News
Desjardins exec explores intricacies of State Farm acquisition
May 10, 2019 by Adam MalikA merger between two direct carriers may seem simple enough, but stumbling blocks can quickly appear once you peel back the layers. It’s a lesson Desjardins learned during its acquisition of State Farm. Things you don’t think about come to…
How Fairfax’s Allied World acquisition is working out
May 10, 2019 by Greg MeckbachOld medical malpractice claims with Allied World Assurance Company are still affecting the bottom line of Canada’s Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., which bought the majority of Allied World nearly two years ago. With a combined ratio of 102.3%, Zug, Switzerland-based…
Are you prepared for insurance quotes through Google Home and Amazon Echo?
May 10, 2019 by David Gambrill“Google Home, Amazon Echo, buy me auto insurance for my new, black 2019 Hyundai Sontata.” If you are a broker, would you be able to handle this voice request for an auto insurance quote? If not, you’d better start strategizing…
How much will the eastern Canada flooding cost?
May 10, 2019 by Jason ContantTotal economic losses from the recent flooding in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick are expected minimally to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars (U.S.), Aon’s latest catastrophe report said. The flooding event has already been declared a catastrophe…
Waters to rise again in Ottawa area, even as N.B. turns to flood recovery mode
May 10, 2019 by THE CANADIAN PRESSWater levels are expected to rise again this weekend between Ottawa and Montreal, even as New Brunswick’s floods are effectively over. Officials warned late Thursday that “significant” rainfall is expected to raise water levels in the Ottawa/Gatineau area down to…
What’s closed in Victoria after commercial fire
May 9, 2019 by THE CANADIAN PRESSVICTORIA, B.C. – Days after flames tore through a vacant hotel in Victoria, one man is still missing and smoke lingers, forcing the closure of city hall and several other businesses. The fire in the former Victoria Plaza Hotel has…
Will a robot take your insurance job? Probably.
May 9, 2019 by Jason ContantBored of the same-old, same-old? Why not sharpen your pencil and take that dream job as an actuary? According to the Will Robots Take My Job? website, there is only a 21% chance that actuaries will be replaced by artificial…
How should employers treat recreational marijuana use?
May 9, 2019 by Jason ContantEmployers should treat marijuana use in the workplace as they would alcohol use, a senior claims professional told Canadian Underwriter Monday. “All of the liability still exists,” said Heather Matthews, senior vice president of Crawford & Company (Canada)’s National Claims…
Why brokers must have a CRM in the digital age
May 9, 2019 by David GambrillCustomers in the digital age expect to hear back from brokers immediately, so if brokers don’t start investing in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems soon, well — good luck, says Dave Vass, vice president of innovation at Trufla Technology. Vass…
New judge represented Insurance Bureau at Supreme Court of Canada
May 9, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA lawyer who represented the Insurance Bureau of Canada at the Supreme Court of Canada in impaired driving cases as been appointed to the bench. Stikeman Elliott LLP partner Nicholas McHaffie was named a Federal Court of Canada judge and…
ICBC plants seed for online auto renewals
May 8, 2019 by Adam MalikA day many British Columbia policyholders have been calling for finally appears to be on the horizon. But it may force some brokers to change how they do business. While hosting an AMA (ask me anything) session on popular social…
Intact ready to work with new Alberta government, likes Ontario budget
May 8, 2019 by Adam MalikAll signs point to positive for Intact when it comes to working with Alberta’s new government. Jason Kenney led the United Conservative Party to victory in April, returning a Conservative government to power after four years of rule by the…