Applied launches “translation services” to improve broker-insurer connectivity
April 4, 2018 by Jason ContantApplied Systems announced Wednesday the launch of its insurer “translation services,” allowing Canadian insurers to translate and distribute policy-related data directly into [broker] management systems. The translation services provide the connectivity technology required to easily move data between insurer and…
Why McFarlan Rowlands acquired DA Kurt Insurance Brokers
April 3, 2018 by Jason ContantGeographic and cultural fit drove London, Ont.-based McFarlan Rowlands‘s decision to acquire DA Kurt Insurance Brokers of Kitchener, Ont., McFarlan told Canadian Underwriter. The deal is expected to close on April 30. “The DA Kurt team prides themselves on providing…
Consumers capable of making online insurance purchases on their own: digital broker
April 2, 2018 by Jason ContantCanadians are rejecting the notion that personal lines insurance is such a complicated product that consumers are incapable of making their own insurance purchase decisions without the advice of a broker, a digital broker told Canadian Underwriter recently. “I don’t…
Human intervention not required to sell insurance online, digital broker says
March 29, 2018 by Jason ContantProposed regulatory changes allowing the sale of property and casualty insurance in Quebec without human intervention might actually benefit consumers and not harm them, a digital brokerage told Canadian Underwriter Wednesday. Scott Loong, co-founder and CEO of Montreal-based digital brokerage…
Applied Systems partners with CSIO on electronic policy documents solution
March 26, 2018 by Jason ContantBroker management system (BMS) provider Applied Systems announced Monday that it has expanded its partnership with the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) to integrate CSIO’s My Proof of Insurance eDelivery solution with Applied Epic and Applied TAM in…
Insurer losses not yet translating into property price hikes: broker
March 24, 2018 by Greg MeckbachBrokers expecting to see price hikes in property lines after last year’s devastating hurricanes may have good news for clients, at least in the short term. “Long term, all of the carriers will need to increase pricing and they would…
Why Aviva says retention is “a great growth strategy” for brokers
March 15, 2018 by David GambrillWith rates on the rise in personal home and auto insurance lines, retaining existing clients could potentially be a great growth strategy for brokers going forward, Aviva Canada advises. “The opportunity to get more rate from existing clients is one…
Insurers’ tips to trucking clients: how not to lose your loads
March 13, 2018 by David GambrillIf you want to keep your cargo safe, it’s best to keep it moving, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) warns. Linked to the involvement of organized crime, cargo theft is described as an “epidemic” in Canada, with a total loss…
Two factors prompting HUB’s latest Canadian acquisition
March 12, 2018 by Jason ContantLocation and farming expertise played into HUB International Limited’s acquisition of a Manitoba brokerage recently. The global insurance brokerage announced Wednesday it has acquired the shares of Desilets Insurance Brokers Ltd. Desilets Insurance will become part of Hub Manitoba. “This…
Broker calls court injunction against random drug and alcohol testing “scary”
March 5, 2018 by Canadian UnderwriterAlberta’s appeal court has upheld a lower court ruling that prohibits Suncor Energy Inc. from testing oil sands workers in safety sensitive positions for drug and alcohol impairment. For Sherry Barge, national transportation leader for commercial brokerage BFL Canada, the…
Brokers: How much do you spend to acquire a new client?
March 2, 2018 by David GambrillHow much does it — or should it — cost you to acquire a new client? Out of many leads you attract to the brokerage, how many of those sales actually close? If you can’t answer these questions, you are…
Why this digital broker does not fear directs
March 2, 2018 by David GambrillDigital brokerages have a big marketing advantage over the directs, Dario Battista, president and CEO of isure said Wednesday at the Insurance Canada Technology Conference in Toronto. “We’re not really concerned about the direct markets, quite frankly,” he said. “We’re…