Canadian Underwriter

Topic Insurers

War clouds and recession lightening could mean problems for reinsurers
News Business InterruptionCatastrophesCommercialCyberInsurers

What war, sanctions, inflation and looming recession mean for reinsurance

September 8, 2022 by Philip Porado

Despite inflation, flagging consumer confidence and slowdowns in GDP globally, reinsurers have been experiencing a firming cycle that’s lasted 19 consecutive quarters, noted David Priebe, chairman of global risk and reinsurance specialist Guy Carpenter during a Sept. 7 briefing call.

aerial view of fishing boat in the sea
News B.C.ClaimsClaims ProfessionalsCommercialInsurersLegal

Commercial insurer, brokerage granted right to a jury trial in marine claim

September 7, 2022 by David Gambrill

A B.C. commercial fishing operation must face a jury in its insurance claim against Intact Insurance and the brokerage Harlock Murray Underwriting Ltd., B.C.’s Supreme Court has ruled. The court was not convinced the claim of Arctic Pearl Fishing Ltd.,

Advanced modern office building using wind turbines to make it's own power
News BrokersCommercialConstructionEmerging RisksInsurers

How advanced materials change insurance needs for new building projects

September 7, 2022 by Philip Porado

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, delays plagued commercial and residential construction in Canada. What’s changed since March 2020 is a rise in contributing factors causing these delays, noted Steve Schmelzle, practice leader of construction and contracting at Intact Insurance Specialty

School crossing sign in front of an empty road
News B.C.BrokersClaimsInsurersPersonal Auto

Insurer urges lessons for driving in school safety zones

September 7, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatino

Dangerous driving in school zones is a common occurrence, especially during back-to-school time, according to a survey by the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA). Eighty per cent of those surveyed said they’ve witnessed speeding in school zones, while 77% have

The Bank of Canada pictured in Ottawa
News InsurersSupply Chain

Bank of Canada raises key interest rate by 0.75%, says rates likely need to go higher

September 7, 2022 by The Canadian Press

OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point Wednesday and signalled this won’t be the last increase as it continues its battle against high inflation. The rate hike was in line

Close up of a firefighter holding and spraying firefighting foam out of an extinguisher
News B.C.ClaimsEmerging RisksEnvironmentalInsurersOntario

How insurers can trim their environmental remediation costs

September 6, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatino

Insurers can trim their environmental remediation costs by shopping around for more than one site estimate, recommends Lori Festarini, environmental director at Charles Taylor. That may involve getting technical support or peer-reviewed cost estimates, she elaborates. “One way of managing

Close up asian business woman using a calculator to calculate the numbers.
News AdjustersClaimsInsurersLegalPersonal Auto

Aviva wins appeal regarding EI deductions from IRB benefits

September 6, 2022 by David Gambrill

Aviva Canada successfully appealed a tribunal decision that called for the insurer to pay full auto insurance income replacement benefits (IRB), with no deduction, on top of the sickness benefits she was already receiving under the Employment Insurance Act (EIA).

Oil pump at oil sands well head
News AlbertaBrokersCommercialEnvironmentalInsurers

3 ways brokers can help oil and gas companies maintain coverage

September 6, 2022 by Philip Porado

Brokers with clients in the oil and gas industry are closely watching statements by insurers announcing intentions to exit from coverage of Canada’s oil sands. Those insurers, like many other companies globally, are under intense pressure from consumers and governments

Percentage sign sitting over blue financial graph background
News Insurers

Bank of Canada expected to raise interest rate for fifth time at pivotal moment for economy

September 2, 2022 by Nojoud Al Mallees - THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA – Inflation appears to have peaked but it’s still running hot and a supersized rate hike from the Bank of Canada next week is widely expected. Some economists think Wednesday’s hike could be the last for a while. “We

Anthony Tramonte, head of AGCS Canada
News CommercialHRInsurersManagement

Insurer appoints new head of marine for Canada

September 2, 2022 by Jason Contant

Anthony Tramonte has joined Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) as head of marine for AGCS Canada, the insurer announced Thursday. In his new role, Tramonte will develop and lead the local strategy and proactively support the development of AGCS’

Mature people jogging in park
News BrokersClaims ProfessionalsInsurersRisk Managers

Jim Abernethy Challenge: Can P&C industry top $500K for blood cancer research?

September 2, 2022 by David Gambrill

In this year’s second annual Jim Abernethy Challenge, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada hopes Canadian P&C insurance professionals can help top last year’s $500,000 contribution to blood cancer research and community support. The Jim Abernethy Challenge is part

Hay bales float in flood waters amidst rows of corn in Nova Scotia's Colchester County.
News BrokersCatastrophesEnvironmentalInsurersLoss Trends

Swiss Re report shows trajectory of insured flood losses

September 2, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatino

Insured flood losses doubled to $80 billion during 2011-20 compared to the previous decade, and global flood losses reached $20 billion alone in 2021, Swiss Re reports.  “Increased wealth, larger populations and urbanization have raised flood risk exposures across the