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Cyber claims increasing, despite underwriting refinement

April 26, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatino

Underwriters have tightened their underwriting controls to better price for cyber risk from its 2021 high, but claims frequency in 2023 has nevertheless increased 13% since the previous year, cyber insurer Coalition reports.  Claims severity across the board also increased…

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How brokerage owners want to pass on their businesses

April 26, 2024 by Philip Porado

Where would you like to leave things? It’s a critical question for Canada’s property and casualty (P&C) brokers, especially given the seniority of brokers represented in Canadian Underwriter’s 2024 annual National Broker Survey. More than 200 brokers nationwide shared views…

A First Nation in Sarnia, Ont. has had repeated exposure to benzene News ClaimsCommercial LinesInsuranceRisk

Minister seeking ways to end benzene exposure from chemical plant

April 26, 2024 by Mia Rabson – The Canadian Press

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is looking for options to protect a southern Ontario First Nation from repeated exposure to benzene from a nearby chemical plant, as the plant issues a new warning about air pollution. Leaders from Aamjiwnaang First Nation…

Burnt trees in Saprae Creek near Fort McMurray following 2016 wildfire. News AssociationsCatastrophesClaimsClaims CanadaInsuranceMarkets / CoveragesRestoration

Is Fort McMurray still insurable?

April 26, 2024 by Jason Contant

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire cost nearly $6 billion in insured damage, citing 2016 loss totals for that year from Insurance Bureau of Canada. However, the $6 billion total…

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P&C insurance training enters world of virtual reality

April 25, 2024 by David Gambrill

Could virtual reality mentors help train recruits in the property and casualty insurance industry? It may sound futuristic, but early iterations of virtual reality and AI-based learning are already being used to help onboard new hires in the industry, panellists…

Bad driver nearly gets into an accident News InsuranceMarkets / Coverages

Does Alberta’s auto insurance rate cap reward bad drivers?

April 25, 2024 by David Gambrill

Alberta’s new 3.7% cap on auto insurance rate increases for good drivers may wind up hurting the province’s well-mannered motorists more than it helps them, industry sources tell Canadian Underwriter. “Your carrier probably wants to reward you for [being a…

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Shariah-compliant insurance product launched in Canada

April 25, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatino

Ches Special Risk has launched Canada’s first Shariah-compliant insurance product under the name Ethical Insurance. The product conducts insurance transactions based on principles of Islamic finance — also known as Takaful — and excludes investments or coverage of industries that…

Trees burned by the Bush Creek East wildfire in Squilax, B.C. last September News ClaimsClaims CanadaInsuranceMarkets / Coverages

Fire bans announced in B.C. and Alberta as more than 170 wildfires burn

April 25, 2024 by The Canadian Press

Tactical evacuations have started in northeastern British Columbia as wildfires tear through the area. An update from the B.C. Wildfire Service Wednesday night said efforts are focused on protecting public life and safety in the Peace River Regional District and…

Cannabis plants growing on a window sill News InsuranceLegalMarkets / Coverages

Manitoba government plans to lift ban on homegrown recreational cannabis

April 24, 2024 by Steve Lambert – The Canadian Press

The Manitoba government is planning to end its ban on homegrown recreational cannabis — a move that would leave Quebec as the only province with such a restriction. “We’re just allowing Manitobans to have the same rights that people in…

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Which IFRS 17 combined ratio should you use?

April 24, 2024 by Jason Contant

While a new key performance indicator (KPI) under IFRS 17 was intended to replicate the well-known combined ratio, this equivalence might not hold true in practice when all components and complexities of a real profit and loss statement (P&L) are…

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How clients’ auto data is being breached by thieves, hackers

April 24, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatino

Your clients’ cars store a lot of their personal data — from biometrics to driving habits, phone contacts, and more — and that can expose them to cyber-attacks. Modern cars use sensors and connected technology to make driving easier, safer…

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Brokers tell us their Number 1 challenge for 2024

April 24, 2024 by David Gambrill

Fixing the labour shortage plaguing Canada’s P&C insurance industry is officially Job 1 for the broker channel, Canadian Underwriter’s 2024 National Broker Survey shows. Failing to do that, survey respondents say, puts brokerages at risk of sustaining collateral damage in…