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Brokerage sees nearly 200% increase in cold weather claims
January 18, 2024 by Jason ContantWith temperatures plummeting across Canada recently, one insurance brokerage has seen a 191% increase in cold weather-related claims in the early days of 2024 compared to 2023. “Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen almost three times as many…
When will Canada’s insurers reach a tipping point over NatCats?
January 17, 2024 by Philip PoradoIf insurers’ recent response to drastic storm and fire losses recorded in many parts of the U.S. are any harbinger, some Canadian regions may soon grapple with a future in which standard market insurers simply walk away. It’s already happening…
More than 100 wildfires still burning after B.C.’s record wildfire season
January 17, 2024 by Ashley Joannou - The Canadian PressMore than 100 wildfires are still listed as burning in British Columbia thanks to a combination of a busy wildfire season, extreme drought and generally warmer and drier conditions through December. Forrest Tower of the BC Wildfire Service said that…
Snowstorm inbound for Metro Vancouver as winter weather rages across Canada
January 16, 2024 by The Canadian PressVANCOUVER – Environment Canada says a snowstorm is expected to hit Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria and beyond, bringing up to 20 centimetres of accumulation and possible freezing rain to southern British Columbia. The weather agency has issued a snowfall warning…
Roof collapses feared if freezing rain follows heavy snowfall
January 16, 2024 by David GambrillFearing a wave of roof collapses could occur in the short term, Toitures Hogue, a large Quebec roofer, is urging owners of commercial, industrial and/or institutional buildings to be cautious and proactive in advance of a freezing rain forecast over…
Two brokerages, one MGU involved in recent deals
January 15, 2024 by Jason ContantEditor’s Note: This story has been corrected to clarify that Keyes Insurance was not acquired by the Canadian Broker Network but rather joined its membership. Keyes Insurance remains a fully independent brokerage solely owned by Shaun Keyes. Canadian Underwriter apologizes…
Ten per cent of country’s insured losses in Alberta alone
January 12, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoFor all the smoke, fire and flood that happened across Canada this year, damage to property in Alberta alone exceeded $330 million, according to estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ). That’s nearly 10% of all insured losses across…
Can higher lodging costs cut restoration losses?
January 12, 2024 by Philip PoradoInsurers looking to reduce home restoration claims costs should find ways to avoid tearing out walls, flooring, rugs, trim and other major construction components. One insurer’s launched a program to do just that. The approach will lead to a “1%…
What’s at risk if the national flood insurance program stalls
January 10, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoInsurers will need to be informed about their role in the national flood insurance program by Spring 2024 if it’s to be operational before the next federal election, an Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) executive tells Canadian Underwriter. The…
WTW names head of personal lines for Canada, U.S.
January 10, 2024 by Jason ContantLarge brokerage WTW has appointed Despina Buganski as head of personal lines for its Corporate Risk & Broking division for North America (CRB NA). Effective immediately, both WTW’s Canadian and U.S. personal lines teams will report directly to Buganski, the…
NatCats taking their toll on Canadian property lines
January 8, 2024 by David GambrillAnother year, another $3 billion in NatCat insurance claims payouts. Canada’s property and casualty insurance industry paid out more than $3.1 billion last year in claims related to natural catastrophes, based on the latest numbers from Catastrophe and Indices Quantification…
Wildfires in Alberta burned 10 times more area in 2023 than the five-year average
January 5, 2024 by Colette Derworiz - THE CANADIAN PRESSAlberta Wildfire says it saw an average number of wildfires last year, but the area burned across the province set a record. The province saw a total of 1,088 wildfires that burned about 22,000 square kilometres from March 1 to…