Segment
Brokers
Adjusting to SABS: Getting a Grip on Serious Injuries
May 31, 2011 byAs a result of Ontario’s new Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), which came into effect last September, the adjuster’s role in Ontario auto accident claims has changed. In this issue of Education Forum, we look at some of the knowledge…
On The Scene
May 31, 2011 byRegional Spotlight: Ontario Regional president: Richard Swierczynski, AZ Claims Services Inc., president, phone: 905-825-0027, fax: 905-825-5543First vice president and chair of sick & vigil committee: Teresa Mitchell; Crawford Global Technical Services, senior adjuster, phone: 705-728-5597, fax: 705-728-2167Treasurer and chair of…
Conditions still favourable in energy insurance market, despite NatCats: Marsh
May 26, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterConditions remain favourable for most energy insurance buyers, despite an unprecedented number of natural catastrophes, Marsh reports. Negotiations for many buyers have become more difficult, because underwriters are showing greater price discipline, requesting more data from insureds and rates have…
IBAO cautions of liability exposures with use of e-bikes and scooters
May 24, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is warning consumers using vehicles such as scooters and electronic bicycles (e-bikes) that these vehicles offer limited or no liability coverage on a consumer’s insurance policy.In a statement, IBAO CEO Randy Carroll said…
Youth still prefer to buy insurance from real people, but interest in online purchase is growing: Accenture study
May 24, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterA recent Accenture survey of Canadian and U.S. consumers shows people prefer to buy insurance from an agent, but an increasing number of people in the 25- to 34-year-old age bracket are planning to buy insurance products online. Nearly two-thirds…
Alberta brokers oppose government plan to sell hail and crop insurance online
May 20, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterAlberta’s insurance brokers have been unable to get Alberta Agriculture and the Alberta Financial Services Corporation to back down from their intention to sell hail and crop insurance from their Web site. “We oppose this action as it will eliminate…
Aviva remains a full partner in Broker Identity Program
May 18, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterAviva Canada Inc. is continuing its investment at the full partner level of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC)’s Broker Identity Program. The mission of the BIP, launched 23 years ago, is to promote the value and professionalism of…
Technology creating space for direct writers in provinces with public auto
May 17, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterInternet use, 1-800 telephone services and expanded access to vehicle license services have created opportunities for banks and direct writers to compete in provinces with public auto systems, which typically distribute products through the broker channel.Representatives of the Saskatchewan and…
IBAA abandons two-year project to find suitable online quoting product for Alberta brokers
May 17, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) has ended a two-year project to develop a made-in-Alberta, Web-based quoting program to help brokers compete in the online space.“The board is not recommending any further action on this project,” outgoing IBAA president…
Alberta brokers seek availability of excess liability for Alberta residents with U.S. properties
May 17, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) is looking into the availability of excess liability for Alberta residents that own property in the United States.The association resolved in 2010 to research the availability of umbrella coverage. Outgoing IBAA president Mardene…
IBAO launches site promoting consumer awareness around credit scoring
May 16, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) launched a consumer Web site promoting a ban on the use of credit scoring in home and other personal property insurance. The site, www.soaringinsurancerates.ca, is an interactive site that provides consumers with background…
IBC issues bulletin to insurers about notification requirements, AB payments in anticipation of possible postal strike
May 13, 2011 by Canadian UnderwriterIBC has issued a legal bulletin providing information to insurers about handling notification of policy terminations, as well as payment of accident benefits claims, in the event of a possible postal strike.Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers…