Why this client wants to take insurer to Supreme Court over family protection endorsement
September 25, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA motor vehicle personal injury lawsuit, involving Ontario’s family protection endorsement and multiple defendants when alcohol is involved, could be headed to the Supreme Court of Canada. A key question before the top court — if it decides to hear…
The good news and bad news about Ontario auto
September 24, 2020 by Greg MeckbachOntario auto insurance rates were 3.7% lower in the second quarter of 2020, than in the same period in 2019, but were still higher than in the three months ending March 30, 2020, data released Tuesday by LowestRates.ca suggests. “COVID…
What happens in Alberta when auto insurers are not comfortable with their profitability
September 23, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe Alberta auto insurance industry is still suffering “hangover” from a 5% cap on rate increases that was abolished more than a year ago, with many insurers not looking for new business, suggests the co-founder of LowestRates.ca. Data released Tuesday…
How vehicle depreciation can create E&O risk
September 21, 2020 by Greg MeckbachPersonal auto insurance brokers who don’t offer an endorsement that would limit an insurer’s right to restrict its coverage to actual cash value could be increasing their errors and omissions risk, a senior broker has cautioned. Alberta and Ontario have…
Supreme Court of Canada paves way for insurers’ medical examiner’s lawsuit
September 10, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA $15-million defamation lawsuit by an insurers’ medical examiner against an Ontario-based personal injury lawyer is going to trial, the Supreme Court of Canada announced in a divided ruling released Thursday. Dr. Howard Platnick “deserves to have his day in…
Top court to consider release that excludes ‘claims of any kind or nature whatsoever’
August 14, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe legal status of a release that excludes a personal injury claimant from pursuing further claims arising out of the incident “of any kind or nature whatsoever” against the City of Corner Brook, Nfld., is headed to the Supreme Court…
Why regulation holds auto insurers back from using advanced modelling
August 4, 2020 by Greg MeckbachAuto insurers could potentially use artificial intelligence to improve risk segmentation but some of the newer modelling techniques may not be a good fit with the way rates are currently regulated, a data science expert for one insurer suggests. Ontario’s…
Fraud schemes that financially-strapped clients may be considering
July 14, 2020 by Greg MeckbachSome consumers who owe money on vehicle loans during the COVID-19 pandemic may be tempted to make false auto theft claims, an independent adjuster warns. “Insureds who are desperate for money may have the vehicle stolen and burned to ensure…
How liability is shared for this left-turn collision at a yellow stoplight
July 14, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA British Columbia motorist who was hit by an oncoming vehicle while turning left at a yellow light is 75% liable, not 100% liable as originally assessed by the insurer, the province’s Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) has ruled. Clayton Trenaman…
How you could save an aging Ontario auto client $14,000
July 10, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIf you are not consistently shopping around for a better deal for your Generation X and Boomer-generation auto clients, they could be paying thousands extra after reaching middle age – unless they happen to find a lower rate from from…
Auto insurers, province dispute whether B.C.’s Bill 11 limits competition
July 9, 2020 by David GambrillThe Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has published an open letter to British Columbia Premier John Horgan, outlining concerns that the province’s Bill 11 may “stifle the limited competition that currently exists in BC’s optional auto insurance market,” a claim…
How many of your low-mileage drivers are shopping around for a better deal?
July 6, 2020 by Greg MeckbachOne impact of the pandemic has been a large spike in customers who are shopping around for a better deal because they are not driving very much, LowestRates.ca reports. “Consumers don’t understand why different insurance companies are reacting differently to…