Topic Loss Control
How quantum computing could impact risk management and claims
March 18, 2024 by Jason ContantQuantum computing’s impact on P&C insurance operations will be wide-ranging, say several sources who spoke with CU. Almost every sector and department of the industry could be affected, including actuarial, risk management and underwriting teams, data analytics, IT, claims processing,…
One emerging threat to your business clients’ supply chains
March 13, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoGeopolitical conflict is wreaking havoc on your business clients’ supply chains, a new Marsh report finds. It’s required businesses to find better ways to mitigate or transfer specific risks before they develop into something of concern, according to Marsh…
Night once brought firefighting reprieve, but no longer, Canadian study shows
March 13, 2024 by Brenna Owen - The Canadian PressBRITISH COLUMBIA — The darkness of night has traditionally signalled reprieve for wildland firefighters, but a new Canadian study shows that’s changing, and drought is the driving force. The availability of bone-dry fuels is the key mechanism promoting extreme fire…
How Aviva Canada is handling personal lines’ pressures
March 8, 2024 by Jason ContantAviva Canada’s overall combined ratio for 2023 stood at 95.3% (undiscounted) but there was a difference between the year-end combined ratios for personal versus commercial lines. The insurer’s personal lines combined ratio (COR) last year came in at 99.5%, up…
Summit discusses a new national office on auto theft
February 29, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoProperty and casualty insurance industry professionals and a car manufacturing industry representative are endorsing the idea of establishing a national auto theft office, an idea floated at Ottawa’s National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft earlier this month. “Criminals have really…
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…
Meet your new underwriting assistant: GenAI
February 28, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoGenerative AI (GenAI) won’t replace underwriters, but you can train it to be your underwriting assistant, one AI expert shared at an industry event Tuesday. “In North America, there are quite a few insurers that are going through proof of…
Why Co-operators posted an underwriting loss in 2023
February 26, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoCo-operators General Insurance Company reported an annual underwriting loss of $184 million in 2023. This figure, which excludes discounting and risk adjustment, accounts for “a decline of $356.2 million from the underwriting gain of $171.3 million in the same period of 2022.” Discounted estimates…
Will bigger vehicles lead to bigger claims?
February 23, 2024 by Philip PoradoWith accident rates climbing, one growing area of concern is that vehicles are becoming much larger. For example, rapid changes in vehicle specs mean full-size SUVs from 1999 would today meet the gearhead moniker of ‘Cute Ute.’ With sport utility…
Federal government announces $15 million to combat car thefts across Canada
February 22, 2024 by The Canadian PressMONTREAL – The federal government is committing an additional $15 million over three years to fight the rise in vehicle thefts across the country. Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc made the announcement yesterday in Montreal. LeBlanc said $9 million…
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…
‘Very pleasant surprise’: Canada’s inflation rate tumbled to 2.9% in January
February 20, 2024 by Nojoud Al Mallees – The Canadian PressOTTAWA – Canada’s inflation rate fell more than expected last month as price growth moderated across the economy, including outright price declines for gasoline, airfares and clothing. Statistics Canada reported Tuesday the annual inflation rate tumbled to 2.9 per cent…