The limits of artificial intelligence in insurance
April 11, 2019 by Greg MeckbachArtificial intelligence has not reached the point where it is replacing humans in the insurance industry because many processes still require human intervention, speakers said at a recent insurance conference. Artificial intelligence is used in some cases for client engagement…
Insurers object to characterization of Ontario auto as “profitable”
April 9, 2019 by David GambrillCanada’s home, auto and business insurers are objecting to a recent characterization of Ontario’s auto insurance regime as “profitable.” “The current trends are unsustainable for both drivers and insurance companies,” Insurance Bureau of Canada vice president of Ontario Kim Donaldson…
Two winter storms, one $70-million claims bill for insurers
April 9, 2019 by David GambrillThe busy catastrophe season in Canada thus far is continuing with no signs of slowing down. Two severe weather storms in Ontario this year, one in February and one in March, cost insurers more than $70 million in insured damage,…
How will reputational harm coverage evolve?
April 8, 2019 by Jason ContantWill reputational harm coverage grow into its own coverage or will it remain sublimited, as is often the case? There is currently a lot of variance within the market in how this coverage is offered, if at all. Some insurers…
Early numbers from privacy commissioners on mandatory breach reporting
April 5, 2019 by Jason ContantThe federal Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has already seen a four-to-five times increase in the number of breaches reported to its office since the mandatory breach notification requirements came into effect last November. On Nov. 1,…
Why insurers are not calling it a hard market
April 5, 2019 by Greg MeckbachYour clients may be paying higher rates but hard market may not be the right way to describe it, speakers suggested at a recent insurance conference. “I don’t personally know if I would call it a hard market yet. What…
Industry veteran Steve Whitelaw joins Applied Systems
April 5, 2019 by Jason ContantApplied Systems has appointed Steve Whitelaw as vice president of industry and partner relations for the Canadian marketplace. With more than 20 years of technology leadership and industry relations experience, Whitelaw was previously vice president of IT planning, execution and…
AXIS Insurance announces new head of claims in Canada
April 4, 2019 by David GambrillAXIS Insurance has appointed Margaret Mede as head of Canada claims, effective immediately. Based in Toronto, Mede will lead a team that handles D&O, E&O, employment, media, cyber, fidelity, and general liability claims brought against Canadian-based insureds. She joins AXIS…
CU Total Loss Series: How to reduce auto total loss cycle times by a week
April 3, 2019 by David GambrillMeet Jane Doe, a total loss survivor. The front end of her car was demolished when she tried to turn left at a busy intersection. She was hit by a driver who was talking on his cell phone while running…
Could Canada cut interest rates?
April 2, 2019 Andy Blatchford - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz says the economy needs a longer lift from stimulative interest rates to overcome domestic and global economic hurdles, though he predicts the country’s recent economic weakness will only be temporary. Poloz, speaking…
The case for scaling intelligent automation technologies
April 2, 2019 by Jason ContantThere is a direct correlation between scalability of intelligent automation (IA) technologies and financial performance, a new KPMG International study has found. Based on a survey of nearly 600 business leaders (including 100 top-level executives) across 13 countries, including Canada,…
Hub acquires personal and commercial lines brokerage in Alberta
April 2, 2019 by Jason ContantHub International announced Tuesday it has acquired Del Fisher Insurance, an independent brokerage offering personal and commercial lines. Based in Calgary, Del Fisher Insurance has provided personal and commercial insurance solutions, including home, auto, business and contract bonding to area…