Topic Loss Trends
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…
How Intact views auto claims severity during pandemic
May 14, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe long-tail nature of motor vehicle liability and auto accident benefits claims means a temporary drop in total miles driven due to the pandemic does not necessarily equate to a corresponding drop in premiums for your clients, Intact executives suggest.…
Cheque is in the mail: Insurance rebates coming to Saskatchewan drivers
May 11, 2021 by The Canadian PressREGINA – Saskatchewan’s Crown-owned insurer says it will start mailing rebates on vehicle insurance this week. Saskatchewan Government Insurance says 709,000 cheques are to be sent out. The rebates apply to all vehicles, motorcycles, trailers and snowmobiles for which insurance…
How commercial premium renewal rates are trending in Canada
April 30, 2021 by Jason ContantCanadian commercial line renewal rates increased at a slower pace across all major lines in Q1 2021 compared to one year ago, according to the latest commercial premium rate index from tech vendor Applied Systems. Overall, the magnitude of rate…
Why IBAC foresees a national flood insurance program
April 28, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe recently-released federal budget gives brokers reason to be optimistic that Canada will eventually have a national flood insurance program for homeowners, the head of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada suggests. “The commitment from the federal government is clear…
What courts say about vacancy exclusion when elderly homeowner client moves to a care home
April 27, 2021 by Greg MeckbachAn elderly homeowner’s health takes a turn for the worse, necessitating a move into a care home. The client still owns her original home, which suffers water damage. The insurer denies the claim on the grounds that the property is…
Insurers seek federal grants for homeowners to improve basement flood protection
April 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe industry is pushing to make federal grants available for Canadian homeowners to reduce basement flood risk. In the fall of 2020, the federal government announced its Greener Homes initiative. When the program rolls out, the plan is to provide…
Bank of Canada keeps rate on hold, sees brighter economic outlook
April 21, 2021 by Jordan Press - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – The Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate target on hold as it raises its outlook for economic growth this year. The key rate remains at 0.25 per cent where it has held steady for more…
How the feds’ budget benefits the P&C industry
April 20, 2021 by Greg MeckbachInsurers are hoping it will be easier for homeowners to borrow money to raise their structures in areas at risk of flood or to replace roofs in wildfire-prone regions as a result of the federal budget announced Monday. In her…
Toilet trouble means strata owner must reimburse corporation’s $5,000 deductible
April 19, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA British Columbia townhouse owner whose toilet overflowed and caused damage has to pay the $5,000 deductible on the strata corporation’s insurance claim, the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) has ruled. Jefferson Wu is the principal of Kwan-Wu Holdings Ltd.,…
Can insurtechs match the financial performance of traditional carriers?
April 19, 2021 by Greg MeckbachLemonade, Root and Metromile have a few things in common, and it’s not just their leading-edge technology. “Their performance has been consistently worse than those of their more traditional [insurance company] peers,” writes Joel Baker, CEO of MSA Research Inc.…