Canadian Underwriter


Feature Claims Canada

Quake Conundrum

January 31, 2014 Craig Harris, Freelance Writer

The risk of a major earthquake in certain regions of Canada is real, according to geoscientists and catastrophe modelers. However, the awareness level of residents in vulnerable zones, as measured by take-up rates of private insurance, is low. Independent adjusters say that while it is difficult to truly prepare for a major earthquake in an urban area, there are some lessons that can be gleaned from recent events in Japan, New Zealand and Chile. The question looming ahead: will Canada be ready for the big one?

Feature Claims Canada

60 Years of Representation

November 30, 2013 Craig Harris

The Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year as the profession’s singular voice of advocacy, education and membership. Evolving from an elite conference of like-minded independent adjusters in the 1950s to mid-1980s to a truly national association in the modern era, CIAA has seen its share of changes – yet many of its goals have stayed the same. We take a brief look at the history of the association, share some observations from past presidents and, perhaps most importantly, glimpse into where CIAA is headed in the future.

Feature Claims Canada

Claims Traveler

November 30, 2013 Craig Harris

B.C. native John Russell takes the reins of president of the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association

Feature Claims CanadaCommercial Lines

Taking Care of Business

September 30, 2013 Craig Harris

Business continuity (BC) planning has shifted from a “nice to have” to a “must have” for independent adjusters. Increasingly, clients are asking for details of BC plans and demanding to know steps that adjusting firms have taken to ensure continuity of service for mission critical operations. As events this year, such as flooding and rail disasters, have shown, a well tested, functional BC plan may be the difference between staying in business – or being out of the loop.

Feature Claims CanadaLegal

Host Liability’s Legacy

September 30, 2013 Todd Davies, partner, and Scott Harcus, associate, Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang

Raising a Glass to the 40th Anniversary of Commercial Host Liability

Feature Claims CanadaCommercial Lines

Deluge

July 31, 2013 Craig Harris

Independent adjusters experienced a surge of claims from record flooding in Southern Alberta and the Greater Toronto Area in late June and early July. The losses from epic flood-related damage to personal and commercial property will represent the costliest natural disaster in Canada.

Feature Claims Canada

The Ambassador

July 31, 2013 Craig Harris

Granite Claims Solutions’ Marie Gallagher is proud to represent the loss adjusting profession as incoming CIAA president.

Feature Claims Canada

Crossroads

May 31, 2013 Laura Kupcis, Editor

Dennis Bymak, principal of All Task Adjusters, has had a flourishing career in independent adjusting. He now has the luxury of deciding whether to continue pursuing claims or retiring.

Feature Claims CanadaEarnings / Ratings

Industry posts solid premium growth, lower combined ratio

March 31, 2013 by

The Canadian property and casualty insurance market saw substantial growth in premiums in 2012, largely because of growth in personal lines, including improvement in Ontario auto results, according to preliminary data from MSA Research. The industry’s combined ratio for the

Feature Claims Canada

Fast Forward

December 1, 2012 by

Adjusters Adapt to a Changing Claims Environment

Feature Claims Canada

WINMAR cruise raises $5,000 for guide dogs for persons with disabilities

December 1, 2012 by

More than 220 guests boarded the Yankee Lady III on August 23rd for the 4th Annual WINMAR Toronto/Brampton Cruise fundraiser, which collectively raised $5,000 for Dog Guides Canada. This will contribute to the following… ” From guiding their handlers through

Feature Claims Canada

Ontario Moves Closer To CAT Injury Definition

July 31, 2012 Craig Harris

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario’s (FSCO) review of catastrophic impairment, submitted to the Finance Minister, was part of the government’s auto insurance reform package implemented in 2010. It said psychiatric and physical impairments should not be combined for the purpose of determining a catastrophic impairment of the whole person.