MPI offers drivers a break
September 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterManitoba’s drivers could see lower rates on their insurance next year as a result of a strong financial showing by the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation (MPI) for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2000. MPI saw its net income rise…
Canadian/U.S. insurance markets bounce back
September 1, 2000 Sean van Zyl, EditorAfter several years of growth decline, the Canadian and U.S. property and casualty insurance markets appear to have turned a corner for the better based on results for the first quarter of this year. Industry economists and market analysts are…
Counting the Costs of claims service
August 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerThe old adage ‘you have to spend money to make money’ should be taken to heart by today’s insurance companies, say the industry’s claims managers. Canada’s top insurers agree that customer service is the name of the game, and claims handling the key to keeping customers on board. Companies that sacrifice customer service in the name of cost saving are in danger of paying the price in the long run.
Professional Development: STAYING THE COURSE
August 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerRegulatory harmonization, multi-licensing, mergers and consolidations. In a world of rapid change, ongoing education has become a key survival tool of the new insurance landscape. Whether driven by consumers, regulators or employers, the trend is moving toward increasingly higher levels…
“Clicks and Mortar”
July 1, 2000 Sean van Zyl, EditorThere is little wonder to why insurance company leaders are reluctant to embrace e-commerce wholeheartedly. Having being struck a double whammy of first “panel beating” their multi-million dollar legacy-based systems into shape for Y2K, then being told these same platforms…
When it rains, it pours
July 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterThe torrential and almost record downpour resulting from a rainstorm which struck southern Ontario over the weekend of May 12th and 13th of this year is expected to cost insurers about $68 million in insured damages, according to preliminary figures…
Turning a slow corner: Canadian Insurance Congress 2000
July 1, 2000 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe 2000 Canadian Insurance Congress — which this year celebrated its tenth anniversary as Canada’s premier annual reinsurance/primary company CEO forum — drew together a strong cast of speakers from across the sectors of the North American property and casualty…
Privatization war drums sound
July 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterSpeaking at the Canadian Insurance Congress luncheon, George Anderson, president of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), announced that the IBC will be renewing its lobby campaign this year to overthrow the state-run monopoly position the Insurance Corporation of British…
Sales Inducements: Let’s make a deal
July 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerThe rise of direct insurers has energized discussion about regulating product sales inducements. While many brokers fight to maintain the prohibition on inducements, others are asking the question, “who are we protecting?” And regulators are starting to respond, rewriting the…
Kingsway produces 1st quarter recovery
June 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterFollowing a fourth quarter loss for the 1999 financial year, specialty listed insurer Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (TSE:KFS) brought its bottom-line figures back into the black for the first quarter of the current year. Earnings for the first quarter of…
TAKING THE PLUNGE
June 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerArmed with over 50 years experience in the insurance business, Simon Farrow is ready to lead a new company, Thompson General Insurance, onto the playing field. The market may be competitive, he says, but this “virtual company” is mixing state…
Kingsway acquires AXA fleet book
June 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterInsurer AXA Canada has sold its book of commercial trucking business, consisting of ten vehicles and more, to specialty insurer Kingsway Financial Services Inc. The book is valued at about $23 million in annual premium. As part of the arrangement,…