Topic Loss Trends
What makes the current claims environment so challenging?
December 2, 2022 by Philip PoradoA convergence of global factors will cause above-average levels of claims inflation for the foreseeable future. Claims professionals who spoke with Canadian Underwriter said multiple market-dependent factors – including prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns in China, political instability, labour and materials shortages,…
Why ‘claims holiday’ is coming to an end for auto insurers
December 1, 2022 by Jason ContantThe ‘claims holiday’ auto insurers enjoyed the last couple of years is coming to an end. Auto physical damage losses in some provinces are elevated despite fewer collisions, according to a new report from Navacord brokerage Lloyd Sadd. Insurers’ auto…
Flood policy education: What brokers are up against
November 30, 2022 by David GambrillHalf of Canadian homeowners have not purchased additional coverage for water damage, relying on a standard homeowner policy that does not cover risk of overland flood or water seepage into the home. Endorsements are available to extend coverage for water…
How ready are Canadian insurers for IFRS 17?
November 30, 2022 by Jason ContantCanadian insurers appear to be in a ‘pretty good place’ when it comes to implementation of the upcoming IFRS 17 insurance accounting standard but Canada’s federal solvency regulator recognizes the change is complex and will be challenging. “Accounting systems are…
Is cyber insurance underwriting headed in the right direction?
November 29, 2022 by Jason ContantNew exclusions and strict requirements to obtain cyber insurance have dramatically improved the sophistication of underwriting processes, but one large consulting and advisory firm is questioning whether this is the right approach for the market to take. “[Chief information security…
Two welcome commercial premium trends, post-pandemic
November 25, 2022 by Jason ContantGallagher in Canada is seeing some interesting premium trends in liability and commercial auto lines, now that pandemic restrictions are virtually non-existent. Businesses such as restaurants were shuttered or faced restrictions throughout the peak parts of the pandemic, meaning that…
How the P&C industry responded to Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy
November 24, 2022 by David GambrillCanada announced today a total of $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help communities adapt to climate change by building infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters. The investment is part of the federal government’s new National Adaptation Strategy: Building…
What reinsurance renewals could look like on Jan. 1
November 23, 2022 by David GambrillGlobal reinsurers are expected to raise property catastrophe rates “by well over 10%” in exposed areas during January 2023 renewals, a Fitch Ratings report stated. “We expect double-digit percentage premium rate rises for property catastrophe cover in 2023 driven by…
The spreading tentacles of staged collision operations
November 22, 2022 by Jason ContantStaged collisions in Canada remain a significant concern for auto insurers, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, where many interconnected players can make these operations difficult to infiltrate, an industry expert said at KPMG’s 2022 Insurance Conference last week. Violent…
How claims inflation is affecting Definity’s auto, property lines
November 22, 2022 by Jason ContantClaims inflation in Definity Financial Corporation’s auto and property lines appears to be stable, Definity president and CEO Rowan Saunders said during a recent virtual fireside chat with RBC Capital Markets. While inflation is at elevated levels, it’s starting to…
How hurricane losses will impact pricing and capacity
November 21, 2022 by Philip PoradoWatch for Hurricane Ian’s damage estimates of between US$50 billion and US$70 billion to made insurers more conservative about pricing and capacity, according to Aon’s global market insights for 2022 Q3. “As the full market impacts of Hurricane Ian materialize,”…
Covering larger risks? Why subscriptions may be the way of the future
November 18, 2022 by Philip PoradoAs claims from Cat events and other external risks get larger, the simplest solution to cobbling together coverage might be a subscription approach that spreads risk and reduces individual insurers’ losses. “Subscribing the risk is better for the industry,” George…