Topic Education
What’s the most successful way of seeking new P&C talent?
November 24, 2021 by Jason ContantPersonal referrals were the most successful method for seeking new talent in the property and casualty insurance industry, speakers agreed during an Insurance Institute of Ontario webinar Tuesday. An informal poll of attendees to the webinar asked which recruitment channels…
Two examples of good ‘social’ practices under ESG
November 22, 2021 by Greg MeckbachHaving clear policy wording is one component of the “social” part of environmental-social-governance (ESG) practices, suggests senior official with Canada’s financial services regulator. “It’s increasingly clear that insurers need to focus on policy wording to avoid adverse court decisions as…
What OSFI’s insurance head says about return-to-work
November 19, 2021 by Greg MeckbachStaff retention, professional development and the risk of worker isolation are among the factors the industry needs to think about when deciding on an approach to working remote or in the office. “As the pandemic eases and restrictions are lifted,…
Mandatory vaccination: Is it right for your P&C workplace?
September 11, 2021 by Jason ContantAn increasing number of organizations have been mandating that their workers get vaccinated, while many others are trying to decide whether to follow suit. For those still deliberating their options, the decision could have a significant impact on short-term productivity…
Instagram and TikTok are new tools for engagement
September 8, 2021 by Brooke SmithIn a world where many insurance brokerages offer the same products, trying to stand out can be a challenge. “One of the main things we’ve been trying to do more of — especially in the last year or so —…
One brokerage’s take on what it means to be a digital broker
September 2, 2021 by Brooke SmithLabour Day is just around the corner — and that means back to school. But Van Allen Insurance has completed its studies for the time being. All 13 members of the Listowel, Ont.-based brokerage’s team have completed the Digital Broker…
How this broker is turning social media posts into sales
August 26, 2021 by Canadian Underwriter StaffWhen it comes to their social media marketing, many brokers still forget the customer — which is why such efforts aren’t turning into sales, a digitally savvy broker says. “It’s one of the most common mistakes brokers make when posting…
Will 4th wave, mandatory vaccines spur more insurers to re-imagine the workplace?
August 16, 2021 by Canadian Underwriter StaffWith COVID-19 cases rising across Canada and several large employers — including the federal government — announcing they’ll require workers to be vaccinated, insurers and brokers may begin rethinking their return-to-office plans. Not long before the fourth wave hit, some…
Is it okay to use open banking data for underwriting?
August 10, 2021 by Greg MeckbachMutual insurers support a proposal to prohibit insurers in Canada from using banking data for underwriting, in an initial phase of open banking. However, one industry expert questions whether there is any harm in letting consenting consumers give their own…
Banking data should not be used for underwriting insurance: open banking committee
August 5, 2021 by Greg MeckbachOpen banking should not be used for underwriting insurance, a federally appointed committee said Wednesday. In its final report issued Aug. 4, the Advisory Committee on Open Banking recommended that the “initial phase” of open banking, in Canada, be up…
How new MGA association president wants to reach out to brokers
July 26, 2021 by Jason ContantThe new president of the Canadian Association of Managing General Agents (CAMGA) is looking to bring some recognition and change to the MGA industry during her two-year term. CAMGA president and board member MaryKate Townsend told Canadian Underwriter Friday that…
The legal pitfalls of online and over-the-phone insurance applications
July 20, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA property insurer can be stuck paying out on a claim even though the client made a “material omission” on their insurance application, but the industry can mitigate this risk by being especially careful when taking applications over the phone…