Topic Emerging Risks
‘Clean slate’ to reshape B.C. wine industry, after climate-related catastrophes
March 11, 2024 by Brenna Owen - The Canadian PressThe heart of British Columbia’s wine industry is reeling after suffering a litany of climate-related hits, resulting in two years of crop losses in the southern Interior. Record-breaking heat. Wildfires and smoke that repeatedly contaminated grapes. A destructive cold snap…
What insurers can expect from FSRA’s review of home insurance claims
March 8, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoOntario’s insurance regulator is conducting a review of home insurance claims handling to help the industry identify the greatest risks for consumer harm. Initially announced in June 2023, the Home Insurance Thematic Review is on its way to being published,…
Industry responds to FSRA’s plan for insurer MGA supervision
March 7, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoPotential risks stemming from P&C insurers’ managing general agent (MGA) outsourcing practices have caught the eye of Ontario’s insurance regulator, and it’s looking for feedback from stakeholders on a supervision plan. Insurers and MGAs alike have begun to weigh…
Crane accidents ‘a huge concern’ after fourth incident in Metro Vancouver
March 6, 2024 by Chuck Chiang and Brenna Owen – The Canadian PressIn 30 years of working in construction, Josh Towsley says this is a first, after Metro Vancouver saw its fourth crane accident since the start of the year. “I’ve been involved in construction since I was 19 years old ……
Quebec to offer ‘X’ gender option for health cards, driver’s licences
March 5, 2024 by Morgan Lowrie – The Canadian PressQuebecers who do not identify as male or female will soon be able to opt for an ‘X’ gender marker on their health cards and driver’s licences. Both Quebec’s automobile insurance board and its public health insurance board confirmed Monday…
Why clients are missing insurance payments — and risk policy cancellation
March 4, 2024 by Jason ContantOne Ontario brokerage has seen an increase in the number of clients missing insurance payments as well as cancellation notifications from insurers for non-payment. For Mitch Insurance, the number of clients missing insurance payments has increased 104% since 2019. While…
Biggest barriers to selling cyber policies
March 1, 2024 by David GambrillProduct complexity remains a huge obstacle to selling cyber insurance to neophyte business clients, brokers told Canadian Underwriter in a January online survey. A stronger emphasis on cyber education — to clients, brokers, and underwriters alike — is critical to…
Why complex cars create costly problems
February 28, 2024 by Philip PoradoAn acute shortage of semiconductors is a big contributor to rising auto claims costs for auto insurers. “That’s had a significant impact in certain types of cars,” says Paul Gilbody, president of ClaimsPro Canada. “A huge amount of electronics now…
FSRA’s first non-auto P&C supervision plan to include review of MGAs
February 22, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoOntario’s insurance regulator is launching a review of P&C insurers’ managing general agent (MGA) outsourcing practices as part of its first non-auto P&C supervisory plan. “Given the risks and oversight concerns involved, insurer outsourcing to P&C MGAs is a priority…
Managing insurer concerns about knob-and-tube wiring
February 21, 2024 by Brian Cook, PowerCheckMost insurers see homes with knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring, and 60-amp service as high-risk, which prevents clients with those systems from easily obtaining home insurance. But are wiring types and service levels really the culprits causing fires? I’ve examined electrical…
Air Canada chatbot error shows liability implications of AI
February 21, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoAir Canada has been ordered to uphold a policy fabricated by its AI customer chatbot in a recent Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) dispute. The decision is a cautionary tale for why clients need to be sure their AI chatbots…
How insurers can help manage flood risk in Indigenous communities
February 20, 2024 by Jason ContantInsurers need to play a greater role in helping to manage high-risk flood areas in Indigenous communities, a tribal chief said during the CatIQ Connect conference earlier this month. “At some point, you as insurers are going to have to…