How blockchain will help brokers bypass traditional insurers
July 12, 2018 by David GambrillVancouver-based Fineqia International Inc. has taken an equity allocation in Black Insurance, a Tallinn, Estonia-based digital insurance startup on the blockchain that has set its sights on creating a direct investor-to-broker relationship, bypassing the need for a traditional insurance company.…
Where capacity is tightening in general liability lines
July 10, 2018 by David GambrillIn general liability lines, where pricing and competition are still healthy, brokers are more likely to notice windows of opportunity that are now starting to close – particularly in the hot tar and hospitality lines. “Competition is out there, capacity…
Insurers jumping out of the trampoline business
July 8, 2018 by Jason ContantCanadian insurers are jumping out of the trampoline business. Gina Bennett, vice president of Markel Canada’s western region, told Canadian Underwriter Thursday that there are few markets to approach for trampoline risks, as most sports insurance carriers have exited writing…
How the pieces of the puzzle fit together during a catastrophe
July 5, 2018 by Jason ContantFollowing a catastrophe, policyholders are best served when adjusters and contractors adhere to their professional limitations in managing a loss, an industry executive said Tuesday. Jim Eso, senior vice president of property and casualty with Crawford and Company (Canada) Inc.,…
In search of cannabis product liability coverage
June 28, 2018 by Greg MeckbachBrokers looking to place product liability policies for cannabis vendors might face an uphill battle. The cannabis industry “desperately” needs access to the same coverage that insurers already provide to non-cannabis businesses in agriculture pharmaceutical or manufacturing, said Wendy Sinclair,…
Will we ever see another hard market again?
June 27, 2018 by David GambrillIs the traditional hard market “broken”? Insurance pricing cycles have all but evaporated over the past decade, with premium rates during this period showing an overall decline. The trend is illustrated once again in the 2018 Risk and Insurance Management…
Paid This is how savvy commercial underwriters are getting ahead of the competition
June 25, 2018 Opta Information IntelligenceIn a fiercely competitive and increasingly challenging commercial lines marketplace, Opta Information Intelligence’s Commercial Perils Solution can now display an unparalleled scope of risk related insight to a particular piece of business. Allowing savvy underwriters to better manage their existing…
Claims professionals speak out amid allegations of contractors providing insurance advice
June 21, 2018 by Jason ContantOntario and Quebec’s May 4 windstorm event has the Canadian claims industry talking about the proper roles of contractors and adjusters, based on unconfirmed reports that individual rogue contractors – e.g. not people associated with the larger restoration contracting firms –…
How a $3-million brokerage increased its premium volume by 2,133% in five years
June 20, 2018 by Jason ContantFear of technology is preventing many brokerages from reaching their strategic objectives, a digital broker said last week at Gore Mutual’s Fast Forward event in Toronto. And it’s a myth, he added, that only large companies can afford to use…
How training plays into claims adjusting during back-to-back cats
June 19, 2018 by Jason ContantWhen Canada experiences back-to-back catastrophes, it can be a challenge to pull together all the required resources in a timely fashion. Part of the puzzle is ensuring that claims adjusters and other parties are properly trained for the files they…
Does Canada have the adjusting resources to handle back-to-back catastrophes?
June 6, 2018 by Jason ContantDoes Canada’s property and casualty industry have enough resources in place to adjust major catastrophes that occur in tandem or right on the heels of each other? Industry resources in Ontario were tested after a severe ice storm in April,…
Bank of Canada keeps key interest rate target on hold at 1.25 per cent
May 30, 2018 Craig Wong - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – The Bank of Canada kept its key interest rate target on hold Wednesday, but noted the Canadian economy was a little stronger than expected in the first quarter, raising expectations that rate hikes are coming later this year…