Making Connections at Saskatoon 2002
November 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterThe RIMS Canada Conference recently brought together risk managers and their insurance partners in Saskatoon. Along with educational sessions and exhibits, there were also many opportunities for networking. From Saturday night parties hosted by Cunningham Lindsey and Crawford Adjusters to…
Educational Evolution
November 1, 2002 Vikki SpencerAs the Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC) celebrates its 50th anniversary as a national source of insurance education, its path can be viewed as a work in progress. Many of the mandates that marked the institute’s early years continue to guide its development: accessibility, professionalism and high educational standards respected worldwide. Now, institute president Peter Hohman says the IIC is also focused on raising the profile of its graduates with the public.
Toxic Mold Claims: Covering the Bases
November 1, 2002 Vikki SpenceEvents in the Texas homeowners’ insurance market have sent a chill through the North American insurance industry – multi-million dollar court awards, big company withdrawals, exclusion debates. In Canada, insurers have seen the mold threat coming as they watch their U.S. counterparts struggle to keep pace with this emerging peril. And, while there is agreement that mold has the potential to hit the Canadian market just as hard, insurers are looking south to learn from the U.S. example before it becomes too late.
Brokers Facing Exit Signs
October 1, 2002 Douglas Gough, corporate finance partner at Mintz & Partners FinIf you are the owner or principal shareholder of a company such as an agency or brokerage, you likely put your energies into dealing with day-to-day issues and growing the business. However, you need to recognize that you will exit the business at some point, and this means investing time now in making sure that process happens smoothly.
Nightmare
October 1, 2002 AxiomTo celebrate our 75th year in business, my insurance company had staged a special anniversary party at our head-office. There had been an open bar, mounds of hot finger food, plus a few mercifully short speeches. Some of our leading…
Devil in the Details (October 01, 2002)
October 1, 2002 Craig HarrisThe theme from panelists at a recent insurance conference in Toronto was clear – it’s all about execution in today’s tough marketplace. It was a message that even keynote speaker Rob Sampson warmed up to.
News (October 01, 2002)
October 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association held its annual Conference and Trade Show at the Deerhurst Resort near Huntsville, ON. Amidst the networking opportunities, educational designations were also awarded. Pictured, Rod Palmer of Crawford Adjusters Canada receives his Fellow of the…
Into the Fire
September 1, 2002 Brian Jones, president of Jones Brown Inc.Devastating condominium fires, such as the most recent blaze at Calgary’s Waterford complex, have created challenges for the construction industry and builders risk insurance market. Are the actions of insurers justified relative to loss experience, and how are insureds reacting to the tighter terms and pricing of cover?
A.B. Claims: Paralegal Probe
September 1, 2002 Cecil Jaipaul, president, Jaipaul ConsultingParalegals and accident benefits claims are often a costly mix for insurers. A recent proposal to regulate this profession, including accreditation and minimum standards, is a step in the right direction.
Mold & Water Damage Claims: Avoiding the Headache
September 1, 2002 Alex Lozecki Sr., president of Environmental Solutions InternatiThe industry’s newest catalyst is a four-letter word: MOLD. Should we be alarmed about this sleeping monster? How is it affecting people’s health and that of their children? How did it get here, and why is it growing? Insurers are trying to come to grips with this new threat, at the same time facing claims for incidents that happened perhaps years earlier.
A Total Loss
August 1, 2002 Paul Timoteo, president of 43r.caWhen it comes to total loss auto claims, many insurers pay the actual purchase price for replacement which could result in some serious money being “left on the table”. What do insurers do when they have a total loss claim?…
Rates Keep on Trucking
July 1, 2002 Craig HarrisTrucking companies, taxi operators and large private fleets are feeling the squeeze of the hard market, with shrinking capacity, increasing rates and restrictive terms and conditions. And, feedback from insurers suggests that there is little relief on the horizon.