Segment
Brokers
Coastal storms: Could U.S. scenario happen here?
November 1, 2023 Philip PoradoIncreasing intensity of hurricanes making landfall along the U.S. coastline, sparked largely by climate change, has resulted in significant insured losses for several years. And storms seem to be getting worse. That trend impacts insurability and, going forward, “property values…
What’s driving rising ransomware attacks
October 30, 2023 Philip PoradoRansomware attacks are increasing globally thanks to evolving cybercrime tactics that make it easier for thieves to transfer data from computers or other devices. “Cyber claims frequency has picked up again this year as ransomware groups continue to evolve their…
How Quebec’s language law may affect outside insurance providers
October 30, 2023 by Jason ContantQuebec’s recently enacted language law is creating concerns that smaller insurance providers may consider pulling out of the province. Bill 96 (Law 14), An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, came into effect June 1. Under…
How Canadian commercial brokers help cover multinational clients
October 27, 2023 David GambrillCanadian companies — in particular, energy firms — are starting to expand across the globe, and that’s when setting up a multinational, controlled master insurance program may be beneficial. “We’ve seen a number of Canadian customers expanding their operations outside…
How higher interest rates and inflation affect brokerage M&A
October 19, 2023 Jason ContantFinancial institutions, more often than not, have surplus capital. “To satisfy their shareholders, either they need to invest that capital or buy into businesses so they can have a return,” notes Suzanne Pountney, president of Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario…
Brokers’ Number 1 obstacle when selling cyber
October 18, 2023 by Jason ContantFor brokers, the biggest obstacle in selling cyber insurance to clients might not be what you think. Traditional roadblocks to a sale include price, board approval, and executive complacency. But here’s an unlikely naysayer that’s making the rounds of brokerage…
What consolidators look at before buying a brokerage
October 16, 2023 Jason ContantBuyers of Canadian P&C brokerages are becoming more selective in their M&A targets, with an increased focus on future profitability, Vancouver-based advisory firm Smythe LLP told Canadian Underwriter. Purchasers are still quoting high revenue multiples and prices aren’t necessarily decreasing,…
BrokerLink completes largest Alberta acquisition to date
October 12, 2023 by Jason ContantBrokerLink has completed its largest acquisition to date in Alberta with the purchase of Alpine Insurance Inc., the brokerage announced Wednesday. The brokerage also acquired Ontario-based Eagen Insurance Brokers Inc. Both deals were effective Oct. 1. “Alpine Insurance marks BrokerLink’s…
Westland grows with Ontario brokerage acquisition
October 11, 2023 by Jason ContantWestland has expanded in Ontario with the acquisition of family-owned brokerage David H. Coons Insurance Brokers Ltd. With roots tracing back to 1966, David H. Coons Insurance offers home, auto, commercial and travel insurance from its Burlington, Ont. office. The…
Is FSRA planning to license aggregators?
October 6, 2023 Philip PoradoOntario’s insurance regulator has confirmed it is considering whether or not aggregators need to be licensed. Since August, when Ontario’s financial services regulator issued a report outlining concerns about auto insurers’ compliance with take-all-comers requirements, Canada’s P&C insurance industry has…
How auto insurance will navigate a world with self-driving cars
October 4, 2023 Tim Crljenica, Thomas Gold Pettingill LLPSelf-driving cars have been a part of visions of the future for decades, and what was once only imaginary has started to become reality. Not only do self-driving cars exist, but five U.S. states (Arizona, California, Michigan, New Hampshire and…
Tips for insuring properties worth more than $500 million
October 2, 2023 Philip PoradoCoverage for high-value real estate, defined as sites worth $500 million or more, is often based as much on how those sites are used as on the physical assets themselves. Multi-use sites, where activities like manufacturing, distribution, logistics and management…