News
Allianz, Trafalgar downgraded by A.M. Best
March 2, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterDespite improving financial results, A.M. Best has downgraded the financial strength ratings of Allianz Insurance Co. of Canada and subsidiary Trafalgar Insurance Company of Canada. Allianz dropped to “A-” (excellent) from “A”, while Trafalgar fell to “B+” (very good) from…
Uniform data standard needed for risk modelers: EQECAT
March 2, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterJust as insurers work toward uniformity of data transmissions on the distribution end, they should also be asking risk modeling firms to work toward uniform data standards. So says EQECAT Inc. president Rick Clinton at the risk modeling company’s recent…
Sedans luring thieves: Crime Bureau
March 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterThieves are targeting sedans, including older model vehicles, for parts, says a new report by the U.S. National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).The non-profit organization, which was established to fight vehicle theft and insurance fraud, looked at the most stolen vehicles…
Brouwer Claims and McLarens Canada to merge
March 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterThe merger of Brouwer Claims Canada & Co. with McLarens Canada is a “natural step”, says Brouwer chairman and CEO Jacob Brouwer.The two adjusting firms have signed an agreement in principle to merge, creating a national firm with 75 locations.The…
IBC wants national disaster fund
March 1, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterIn response to the “Filmon Report” on last summer’s B.C. forest fires, the Insurance Bureau of Canada is calling for a national natural disaster protection fund to be established.The report, tabled Friday in B.C.’s legislature, makes a variety of recommendations…
Investment losses drag down E-L Financial
February 27, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterFinancial services provider E-L Financial Corp. Ltd. (TSX: ELF), parent company of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Co., posted higher operating income for 2003, largely on the back of growth in its general insurance business. However, net income dropped…
Chubb Canada names new CEO
February 27, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterFolowing on the departure of Jan Tomlinson to the U.S. parent company, Chubb Insurance Company of Canada has named Ellen J. Moore as its new CEO. In fact, Moore will continue to work for Tomlinson, who has assumed the role…
Insurers seeking diversity in reinsurance buying: Aon
February 26, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterA review of the 2004 reinsurance treaty renewal season shows primary insurers are looking at diversifying their spread of reinsurance, as well as focusing on reinsurer security ratings. Reinsurers, for their part, are looking for transparency from their primary company…
Low losses expected from Maritime storms
February 26, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterThe severe winter storms striking the Atlantic coast of Canada late last week should produce few insured losses, says Don Forgeron, Atlantic region vice president for the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).“The good news is there weren’t many vehicles on…
Sedgwick Claims opens Canadian office
February 25, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterMemphis-based Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc. is taking on the Canadian market with the opening of Sedgwick CMS Canada Inc., the first move outside the U.S. for Sedgwick.The new office will be based in Mississauga, Ontario, and will be headed…
IBC proposes “no frills” policy for New Brunswick
February 25, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterInsurers are proposing a “no frills” auto policy as a respond to growing public outrage about auto rates in New Brunswick.In a release Tuesday, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) explains the policy will provide the basic liability coverage required…
ICBC wins court battle with bodyshop
February 24, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterCapping a five-year legal battle, the Insurance Corp. of B.C. the province’s public auto insurer has won a B.C. Supreme Court verdict for $190,000 against a fraudulent bodyshop.Eurosport Auto Co. Ltd. and its owner, Frederick Ngok Hwang, were ordered to…