“We like the North”
March 31, 2015 Craig Harris|Craig HarrisMarlene Lefebvre of Laurin Adjusters, which serves Alberta’s Peace Region, says her firm embraces the challenge of handling claims in a remote area.
Marketplace
March 1, 2015 by Canadian UnderwriterCANADIAN MARKET Intact acquires Canadian Direct Insurance for $197 million Intact Financial Corporation (IFC) is expanding its direct operations in Western Canada with the recently announced acquisition of Canadian Direct Insurance Inc. (CDI). IFC reports that it has entered into…
AB Adjusting, Diversified
January 31, 2015 Craig Harris, Freelance Writer|Craig Harris, Freelance WriterTrevor Cortese has a passion for and niche in helping injured people get appropriate compensation. That hasn’t, however, stopped his London, Ontario-based firm, TC Insurance Adjusters Ltd., from spreading its wings.
Options Abound
December 1, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe year ahead for property and casualty insurance in Canada feels a bit like a mix of hard facts and wishful thinking. With change the only constant, is the market signalling how best to match opportunity and risk? Will the industry come up with a pleasing palette – satisfying to its customers – or do ongoing challenges threaten to produce a total mismatch?
Perception vs Reality
September 1, 2014 Andrew Lo, Chief Marketing Officer, Kanetix.caThe results of a recent survey suggest that providers of usage-based auto insurance need to educate clients about how the data insurers collect on driving behaviour is used, how this information will affect their rates and how telematics can improve safety while reducing claims frequency.
Fleets of Fancy
August 1, 2014 Murray Harris, Senior Associate; and Graham Henderson, Associate; McLennan Ross LLPA recent case out of Alberta considering relief from forfeiture illustrates the need for fleet and risk managers to carefully consider vehicle fleet lists provided to and by insurers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Spam Alert
August 1, 2014 Craig Harris, Freelance WriterAlthough brokers and insurers generally do not send mass e-mail solicitations, some industry activities – such as prospecting, use of third-party marketing services and even social media – may get caught in the web of Canada’s new anti-spam legislation.
Seizing Advantage
June 1, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterCanadian auto insurers have been slow to embrace usage-based insurance (UBI), but telematics is only the beginning of a data-driven revolution that is poised to transform insurance. Insurers would be well-advised to develop UBI offerings now to seize an advantage and remain competitive in future.
Claims Control
April 1, 2014 Robert Wildbore, Executive Vice President, Willis Re Canada; and Nick Goulder, Associate, International Casualty Director, Willis ReWho is in control of claims? Historically, insurers have settled and paid their own claims, rarely consulting with reinsurers. But reinsurers are increasingly asking for claims meetings, additional information and original claim reports. Is the approach to claims in need of reform?
Far from Standard
April 1, 2014 Michael Currie, National Technical Director, Fire Underwriters SurveyFire protection is far from standardized in Canada. This inconsistency, coupled with the return of some bad habits, demands that insurers diligently adjust premiums based on the Canadian Fire Insurance Grading Index, thereby reflecting true risk and avoiding artificially low rates that spur municipal cuts to fire budgets.
Business Case
March 1, 2014 Kevin Leong, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Agent, Canada, Allianz Global Corporate & SpecialtyBusiness risks are becoming increasingly complex. Canadian companies must respond to growing challenges by adopting stronger internal controls, implementing a holistic approach to risk management and determining if business continuity plans are robust enough to adequately address any major interruption.
Water Logged
March 1, 2014 Canadian Institute of Actuaries, Research Committee/Property & Casualty Research SubcommitteeA mix of environmental, economic and sociological pieces make up a costly puzzle when it comes to water damage risk and the potential effect on Canadian property insurance pricing.