Former Economical Insurance CEO joins another board
May 7, 2019 by Greg MeckbachKaren Gavan, former CEO of the first Canadian property and casualty insurer to start the demutualization process, is now on the board of directors of HSBC Canada. Gavan (pictured) was CEO of Waterloo, Ont.-based Economical Insurance from 2011 through 2016.…
Brokers urged to unite with insurers to end Alberta cap
May 7, 2019 by David GambrillWith a new government in Alberta, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is calling for a united front with the broker channel to come up with a new auto reform package and put an end to the province’s 5% cap…
Why it’s ‘time to stop talking’ about the Marshall report
May 6, 2019 by Greg MeckbachTwo years after David Marshall released 30 recommendations for reforming auto insurance in Ontario, it’s time to focus on what the current government is actually proposing, a consultant suggests. “I think it’s time to stop talking about Marshall and focus…
An explainer on the Ontario government’s move to review highway speed limits
May 6, 2019 Adam Burns - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Ontario’s government plans to launch a review of speed limits on provincial highways, with the transportation minister musing that some of those roads can safely handle traffic at 120 kilometres per hour. Here’s a look at the context…
Hub acquires full-service Saskatchewan brokerage
May 6, 2019 by Jason ContantGlobal insurance brokerage Hub International announced Monday it has acquired the assets of Saskatchewan brokerage Kelliher Agencies. Headquartered in Kelliher, Sask., the brokerage is a full-service, independent insurance brokerage that provides personal, commercial, farm and specialty products insurance. “Its focus…
What auto insurance brokers should keep in mind if cash settlements are banned
May 3, 2019 by Greg MeckbachBrokers need to understand both the upside and downside to a “care not cash” clause in an accident benefits policy so clients can choose an option that fits their needs, says an Ontario auto insurance expert. The Ontario government is…
Intact’s BrokerLink makes double acquisition
May 3, 2019 by Jason ContantBrokerLink has announced the acquisition of two brokerages: the Athabasca, Alta. branch of JDR Insurance and Guelph, Ont.-based Amplex Insurance Brokers Ltd. Both transactions were effective May 1 and terms of the transactions were not disclosed, BrokerLink said in a…
Is Ontario about to see electronic pink slips?
May 3, 2019 by Jason ContantIs electronic proof of auto insurance (EPAI) just around the corner in Ontario? Industry scuttlebutt is that the new Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) will allow the use of EPAI this summer, possibly as early as June. Canadian…
2018 ‘not a good year’ for Canadian P&C insurers: IBC
May 2, 2019 by Greg MeckbachWeak investment results and problems with auto insurance in most provinces were among the factors leading to a bad year for insurers in 2018, Insurance Bureau of Canada’s chairman suggests. “Last year was not a good year for the property…
Why this claimant cannot sue over auto collision
May 2, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA motorist should have known he was listed by his insurer as an excluded driver, an Ontario court has ruled. Johnathon Trudeau filed a lawsuit against David Cavanagh as a result of a 2013 vehicle collision in Espanola. Trudeau also…
How smart speakers could ruin your reputation
May 2, 2019 by Jason ContantConnecting consumers with brokers and insurers through voice technology has already begun, but a new blog from Harvard Business Review is warning companies that their reputation could be at risk. The blog was written for general business audiences, but included…
Ontario’s ‘most encouraging statement about auto insurance’ in 35 years
April 30, 2019 by Greg MeckbachThe recent Ontario budget document is giving some insurers hope that the government will actually fix the province’s auto insurance system. “Many people have said that the comprehensive package contained in the budget is frankly the most encouraging statement about…