Topic Loss Trends
Wildfire service outlook points to rising fire risk for southern B.C.
June 8, 2021 by The Canadian PressVANCOUVER – Rainfall in the next three weeks is crucial if British Columbia hopes to avoid a devastating wildfire season, but the latest outlook from the BC Wildfire Service offers little optimism. The service says rainfall and temperatures were near…
Why Canada could be in the path of stronger hurricanes in the future
June 7, 2021 by Jason ContantCanada could see heightened hurricane risk in the future, as climate change and fluctuations in ocean temperature are increasing the likelihood of stronger hurricanes making landfall further north, according to Swiss Re. “We see an increased likelihood of intense hurricanes…
Insurers faced with barrage of COVID-19 coverage disputes
June 3, 2021 by Greg MeckbachMore than a dozen coverage disputes arising from business interruption from lockdowns and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic are making their way through Ontario courts. Law firm McCarthy Tetrault has served 17 individual statements of claim with the Ontario Superior…
A drastic (but effective) way to keep water out of the basement
June 2, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA foundation membrane could cost a homeowner client $15,000, and it is probably not something your clients should try installing themselves, but it is “often the most effective method” of waterproofing a basement, a Bobvila.com author suggests. A foundation membrane…
How video conferencing misbehaviour creates commercial liability risk
June 1, 2021 by Greg MeckbachInappropriate behaviour during video conferences can lead to employment practices liability claims, an expert with The Travelers Companies Inc. warns. New York City-based Travelers is observing “Zoom etiquette claims,” said the insurer’s employment practices liability product manager, Chris Williams, during…
Pressure from investors isn’t the only reason insurers are exiting from fossil fuels
June 1, 2021 by Jason ContantMany insurers and reinsurers are considering or actively transitioning away from insuring fossil fuel companies as pressure mounts from investors and clients over environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. “But pressure from end investors isn’t the whole story,” Tom Johansmeyer,…
How IBC proposes fighting insurance fraud in the trucking sector
May 31, 2021 by Jason ContantProvincial governments should implement a database to verify the validity of a trucking carrier’s insurance as one way of helping to identify fraud in the sector, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is recommending. At the time of policy renewals, insurers…
Where Intact sees commercial premiums heading after pandemic is over
May 26, 2021 by Greg MeckbachMany commercial clients are “hurting” because of COVID-19, but once the pandemic is over, small businesses currently under lockdown could see their insurance rates rise, Intact Financial Corp. executives suggest. “The biggest difference between the environment in which we operate…
Why your clients could expect price reductions in home insurance
May 25, 2021 by Greg MeckbachIf insurers can achieve combined ratios of less than 80% in personal property, homeowners should expect to see lower prices and possibly even rebates, the CEO of LowestRates.ca suggests. “For consumers, if insurance companies are making money, then it means…
Pollution coverage gaps your clients may not know about
May 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe cost of cleaning up after spills of petroleum, oil, or other contaminants may not be covered under your client’s liability or property policy, a managing general agent warns. Many clients are exposed to pollution risk but are not necessarily…
What’s driving auto claims costs during pandemic
May 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe long-tail nature of auto bodily injury claims, in addition to insurers’ fixed claims adjustment costs, are among the reasons why insurers are not likely going to reduce auto premiums in proportion to the drop in driving observed during COVID-19.…
Why wildfire is moving into ‘peak peril’ range
May 14, 2021 by Jason ContantWildfire is now moving into the range of a “peak peril” type of risk, similar to earthquakes and hurricanes, Risk Management Solutions, Inc. (RMS) told Canadian Underwriter recently. Overall, in both Canada and the United States, wildfire risks are starting…