Topic Personal Auto
Westland brokerage moves in an easterly direction
November 13, 2020 by Jason ContantWestland Insurance’s mergers and acquisition strategy continues in an easterly direction from its roots in British Columbia. Just days after closing its first-ever brokerage acquisition in Ontario, Westland Insurance Group Ltd. announced its second acquisition in Manitoba. On Nov. 10,…
Winter tire use cut an auto insurer’s claims costs by this much
November 12, 2020 by Greg MeckbachVehicle damage claims frequency appeared to be 6% lower for vehicles with winter tires than those without winter tires, Manitoba’s public auto insurer concluded in a recent study. “The estimated 6.3% reduction in claim frequency due to winter tire use…
GM recalls 217,000 vehicles to fix leak that can stop travel
November 10, 2020 by The Associated PressDETROIT – General Motors is recalling more than 217,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. and Canada because transmission oil can leak, causing them to stop moving or possibly catch fire. The recall covers certain versions of the 2018 through…
Brokerage M&A round-up: Which four were bought?
November 9, 2020 by Jason ContantBritish Columbia-based Westland Insurance Group Ltd. has moved into the Ontario market, announcing that it has acquired Gillons Insurance Brokers Ltd. The “significant and substantial milestone” supports Westland’s expansion strategy to become a national insurance brokerage, the brokerage said when…
Intact has ‘lost hope’ in this market
November 6, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIntact Insurance could potentially re-enter the British Columbia auto market, but not if it is restricted to offering only optional coverages while competing against a government monopoly, CEO Charles Brindamour said this past Tuesday. During an earnings call, Intact Financial…
New CEO for Manitoba government auto insurer
November 4, 2020 by Greg MeckbachManitoba Public Insurance has hired Eric Herbelin, a former senior strategist for Zurich Insurance, as its new CEO, effective Jan. 4. Herbelin worked in Switzerland for Zurich from 2001 through 2016, according to his LinkedIn profile. MPI announced Herbelin’s appointment…
What industry experts think of pandemic auto rebates
October 30, 2020 by Adam MalikInsurance companies responded well and appropriately to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of assisting customers by way of premium relief and other measures, according to industry experts. Canadian Underwriter recently checked in with insurers on the current status of relief…
5th Top Story in 2020: Intact to exit this line of business
October 28, 2020 by Jason ContantCanada’s largest insurer announced late Tuesday that its brands Intact Insurance and belairdirect will no longer offer optional auto coverage in British Columbia. “This decision was taken after careful consideration, given the upcoming regulatory changes in the province that will…
Same counsel can’t work for insurer on both priority dispute and AB claim: Court
October 27, 2020 by David GambrillAn Ontario auto insurer involved in a priority dispute with another insurer should have used a different counsel in that dispute than the one used for the main accident benefits claim with the insureds, the Ontario Superior Court has ruled.…
How seniors became a better auto risk than younger drivers
October 26, 2020 by Adam MalikImprovements in healthcare, vehicle safety, and infrastructure design have brought down senior crash fatality rates to the point where younger drivers are now a greater risk to die in collisions than seniors, a new study has found. Historically, people aged…
Why Uber has a new insurer
October 23, 2020 by Jason Contant, Online EditorAfter a five-year-long business relationship with Intact, ridesharing giant Uber moved its business to Economical. What prompted the move?
How auto insurers are promoting National Teen Driver Safety Week
October 20, 2020 by Greg MeckbachTeenagers are 3.1 times more likely to follow too closely than drivers older than 45, Manitoba’s auto insurer is warning. Teens are also 3.6 times more likely to lose control or drive off the road than drivers aged 45 and…