Segment
Brokers
Finding solutions as brokers face cancelled contracts
June 11, 2019 by Adam MalikReal, sustainable solutions are needed to curb what’s being called a “devastating” time for some brokers in Alberta. The Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) has put together a task force to come up with ways to resolve what the…
Will a hard market fuel or stall M&A?
June 11, 2019 by Adam MalikMergers and acquisitions during a hard market are likely to play out differently depending on whether you’re looking at things as a broker or a carrier. On one side, a hard market may be the fuel to keep the fire…
This business process is taking too long
June 10, 2019 by Greg MeckbachSome brokers and carriers are spending too much time and effort dealing with incoming paper, a former auto underwriter says. While technology advancements mean more forms can be entered electronically through web and mobile apps, brokers nonetheless have data coming…
Brokerage makes third acquisition in Ontario
June 10, 2019 by Jason ContantAlberta-based brokerage Western Financial Group is continuing its strategic expansion into Ontario with its third brokerage acquisition in the province. High River, Alta-headquartered Western acquired EGM Insurance Group effective May 31, Western said in a press release last week. Based…
Why a hard market calls for soft skills
June 10, 2019 by Adam MalikWith a hard market tightening its grip on the insurance industry, brokers will need to be on their toes. They’ll be facing pushback from customers as premiums increase with little relief in sight as there are no signs of the…
Is your client covered from business interruption arising from terrorism?
June 6, 2019 by Greg MeckbachWhat if a terrorist attack interrupts your client’s business, but causes no actual injuries or damage to that client? Some insurers today are covering non-damage costs and loss of attraction. This could come into play if there is a terrorist…
Large commercial brokerage expands presence in benefits space
June 6, 2019 by Jason ContantYet another commercial brokerage has expanded its presence in the benefits space in Canada. Toronto-headquartered Navacord Corp. announced Tuesday the acquisition of Toronto-based Future Benefits Management Inc. (FBMI), effective June 3. Founded in 1995 and exclusively focused on group benefits,…
How reliable are severe weather emergency alerts?
June 5, 2019 by Jason ContantTwo tornadoes that swept through the Ottawa region Sunday have prompted questions about the effectiveness of Canada’s emergency alert system. Questions arose after numerous residents reported that they never received warnings about a tornado that hit Orléans, an east-end suburb…
5 questions to answer before transforming your business
June 5, 2019 by Adam MalikSo you want to change the way you do business. Great. But before you start turning things upside down, ask yourself five key questions to make sure you’re going to do it properly. Transforming business and the culture within it…
Another small-town Saskatchewan brokerage gets bought by large U.S. firm
June 4, 2019 by Greg MeckbachHub International Ltd. has bought its second Saskatchewan property and casualty insurance brokerage in less than a month. Chicago-based Hub said Tuesday it has acquired Kamsack-based Cottenie and Gardner Inc. Kamsack is a town of about 1,800, situated near the…
Buddies in Bad Times
June 4, 2019 Jeff BucksteinWhat makes a carrier a broker’s best friend forever? We asked brokers what tips the scales when they choose a carrier for their clients. Here’s what they told us….
Aon appoints president of commercial risk and health solutions in Canada
June 4, 2019 by Jason ContantAon plc has appointed Stéphane Lespérance as president of commercial risk and health solutions in Canada. In his new role, Lespérance will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the commercial risk and health solution teams in Canada, Aon said…