This global carrier could re-enter the Canadian retail insurance market
February 27, 2019 by Greg MeckbachSeventeen years after selling its personal lines business to the insurer now known as Intact, Zurich Canada has ambitions to re-enter the “retail” space, but it remains to be seen how it would do that or what form it would…
$75-million shareholders’ lawsuit proposed against SNC Lavalin
February 26, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSSNC-Lavalin Group Inc. faces new legal troubles as a shareholder aims to launch a class action lawsuit in connection with the criminal charges against the embattled engineering firm. Law firm Strosberg Sasso Sutts LLP has filed a proposed class action…
These three work tasks make the most sense to automate
February 26, 2019 by Jason ContantIf you’re looking to automate at your brokerage or insurance company, scrutinize specific tasks, not entire jobs, recommends a blog from Harvard Business Review. There are three fundamental work characteristics that lend themselves to automation: Repetitive vs. variable work –…
How modernization of payment systems in Canada could increase cyber claims
February 26, 2019 by Jason ContantWhile theft of funds remains a relatively minor source of Canadian cyber claims for one specialist insurer, it is expected to grow as further modernization of payment systems takes place in the country. CFC Underwriting released Friday its 2018 cyber…
The advantage of recruiting non-insurance workers as claims professionals
February 26, 2019 by Greg MeckbachFor independent adjusters, the need to replace retiring workers is becoming more urgent. “A number of our front-line adjusters are very senior, very talented and experienced,” said Paul Féron senior vice president for Ontario and Manitoba at ClaimsPro LP. “In…
How Zurich can use AI to reduce a broker’s E&O exposure
February 25, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA Toronto-based artificial intelligence (AI) vendor is working with Zurich Canada to reduce errors and omissions risk in commercial insurance policies. Often commercial policies have dozens of pages with several endorsements, which someone needs to read for accuracy before the…
One solution for non-damage business interruption
February 21, 2019 by Jason ContantParametric insurance can help fill a gap in some policies by covering non-damage business interruption, a speaker said Tuesday at AXA XL’s Fast Forward LIVE event in downtown Toronto. Caused by a variety of factors, including severe weather conditions, non-damage…
What it will take for another interest rate hike
February 21, 2019 Andy Blatchford THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – The head of the Bank of Canada says his trend-setting interest rate is low enough, at its below-inflation level of 1.75 per cent, that it’s delivering stimulative effects to the economy. But even in the stronger economy, governor…
NFP Corp acquires Ontario P&C brokerage
February 20, 2019 by David GambrillNFP Corp., a global insurance brokerage and consultant, has acquired Ontario-based property and casualty brokers Mass Insurance Brokers Limited and Easyway Insurance Brokers Inc (collectively known as Mass). Terms of the deal were not disclosed. NFP announced the deal, which…
Where Fairfax is going with future acquisitions
February 19, 2019 by Greg MeckbachWhile Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. is not ruling out the possibility of buying small specialty insurance players, don’t expect the firm to buy any big insurers any time soon. Toronto-based Fairfax, whose holdings include Northbridge Insurance, bought the majority of…
Atlantic Canada brokerage acquires family-owned operation
February 15, 2019 by Jason ContantArchway Insurance, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest brokerages, has announced the acquisition of family brokerage George Mitchell Insurance in Liverpool, N.S. Amherst, N.S.-headquartered Archway announced the acquisition Thursday. Effective Feb. 28, 2019, Archway’s latest acquisition brings its number of locations…
Opta acquires getClarity: linking property and risk data with consumer profiles
February 14, 2019 by David GambrillWith its recent acquisition of getClarity, Opta Information Intelligence is expanding into the area of customer and prospect behaviour. Opta is Canada’s largest property data aggregator and a provider of risk intelligence and loss control services. Its solutions include iClarify…