How waiving this government fee could reduce auto premiums
March 15, 2019 by David GambrillIf the Ontario government wants to take one small step towards reducing auto insurance premiums for its drivers, it might consider dropping its administrative charges for drivers and their insurers to obtain three-year driving records, one industry professional suggests. “Assuming…
What this direct writer learned by starting up its own broker channel
March 14, 2019 by David GambrillWe’ve all heard about multi-channel insurance companies that sell through the broker channel while at the same time beefing up their direct channel. But how about CAA Insurance, a direct writer that has become a multi-channel writer by building up…
How recreational cannabis has created numerous challenges for insurers
March 14, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCannabis legalization is making things more complex for auto insurers and increasing risk for some commercial property clients, A.M. Best Company Inc. suggests in a recent report. About 25 insurers, most of whom are non-admitted, provide coverage for cannabis risks…
Renowned independent broker returns to the big stage with a new brokerage
March 13, 2019 by David GambrillA big name in Manitoba’s independent brokerage community, Peter Leipsic, is making a return to the scene as a senior partner at a new brokerage called Dimensions Insurance Management Inc. He was executive vice president at Horizon Insurance (the province’s…
This global reinsurer is applying for a Canadian branch office
March 13, 2019 by David GambrillValidus Reinsurance Ltd., a Bermuda-based reinsurer acquired by AIG last year for $5.5 billion, is looking to establish a Canadian branch office. Validus intends to file an application with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) on or…
Institute serves up a new look to insurance education
March 12, 2019 by David GambrillPerhaps you have noticed something different lately about some of the course materials for your Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation? If you open up your new textbook for the CIP course, Underwriting Essentials, for example, you will notice something new…
How RSA plans to shore up its personal lines results in Canada
March 11, 2019 by David GambrillExpect RSA in Canada to take remedial underwriting actions in its personal lines portfolio – including auto rate increases of between 3% and 16%, and potentially selected broker cancellations – in order to shore up results after a tough year…
What hard market in liquor liability means for clients
March 11, 2019 by Greg MeckbachClients planning St. Patrick’s Day celebrations may find themselves short on luck when it comes to insurance coverage. It’s becoming more difficult for clients to get insurance for liquor-related losses with the terms they need, one managing general agent observes.…
How to sell commercial coverage to small businesses
March 8, 2019 by Jason ContantBrokers looking to sell commercial coverage to small businesses need to keep it simple, fast and client-specific, industry professionals told Canadian Underwriter Thursday. Sometimes when buzzwords like artificial intelligence, blockchain and chatbots dominate the conversation, the cart comes before the…
All bets are off on timing of interest rate increase
March 8, 2019 Andy Blatchford - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – A weak data report “surprised” the Bank of Canada ahead of its decision to cast doubts about future interest-rate hikes and to warn Canadians the ongoing slump could prove to be unexpectedly stubborn, says one of the bank’s…
Steps to scale innovation at your company
March 8, 2019 by Jason ContantScaling innovation across a business can be a challenge, as most organizations start innovation in a “pocket, team or lab,” a speaker said late last month at the Insurance-Canada.ca Technology Conference. Simon Chan, head of corporate innovation thought leadership at…
Brokerlink acquires family-owned brokerage in Alberta
March 8, 2019 by David GambrillBrokerLink has welcomed into its tent a 40-year-old family brokerage located in the Peace River area of northern Alberta. Nicolet Insurance Ltd., a full-service operation offering auto, home, business and travel insurance, has joined Brokerlink, one of Canada’s largest property…