News
How COVID-19 is changing insurance transactions in B.C.
March 25, 2020 by Jason ContantThe COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the globe and here at home is changing the way auto insurance transactions are conducted in British Columbia. Last week, the government of British Columbia announced it would allow certain auto insurance transactions, such as…
What Canada’s brokers have asked of insurers on behalf of Canadians in dire straits
March 25, 2020 by David GambrillCanada’s national broker association issued an open letter to its insurer partners this week, recommending flexible payment options and emergency coverage extensions for clients in need, as well as support for single-office brokerages disabled by an outbreak of COVID-19 requiring…
Can New Brunswick handle spring flooding during COVID-19 crisis?
March 25, 2020 by The Canadian PressFREDERICTON – New Brunswick’s premier says his government will do what’s necessary to protect citizens if there is spring flooding while the COVID-19 crisis is still underway, and that could mean calling in the military. “We’re watching it very closely…
Why it matters that insurance is declared to be an “essential service”
March 24, 2020 by Adam MalikThe insurance industry will continue to operate as an essential service after Quebec and Ontario issued orders for many companies to close their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And that’s a relief for consumers, brokers and insurers, say industry…
The impact of the pandemic on insurance mergers
March 24, 2020 by Greg MeckbachBrokerages negotiating a merger or acquisition don’t have to stop because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Canadian M&A advisor suggests. “A good deal can get done. I suspect it may take a bit longer,” said Georges Pigeon (pictured), Montreal-based deal…
Will commercial BI policies cover pandemics after COVID-19?
March 24, 2020 by David GambrillWill COVID-19 cause Canada’s property and casualty insurance industry to start introducing pandemic business interruption coverage, in much the same way Calgary’s 2013 floods prompted the industry to introduce overland flood coverage into home insurance policies? Don’t count on it.…
How Intact will handle claims in an era of social distancing
March 24, 2020 by Adam MalikIntact is assuring clients and brokers that they are “working around the clock” to keep the claims journey moving forward with as little interruption as possible. “We have mobilized our claims department to be there for our brokers and customers,…
Governments fight to curb COVID-19 and economic fallout of growing job losses
March 24, 2020 by Colin Perkel - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – The two-pronged battle to contain the spread of COVID-19 while inoculating the economy saw governments on Tuesday rush to ease financial hardship amid massive job losses even as they tightened restrictions that could last for weeks. With large…
Social distancing means delivery drivers are in demand. Do they have proper coverage?
March 23, 2020 by Adam MalikGovernments have forced restaurants, pubs and similar businesses to offer pick-up and take-out services. But as demand for delivery surges, the question must be asked: Do drivers have proper business insurance coverage? “Anytime you’re using your vehicle for a business…
COVID-19: What one broker misses the most these days
March 23, 2020 by Adam MalikLike many other brokers across the country, Myles Kuharski is still getting used to not having clients drop by the office, or heading out for regular meetings. “That last week was one of the things that [was difficult],” he said…
How these two insurers are serving customers during the pandemic
March 23, 2020 by Greg MeckbachMost Desjardins agency offices are now dealing with customers over the phone and Internet, while CAA Club Group has closed its Ontario stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Desjardins agents are continuing to focus on servicing our clients,” a spokesperson…
How one of Canada’s largest brokerages is handling COVID-19
March 23, 2020 by David GambrillA pandemic triggers a state of emergency. You have 24 hours to shut your doors to customer walk-in traffic and protect 1,900 of your brokers and support staff across Canada from catching and spreading the novel coronavirus. Even for smaller brokerages, it…