News

Lightning strikes cost nearly $1 billion in insured losses in 2011, the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) notes. An analysis of homeowners insurance data by the I.I.I. and State Farm found there were more than 186,000 lightning claims in 2011, down…

The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), a centre for multi-disciplinary disaster prevention research and communications, has launched a new website to help reduce the chances of experiencing basement flooding and other types of water damage. In addition, the website,…

With the Calgary Stampede starting this past weekend, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has signed an agreement with an Alberta-based repair shop network to handle potential claims from car accidents involving B.C. drivers. The public auto insurer notes…

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), citing data from Property Claim Services Canada (PCS-Canada), reports that the estimated insured damage caused by the recent wind and thunderstorm event that hit Ontario and Quebec amounts to more than $200 million. PCS-Canada tracks…

A flash storm packing both rain and hail on July 5 has left northern regions of Calgary to deal with a watery mess and to await the final tally on damages. An Environment Canada spokesperson confirmed more than 50 mm…

Enbridge Inc. may not be carrying enough insurance coverage for its proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project, suggests a written submission prepared by economist Robyn Allan, a former CEO of the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC). The proposed $5.5-billion project would…

The United Kingdom’s second largest insurer, Aviva, is launching an ambitious plan to narrow its focus, build financial strength and improve performance after a turbulent past few months that saw the departure of former chief executive Andrew Moss in early…

Thunder Bay-area residents who did not have insurance, had inadequate insurance or had insurance that did not cover the flood damage incurred when heavy rains in late May unleashed enough water to overwhelm the city’s sewage treatment facility are reminded…

The City of St. Catharines, Ontario is scheduled to discuss a car-sharing proposal at its next council meeting on July 9. The city is being asked to support, in principle, a partnership with the People’s Car Co-operative Inc. to establish…

More than 60% of Ontario car owners surveyed by Angus Reid incorrectly believe they are fully covered by insurance if their vehicles are stolen. LoJack Canada, which distributes vehicle recovery and tracking systems, commissioned the online survey, which was conducted…

Europe’s Top 10 insurers saw their 2011 written premiums increase by 3% over the previous year, despite turbulence over the sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone, according to a recent report by Spanish-based insurer Fundación Mapfre. Insurers in the…

Saskatchewan is now clear of tornado warnings, but not before one twister – and possibly two – touched down on July 3. Video from storm chasers in an area near Lake Diefenbaker showed a tornado touching down southeast of Outlook,…