Topic Operations
Ownership critical to independence: broker exec
May 10, 2022 by Gloria CilliersBrokers are justified in thinking independence is shrinking due to increased consolidation in the P&C industry, according to Lorie Phair, president of the Canadian Broker Network (CBN), Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. To think ownership does not influence a…
Despite “aggressive growth goals,” insurers cautioned to keep their powder dry
April 25, 2022 by David GambrillAlthough the industry achieved a highwater mark financial result in 2021, industry executives are cautioning insurers to keep their powder dry and not reduce pricing drastically to grow market share. “I just look through the windscreen, all the things coming…
Broker independence is alive and well: IBAO president
April 22, 2022 by Jason ContantInsurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) president Joseph Carnevale is not concerned about a brokerage’s ownership structure, since he sees it playing no part in whether or not brokers are “trusted advisors” to clients. “Every broker in the country is…
What IBC likes and dislikes about removing sales tax on home insurance
April 14, 2022 by Jason ContantInsurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) supports one provincial government’s plan to temporarily remove retail sales tax (RST) from home insurance, but is concerned about the administrative costs associated with the move. In its 2022 budget released Apr. 7, the Government…
What higher interest rates mean for the P&C industry
April 14, 2022 by David GambrillWhen the Bank of Canada hiked interest rates a full half point on Wednesday, at first blush, it seemed Canada’s P&C industry might benefit from the inflation-curbing measure by garnering greater returns on their investments. But it’s not that straightforward,…
When can a broker fire a client?
April 13, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoOn top of selling insurance, brokers are also tasked with managing client relationships. But what happens when a client doesn’t mesh with their broker? “Sometimes it just doesn’t work out,” says Jack Mazakian, vice president of Advocis Broker Services. “You’re…
Does federal budget create new tax liability for P&C industry?
April 12, 2022 by Greg MeckbachA federal budget proposal to forbid insurers from using a contractual service margin as a deductible reserve for tax purposes could impose a one-time tax liability on the industry. International Financial Reporting Standard 17 (IFRS 17) will “substantially change the…
Try this strategy for better employee retention
April 4, 2022 by Jason ContantOne underrated way to keep employees on board is to give them the flexibility and resources they need to pursue their out-of-work passions, says a Harvard Business Review blog. Besides important considerations such as remote work and autonomy, better pay…
CSIO calls APIs for policy inquiries ‘foundational’
April 4, 2022 by Canadian Underwriter StaffRecent publication of API standards for policy inquiries for personal auto, habitational, individually rated commercial automobile (IRCA) and commercial general liability (CGL) are the foundational use cases to begin improving carrier and broker connectivity communications. “These 24 policy inquiry use…
How Canada’s P&C industry is reacting to the hybrid office
March 31, 2022 by David GambrillSeventy-one per cent of Canada’s P&C industry reports being happy with their new hybrid office arrangements, according to a Canadian Underwriter online poll. Almost 46% reported being ‘very satisfied’ with moving to hybrid work, while a further 26% were satisfied.…
Ratings agency suspends commercial activities in Russia
March 30, 2022 by Philip PoradoGetting ahead of a European Union-imposed Apr. 15 sanctions deadline, a major global credit ratings agency specializing in the insurance industry has suspended all commercial activities in Russia. AM Best said it’s also withdrawn all credit ratings on reinsurance companies…
How Canada’s P&C industry feels about COVID safety in their offices
March 30, 2022 by David GambrillMore than seven out of 10 Canadian P&C industry professionals feel protected from COVID in their new hybrid office arrangements, according to an online poll conducted this week by Canadian Underwriter. Over 650 P&C professionals answered CU‘s survey, including brokers,…