News
Even if purchasing insurance online, consumers expect personal contact throughout the policy lifecycle
February 29, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterCanadian consumers are increasingly exploring their property and casualty options online, but they still demand direct personal contact throughout the policy lifecycle and at renewal, an Ernst & Young report found. Ernst & Young surveyed more than 24,000 insurance consumers…
Drivers aged 56-60 pay less for auto insurance than 41-45 age group – unless they live in Ontario
February 29, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterCanadian drivers in the 56-60 age category can pay an average of up to $15 per month less for car insurance premiums than younger drivers in the 41-45 age bracket — unless you live in Ontario. InsureEye Inc., a Canadian…
Regulations required to handle increased Arctic shipping traffic
February 29, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterIncreased shipping traffic through Arctic waters and delays in international governance are putting Canadian waters at risk, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. The International Maritime Organization has delayed its mandatory ‘Polar Code’ for all ships in the Arctic until 2013,…
Japan tsunami debris likely to make landfall in B.C. in 2013-14
February 29, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterDebris from the March 11, 2011 tsunami in Japan will likely make landfall on the coast of British Columbia between March 2013 and March 2014, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The massive debris field has been…
Reinsurance market responds in fragmented way to historic losses of 2011
February 29, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterAfter absorbing historic catastrophic losses in 2011 in excess of $100 billion, reinsurers responded in a fragmented way during the Jan. 1, 2012 renewal season, according to a report by Guy Carpenter. The report, Catastrophes, Cold Spots and Capital, notes…
Xactware adds ‘Sketch’ upgrade to mobile estimating app XactScope
February 29, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterXactware has added an upgrade, ‘Sketch,’ to the latest version of its mobile estimating app XactScope, allowing estimators to sketch floor plans using iOS devices. XactScope is a mobile estimating app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It now…
B.C. Supreme Court awards $75,000 in punitive damages against ICBC for “multiple failings” in accident investigation
February 28, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterThe B.C. Supreme Court has awarded $75,000 in punitive damages against the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), which denied coverage to the plaintiff on the basis of impaired driving allegations even though all criminal charges for impaired driving had…
Saskatchewan Insurance Council warns province’s motor dealers about B.C.-based, uninsured third party motor vehicle warranty
February 28, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterThe General Insurance Council of Saskatchewan is warning Saskatchewan motor dealerships about an unlicensed and uninsured third party motor vehicle warranty. The warranty had been offered in B.C. to Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley dealerships for subsequent retail sale to consumers. The…
Ontario firms launch class action suit against VIA Rail following derailment
February 28, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterTwo Ontario law firms intend to launch a $10-million class action lawsuit against VIA and CN Rail following the Feb. 26, 2012 derailment of a passenger train near Burlington, Ontario. The law firms of Sutts, Strosberg LLP and Falconer Charney…
The Dominion of Canada launches mobile app for home and auto clients
February 28, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company has launched a free mobile app for its auto and property policyholders. The Dominion’s mobile app includes: The first steps to take when in a car collision and what to do following an…
Insurance Marketing and Communications Association (IMCA) calls for entries into its Showcase Awards
February 28, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Marketing and Communications Association (IMCA) is calling worldwide for entries into its IMCA Showcase Awards, the longest-running creative awards competition for insurance marketing and communications professionals. The 2012 IMCA Showcase Awards competition is now in its 54th year.…
Canadians concerned about online fraud related to smartphone apps and social media sites
February 27, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterGiven the increasing popularity of smartphones, tablets and social media sites, many Canadians are concerned they might become victims of online fraud schemes targeting these technologies. Eighty-four per cent out of 1,000 people surveyed in an Environics poll, commissioned by…