Quebec’s third biggest P&C insurer working on merger
June 13, 2019 by Greg MeckbachLa Capitale General Insurance and LEDOR Assurances could combine if a plan announced Wednesday is approved by regulators. The two property and casualty insurers “have embarked on an initiative to amalgamate,” Quebec City-based La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services said…
What is costing Alberta auto insurers the most
June 13, 2019 by Jason ContantThird-party liability coverage continues to be the bane of Alberta auto insurers’ existence, the province’s Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) revealed in its 2018 annual report. Provincial auto insurers collect 53% of every dollar for third-party liability coverage, but are…
CU Total Loss Series: Bending Time
June 13, 2019 David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefTotal Loss Series, Part 3: Solutions Imagine Canada’s auto insurance industry saving millions of dollars each year in total loss costs and passing that along to Canadian drivers in the form of premium decreases. And all by simply reducing total…
Why is New Brunswick’s loss ratio the highest in Canada?
June 12, 2019 by Jason ContantWhat is contributing to New Brunswick’s skyrocketing loss ratio? According to Canadian Underwriter’s 2019 Statistical Issue, the total (direct) loss ratio for the province last year was 100.8%, up 22 points from 78.8% in 2017. This makes it the highest…
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…
FSRA takes over Ontario insurance oversight from FSCO
June 11, 2019 by Greg MeckbachOntario’s new property and casualty insurance regulator is up and running. Effective June 8, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) took over regulatory duties from both the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and the Deposit Insurance Corporation…
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…
How an insurtech uses pre-fill data to a homeowner’s best advantage
June 6, 2019 by Jason ContantOne insurtech based in the United States is pre-filling data in home insurance application forms to help answer questions that customers may not be able to answer themselves. California-based home insurance company Hippo Insurance uses trusted public data sources like…
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…
Mainstream autos get driver monitoring devices
June 4, 2019 By Tom Krisher - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDETROIT – Would you pay more for a car or SUV that warns you if you’re falling asleep or not paying attention behind the wheel? Auto companies are figuring that because your life could depend on it, you will. As…