Topic Legal
Network fighting auto theft expands in Atlantic Canada
December 3, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Provincial Auto Theft Network (PATNET) program, which works to fight auto theft in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, has expanded to Prince Edward Island, the Insurance Bureau of Canada announced Tuesday. The program’s launch in Summerside, PEI will include…
National Safe Driving Week begins with focus on drug impairment
December 2, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterNational Safe Driving Week has begun, with the emphasis this year on driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs, in addition to illegal substances. “Unfortunately, people are more afraid of being caught than being killed,”…
New arbitration hearing ordered in Ontario minor injury guideline dispute
December 2, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterA delegate in the Office of the Director of Arbitrations with Ontario’s auto insurance regulator has rescinded a decision made earlier this year related to the minor injury guideline in the accident benefits legislation, also ordering a new arbitration hearing.…
Saskatchewan tables legislation to enhance traffic safety, align commercial carrier monitoring with other jurisdictions
November 29, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Saskatchewan government has tabled proposed changes to the province’s Traffic Safety Act Thursday in a move meant to fulfill its commitment to address fatalities on Saskatchewan’s roads. Donna Harpauer, minister responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), tabled the amendments…
Ontario appeal court rules Wawanesa must defend homeowner policyholder sued over injury to child
November 28, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Court of Appeal for Ontario ruled this week against Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, upholding an earlier ruling declaring that the carrier has a duty to defend a homeowner’s insurance client being sued in a third party claim over a…
IBC commends Ontario’s move making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in homes
November 28, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Bureau of Canada has commended the Ontario legislature for passing a bill making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in homes throughout the province. Progressive Conservative MPP Ernie Hardeman’s private member’s bill was passed Wednesday and now requires Royal Assent…
Arbitrator rules in favour of Ontario auto claimant refusing to attend insurer’s medical examination
November 27, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterAn arbitrator with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario recently ruled against Unifund Assurance Company, which had refused to pay medical benefits to an Ontario auto claimant who refused to attend an insurer’s examination. In a ruling release Nov. 13,…
New York’s aggressive attack on texting drivers includes troopers peering in from tall SUVs
November 25, 2013 by Jim Fitzgerald, THE ASSOCIATED PRESSMOUNT PLEASANT, N.Y. – Even for a state trooper, it’s not easy to spot drivers who are texting. Their smartphones are down on their laps, not at their ears. And they’re probably not moving their lips. That’s why New York…
PEI public invited to share views on proposed auto insurance changes
November 25, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Government of Prince Edward Island is proposing that the cap on court awards for pain and suffering from minor personal injuries following vehicle accidents increase from $2,500 to $7,500, aligning the province with limits elsewhere in the region. In…
Supreme Court of Canada rules against Sovereign General, upholding convictions in Quebec over commercial insurance policy
November 21, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Supreme Court of Canada ruled Thursday against The Sovereign General Insurance Company, upholding a 2008 conviction in a Montreal court of 56 counts of consenting to and/or authorizing the issuance of insurance policies by a broker that was not…
Ontario appeal court rules against ACE in dispute over lawsuit defence costs from Toronto explosion
November 18, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Court of Appeal for Ontario ruled last week against ACE INA Insurance over legal costs associated with class action lawsuits arising from an explosion at a Toronto apartment building. Court records indicate the explosion occurred July 20, 2008, in…
Auto insurance fraud lawsuits continue against Toronto medical assessment centres
November 14, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterSeveral companies and individuals involved in medical assessments and treatment of people injured in auto accidents were recently denied leave to appeal an earlier court ruling, which had denied their motion to strike out three Ontario auto insurance carriers’ claims…