News
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…
Nova Scotia imposes restrictions on inter-provincial travel
March 23, 2020 by The Canadian PressAMHERST, N.S. – Nova Scotia imposed new restrictions at its provincial boundary with New Brunswick on Monday as part of a series of measures aimed at tightening social distancing requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Under the restrictions that…
COVID-19: What Northbridge is doing to navigate forward
March 20, 2020 by Adam MalikAll Northbridge employees are working from home and the company doesn’t expect any disruption on service levels, according to the carrier. Northbridge told Canadian Underwriter that its top priority is the health and wellness of its employees, brokers, and customers.…
COVID-19: How Aviva Canada is conducting its business
March 20, 2020 by Adam MalikAviva Canada is ensuring that its efforts to keep employees safe will not impact service during the COVID-19 pandemic that is forcing companies from all industries to change the way they do business. The country’s second-largest carrier has 97% of…
Speculative ripple effects of the Aon-Willis merger on the Canadian reinsurance scene
March 20, 2020 by David GambrillAon plc’s announced agreement to acquire Willis Towers Watson in early March for $30-billion in an all-stock deal raises a host of interesting speculative possibilities for Canada’s reinsurance market, a former reinsurance executive in Canada told Canadian Underwriter recently. Among…
These clients are especially disadvantaged by COVID-19 precautions
March 20, 2020 by Greg MeckbachSmart phones and high-speed Internet makes it easier to do business when offices are closed and staff are working from home, but what about the client who doesn’t have the latest and greatest technology gadgets? Some clients, especially some elderly…
How Canada’s fire departments are responding to COVID-19
March 20, 2020 by Amy Smart - THE CANADIAN PRESSVancouver’s fire department is preparing to stop responding to the site of non-critical medical calls to preserve its ability to respond to major fires and other emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fire Chief Darrell Reid told a news conference this…
Tenant shares liability for attack on visitor by homeowner’s dog
March 19, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA Calgary homeowner and her tenant are on the hook for more than $20,000 after a waste removal contractor was attacked on the property by a dog. In Malig v. Kaur, released Mar. 16, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled…
How a regulator made it easier for P&C industry to social-distance
March 19, 2020 by Greg MeckbachBritish Columbia’s broker regulator has temporarily its loosened rules governing the workplace location of Level 1 salespeople, allowing them to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary rule change took effect Thursday. “The Insurance Council of BC shares…