Topic Ontario
UBI app offers quarterly price adjustments for drivers
September 14, 2023 by Jason ContantDefinity Financial Corporation has launched a usage-based insurance (UBI) product it describes as the first-ever to offer quarterly price adjustments based on recent driving scores. “We wanted to make sure drivers were able to benefit quickly from their safe driving…
Regulator suspends, revokes licences of 170 health service providers
September 12, 2023 by Jason ContantOntario’s financial services regulator has suspended or revoked the licences of 170 health service providers (HSPs) who failed to comply with their annual business reporting obligations. A total of 118 HSP licences were revoked and 52 were suspended, the Financial…
Westland, Hub’s latest P&C acquisitions
September 8, 2023 by Jason ContantWestland Insurance Group and Hub International Ltd. have added to their property and casualty insurance offerings through recent M&A activity. Westland Insurance acquired Saskatchewan personal and commercial lines brokerage Insurance Matters Inc., while Hub International acquired Ontario-based cannabis insurance brokerage…
What a tribunal said about psychological symptoms in an auto case
September 5, 2023 by David GambrillOntario’s Licence Appeal Tribunal has rejected a claim for auto accident benefits arising from psychological symptoms, finding that while these symptoms happened after the crash, they were not caused by the crash. Also, the adjudicator found the injured insured’s doctors…
Regulator approves proposed ‘novel way’ of commercial insurance distribution
August 30, 2023 by Jason ContantThe Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario’s (FSRA) Innovation Office has approved its first application under its test-and-learn environment — a regulatory ‘sandbox’ that allows the industry to test out new ideas, concepts and innovations. An insurance company is proposing…
Auto theft’s impact on your clients’ premiums
August 29, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoPremiums for commonly stolen vehicles have increased between 25% and 50% over the last two years, according to data from RatesDotCa. Insurers are bumping up rates after the Canadian P&C insurance industry paid out a record $1 billion for auto…
Where the burden of proof lies in accident claim adjudications
August 28, 2023 by Philip PoradoAn applicant who was able to prove on a balance of probabilities that she should be removed from the minor injury guideline (MIG) because of a psychological impairment is entitled to additional accident benefits, Ontario Licence Appeal Tribunal adjudicator Nick…
Fall risks associated with e-scooters
August 25, 2023 by Brittany Sinclair, B.Sc., P.Eng. 30 Forensic EngineeringEditor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series on the biomechanics of rider falls from e-scooters. Part 2 will appear next week. Canada’s capital is in the midst of its fourth electric scooter (or e-scooter) pilot program.…
Grapes of wrath: How the wildfires could burn your winery clients
August 25, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoAs wildfires rage across Canada, wineries might struggle to keep smoke from tainting their crops. Such was the case for wineries operating in and around southern Oregon in 2020, said Heidi Moore, insurance agent for U.S-based Country Financial and host…
Insurance partnership helps condo buyers bridge builder fees
August 21, 2023 by Philip PoradoAviva Canada said it’s invested in OneClose Inc., a technology company that provides a financial solution to help owners of newly built condos save on what are called ‘interim occupancy fees.’ “Consumers who buy a newly built condo in Ontario face a…
Is your client covered for pothole damage?
August 18, 2023 by Jason ContantThe City of Toronto’s Saturday launch of its fifth pothole repair blitz this year brings insurance coverage for pothole damage back into the spotlight. In general, pothole damage in Ontario is covered under optional collision or all-perils auto insurance coverage,…
Digital-first firms partner on car-share coverage
August 17, 2023 by Canadian Underwriter StaffDigital auto and home insurance provider Onlia has partnered with car-subscription service Roam to provide its Ontario customers with personalized rates and a faster checkout when picking up cars. In addition to vehicles, Roam’s pay-as-you-go subscriber plan members are provided…