Topic Nova Scotia
Change of plans for executive lineup at Heartland following Kings merger
April 27, 2021 by Greg MeckbachKings Mutual CEO Cara Cameron is not staying on after the Nova Scotia-based insurer merges with Heartland Farm Mutual Inc. If approved by regulators, the Kings-Heartland deal, initially announced on Jan. 18, will take effect June 30. The merger was…
COVID’s effect on Canadian auto and property rates
April 22, 2021 by Jason ContantEndorsements to auto policies as a result of changing driving habits from COVID-19 are resulting in average premium rate renewal decreases across most of the country, according to Applied Systems’ latest rating index report. Personal property rates, on the other…
What’s driving the popularity of pay-as-you-go auto insurance
April 16, 2021 by Adam MalikPay-as-you go insurance demonstrates that auto insurance clients can’t be grouped into a one-size-fits-all solution, says an insurance company exec. CAA president Matthew Turack believes his company’s MyPace product, in which insurance coverage is based on distance driven, shows that…
Three large Canadian brokerages announce separate M&A deals
April 8, 2021 by Jason ContantThree large Canadian brokerages have announced recent acquisitions of other brokerages. On Thursday, Westland Insurance reported it closed its acquisition of MBS Insurance Brokers, effective Apr. 1. Navacord Corp. added LL Renaissance Insurance Brokerage Canada Limited to its ranks, while…
Regulator approves lower deductibles for commercial vehicles — with a caveat
March 29, 2021 by David GambrillNova Scotia’s auto insurance regulator has approved Facility Association’s request to lower minimum deductibles for commercial vehicles, albeit with one significant caveat and a few “concerns.” The caveat has to do with logistics. For Facility Association’s member carriers, the upshot…
Why Facility Association is reducing its trucking deductibles
March 17, 2021 by Adam MalikFacility Association has announced a reduction in deductibles for the trucking industry. In her remarks at Facility Association’s recent annual general meeting, FA’s president and CEO Saskia Matheson said the 25% deductible rule for high-valued commercial vehicles will be dropped…
RSA Canada approved for credit scoring in auto
March 16, 2021 by David GambrillNova Scotia’s insurance regulator has approved RSA Canada’s proposed introduction of a “Quality Rating Factor” (QRF), which uses credit scoring for rating auto insurance. RSA Canada’s proposed QRF, obtained with the client’s consent, will only apply to writing new auto…
Why auto rates are increasing despite fewer drivers on the road
March 6, 2021 by Jason ContantAverage auto insurance rates rose in Canada during the second half of 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns that led to fewer drivers on the road, a new report from LowestRates.ca found. The average auto insurance premium climbed by…
Why size matters to Western Financial Group
March 4, 2021 by Greg MeckbachSome brokers are entering into mergers or partnerships so they can more easily place hard-to-find coverage, according to one brokerage executive. “We just feel that some brokers who do not necessarily have our volume are struggling to find market support…
How Western Financial made its presence known in Atlantic Canada
March 1, 2021 by Greg MeckbachWestern Financial Group is taking a non-controlling interest in Saint John, N.B.-based Huestis Insurance Group. The exact terms of the deal, announced Feb. 23, were not disclosed, other than it will give the High River, Alta.-based Western Financial a “significant”…
Regulator allows Co-operators to use credit score for rating auto
February 9, 2021 by David GambrillFollowing in Aviva Canada’s footsteps, Co-operators General Insurance Company has received approval from the Nova Scotia auto insurance regulator to use credit scoring as a rating factor to help price auto insurance rates for private passenger vehicles. “The company proposed…
Punishing winter storm belts East Coast with heavy snow and high winds
February 8, 2021 by The Canadian PressHALIFAX – Most of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland are being pounded by heavy snow and high winds Monday, creating whiteout conditions in many areas. The storm moved into the Maritimes overnight heading west to east and is…