Topic Personal Auto
Ontario to take over licensing and oversight of tow truck industry
December 12, 2023 by David GambrillOntario is taking tow truck services out of the hands of municipalities and requiring tow truck operators to be certified and adhere to a Code of Conduct. “This marks the end of municipal regulation of towing and storage operators, with…
MGA acquires Echelon’s surety division
December 11, 2023 by Jason ContantMontreal-based managing general agency REVAU Advanced Underwriting Inc. has acquired Echelon Insurance’s surety division. “This acquisition aligns with REVAU’s focus on expanding its existing surety operations across Canada,” the MGA said in a press release Monday. “The teams’ shared values,…
Why you can expect more insurance regulation next year
December 11, 2023 by David GambrillAs the hard market proceeds apace in the Canadian P&C insurance industry, a projected economic slowdown in 2024 could invite more insurance regulation, since Canadians will find it harder to pay their insurance bills, a ratings agency warned. “While growing…
How new vehicle tech is changing the auto theft equation
December 11, 2023 by Philip PoradoThere’s a small upside to Canada’s current auto theft wave, industry sources have told Canadian Underwriter. Thieves’ adoption of technologies that can capture vehicle key fob signals means criminals no longer need to resort to violent methods like carjacking to…
Private equity firm acquires digital brokerage
December 8, 2023 by Jason ContantPrivate equity firm Southampton Financial Inc. has announced its acquisition of Ontario-based digital insurance brokerage aha insurance. Launched in 2017, Waterloo, Ont.-based aha insurance offers consumers the ability to quote, purchase and manage car and home insurance policies entirely online.…
B.C. wrings out after atmospheric river brings torrential rain and wind
December 6, 2023 by The Canadian PressVANCOUVER – Residents in coastal and southern British Columbia are mopping up after an atmospheric river brought torrential rain and wind, while disrupting travel and utility services. The B.C. River Forecast Centre says Metro Vancouver, the south coast and Lower…
Police, insurers collaborate to dismantle auto theft ring
November 30, 2023 by Jason ContantOntario’s Peel Regional Police (PRP) in collaboration with Équité Association have prevented more than $350,000 of insurance fraud by disrupting and dismantling an auto theft ring, the southern Ontario police force reported Wednesday. As part of the investigation dubbed Project…
Psychologist fined over accident benefits statements
November 29, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoAn Ontario registered psychologist has been fined $15,000 and suspended from practice for a total of 24 months after a regulator found he made misleading accident benefits statements to insurers. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) has imposed…
Aviva Canada to acquire “capital light” MGA
November 27, 2023 by David GambrillAviva Canada is acquiring Optiom O2 Holdings Inc., a managing general agent (MGA) that specializes in vehicle replacement insurance in Canada. The $170-million Cdn deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of…
Can car dealerships manage insurance risks from vehicle thefts?
November 27, 2023 by Philip PoradoCar thefts began rising across Canada in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been climbing ever since – fuelled by organized crime rings using new technologies to steal key fob codes and take vehicles while their owners are asleep.…
How auto insurers responded to Ontario’s auto fraud announcement
November 24, 2023 by David GambrillOntario auto insurers are commending the provincial government for committing $18 million over three years to help police services combat and prevent auto theft. “Last year marked the first time in history when Canada’s insurers paid over $1 billion in claims…
What Ontario drivers might save by dropping DCPD coverage
November 23, 2023 by David GambrillOntario brokers are questioning the value of the Ontario government’s forthcoming new law allowing drivers to drop out of direct compensation property damage (DCPD) coverage for their cars. DCPD coverage is currently mandatory and protects policyholders in the event of…