Topic Loss Trends
Swiss Re predicts record-high global insurance premiums by end of 2022
August 6, 2021 by Canadian Underwriter StaffAs the world economy steadily recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, Swiss Re forecasts that global insurance premiums will reach a never-before-seen U.S.$7 trillion by the end of 2022. According to the global reinsurer’s recent World Insurance Sigma report, the pandemic…
How Fairfax is reserving for COVID-19 business interruption reinsurance charges
August 4, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe uncertainty around business interruption insurance coverage and the impact of a United Kingdom Supreme Court are among the reasons Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings has put aside more than US$80 million this year in COVID-19 reserves. Fairfax reported July 29…
The many shapes of recovery
August 1, 2021 by David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefWill the post-COVID recovery follow the shape of a V, U, W, or square-root symbol? It all depends on the insurance.
Home insurance rates dropping but no reprieve for condo owners
July 28, 2021 by Jason ContantPersonal property premiums were a mixed bag in the first quarter of 2021, with insurance for condo owners continuing to rise, but home insurance rates trending down, according to a new report from LowestRates.ca released Tuesday. Year-over-year, home insurance premiums…
How much ransom demands are increasing for your cyber clients
July 27, 2021 by Jason ContantAverage ransom demands have increased nearly threefold and smaller companies are experiencing more cyberattacks, according to the results of Coalition Inc.’s latest cyber insurance claims report. From the first half of 2020 to H1 2021, the average ransom demand made…
Why this auto insurer will stop discount for autonomous emergency braking
July 27, 2021 by Greg MeckbachNova Scotia motorists who purchase autonomous emergency braking systems will no longer qualify for a discount with one insurer as of October. In Nova Scotia, Aviva General Insurance Company has a 15% discount, to bodily injury and accident benefits insurance…
Severe drought expected to cost Alberta $1 billion in insurance payouts
July 23, 2021 by Jason ContantCrop insurance payouts in Alberta will likely reach about $1 billion later this year due to hot, dry weather that is contributing to severe drought conditions, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry said Thursday. “This year’s crop insurance claims will…
Supreme Court of Canada sides with city over release for ‘claims of any kind or nature whatsoever’
July 23, 2021 by Greg MeckbachAs the late singer Prince said, forever is a mighty long time. While his 1984 tune “Let’s Go Crazy” is not about tort claims, a Supreme Court of Canada decision released Friday should serve as a reminder of the significance…
Why your clients should do an inspection before buying a home
July 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA couple who discovered a leaking bathtub after moving into their new home cannot get compensation from the sellers. A “reasonable inspection” would have revealed a water problem before Tyler and Keva Luscombe bought their home in 2020, the British…
Did loosening COVID restrictions contribute to more serious accidents?
July 21, 2021 by Jason ContantStatistics from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) show a definitive link between the lifting of COVID-19 public health orders and an increase in serious collisions and fatalities on roads in the province. Throughout the pandemic, Canadian Underwriter has reported auto insurer…
Get ready for hundreds of claims from Barrie twister
July 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe industry will probably see well over 200 claims from the July 15 tornado that hit Barrie, Ont., says a wind damage expert who has looked at the affected area. “I expect the total number of damaged houses was about…
Why your clients may not have the high ground on overland flood risk
July 19, 2021 by Greg MeckbachMany homeowners opt not to buy overland flood coverage and this could leave them uninsured in the event of a severe rain storm. “Overland flooding is any water that comes into your house through the windows or door or anything…