Segment
Brokers
IBAO’s stance on electronic termination of coverage
November 24, 2020 by Greg MeckbachInsurers should be allowed to terminate auto policies electronically if consumers consent, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario’s CEO says. In its budget document released Nov. 5, the Ontario government said the next phase of its previously-announced “blueprint” for auto…
Two ways COVID-19 affected this large brokerage’s M&A strategy
November 20, 2020 by Jason ContantThe COVID-19 pandemic required one large Canadian brokerage to take a “very different approach” to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. COVID affected the M&A process in two significant ways, Jamie Lyons, president and chief operating officer with Westland Insurance Group…
IBAO reacts to possibility of credit unions selling insurance
November 19, 2020 by Greg MeckbachOntario’s broker association is keeping a close eye on a provincial government proposal to relax restrictions on credit unions selling insurance in branches. “We believe there is a public consultation that is going to take place in 2021, so we…
Westland brokerage moves in an easterly direction
November 13, 2020 by Jason ContantWestland Insurance’s mergers and acquisition strategy continues in an easterly direction from its roots in British Columbia. Just days after closing its first-ever brokerage acquisition in Ontario, Westland Insurance Group Ltd. announced its second acquisition in Manitoba. On Nov. 10,…
How Aon sees competition regulators’ review of Willis Towers Watson acquisition
November 11, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIt is still up to regulators to decide whether Aon plc will be allowed to acquire Willis Towers Watson plc, but Aon officials seem confident there won’t be a problem. During a recent earnings call, Aon executives were asked why…
Broker suspended for passing off client’s cancelled vehicle plates as his own
November 10, 2020 by David GambrillA B.C. broker has been suspended for two years and fined $1,000 for passing off a client’s cancelled vehicle license plates as his own, giving the appearance that his vehicle was insured when in fact it wasn’t. Ping Hong (Gary)…
Intact sets 50% growth target for BrokerLink
November 10, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIntact Financial Corp. is aiming to grow its brokerage subsidiary to a $3-billion-a-year operation, CEO Charles Brindamour told investment banking analysts recently. “BrokerLink recently surpassed $2 billion in premiums as it continues to grow organically and through acquisitions,” Brindamour said…
Brokerage M&A round-up: Which four were bought?
November 9, 2020 by Jason ContantBritish Columbia-based Westland Insurance Group Ltd. has moved into the Ontario market, announcing that it has acquired Gillons Insurance Brokers Ltd. The “significant and substantial milestone” supports Westland’s expansion strategy to become a national insurance brokerage, the brokerage said when…
How IBC plans to help restaurants find insurance
October 29, 2020 by Greg MeckbachClients in the hospitality sector who cannot find affordable coverage can now go directly to the Insurance Bureau of Canada for help. IBC has hired a risk manager to help commercial clients improve their risk profile, said Jordan Brennan, IBC’s…
5th Top Story in 2020: Intact to exit this line of business
October 28, 2020 by Jason ContantCanada’s largest insurer announced late Tuesday that its brands Intact Insurance and belairdirect will no longer offer optional auto coverage in British Columbia. “This decision was taken after careful consideration, given the upcoming regulatory changes in the province that will…
What carriers are telling brokers who don’t invest in technology
October 26, 2020 by Greg MeckbachWith a week to go before Hallowe’en, Ontario brokers heard some spooky stories last week about what happens if a brokerage does not invest in keeping up to date with technology. “Technology is going to be a much more permanent…
NBS 2020 What brokers REALLY think about their jobs and their bosses
October 26, 2020 by David GambrillBrokers are more satisfied with their jobs now than they have been over the past three years, Canadian Underwriter’s 2020 National Broker Survey reveals. What’s more, they like their bosses better than their bosses think they do (at least, this…