mean for insurers
July 7, 2022 by Philip PoradoSeveral inflation drivers have increased claims costs for insurers since 2020, but some are less aggressive than expected and a few have yet to register significant impacts, a June report from AON found. Insurers can expect it to cost more…
B.C. commits $21 million to help rebuild infrastructure in Lytton after fire
June 24, 2022 by The Canadian PressVICTORIA – The fire-ravaged community of Lytton, B.C., is getting $21 million from the provincial government to help it rebuild essential infrastructure and services. The Public Safety Ministry says in a statement the new funding will support priorities identified in…
What’s to blame for P&C industry’s quarterly profitability decline?
June 23, 2022 by Canadian Underwriter StaffAt first glance, 2022 Q1 results for Canada’s P&C industry would support the idea that high profits aren’t sustainable. Industry-wide return on equity dipped to 11.5% in 2022 Q1, compared to 19% in 2021 Q1. But the profitability decline stemmed…
Yes, COVID-19 really did boost broker workloads
June 20, 2022 by David GambrillWhile the pandemic created extra work for brokers, it also highlighted the value of the broker proposition, which includes, choice, advice and advocacy, according to Canadian Underwriter‘s 2022 National Broker Survey, which asked more than 250 brokers nationwide about challenges…
The cheaper we build our buildings, the more they cost after an earthquake, wildfire or tornado
June 17, 2022 by Keith PorterBy Keith Porter, adjunct research professor, civil and environmental engineering, Western University This article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Disclosure information is available on the original…
How to help your clients prepare for civil unrest
June 16, 2022 by Philip PoradoStrikes, riots and violent protests sparked by inflation pose risks to companies, both in terms of physical damage to buildings and other assets, as well as income loss due to business interruption and an inability to access premises, said a…
Rebuild of Lytton, B.C., after devastating wildfire to begin by September: minister
June 13, 2022 by Sarah Ritchie - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – Rebuilding in the fire-ravaged village of Lytton, B.C., is likely to begin in September, according to the province’s minister of public safety. That would be 15 months after an out-of-control wildfire swept through and burned 90 per cent…
How to help your commercial clients align coverages with rising insured values
June 10, 2022 by Philip PoradoSteep inflation means brokers should consider approaching commercial clients about mid-term adjustments in insured values. “We’re definitely seeing more awareness around inadequate insurance-to-value ratios,” said Paul Gallately, assistant vice president of risk control with Travelers Canada. “It comes down to…