Coming Events (June 01, 2000)
June 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Export Development Corporation (EDC) has earmarked $1 million over three years for an International Studies Scholarship, to be administered by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Undergraduate students pursuing degrees in business or economics focussing on international…
Auto Repair Perspective: Work For, Not Against
May 1, 2000 John Norris, executive director of the Hamilton District AutobodThe world of repair shops and front-line collision damage appraisers is very different to that of the corporate insurance industry. A closer understanding of the challenges faced by both sides is clearly needed. In fact, with both bodyshops and insurers…
THE AIR OUT OF THE BAG
May 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerAirbags recovered from written-off vehicles will be used for collision repairs in British Columbia, likely before the end of the year, says a researcher at the province’s public insurance organization. The decision follows testing on salvaged airbags conducted by the…
Aftermarket Auto Parts: Shifting Gears
May 1, 2000 David CarrLegal action against insurance companies in the U.S. for alleged unauthorized use of aftermarket parts in vehicle repair have bubbled up into Canada. Within months of a successful $1.2 billion class action in Illinois against State Farm Insurance, similar suits…
Car thefts Top Cop
March 1, 2000 Lowell ConnTen years ago, auto theft was not big business organized crime that it has become today. About 97% of stolen cars were recovered then. Today, that figure has dropped to 60%. Some attribute the change to a more organized crime…
Liberty Mutual joins aftermarket fray
March 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterOnly days after class action suits were started in Quebec against insurers AXA Canada and ING Canada, Liberty Mutual General Insurance in Canada became the next victim of the aftermarkets parts legal fever sweeping North America. With its American parent…
Registry goes ONLINE
February 1, 2000 Lowell ConnThe North American Export Committee (NAEC) brought car theft stakeholders together to discuss the crisis on a continent-wide level. Canadian insurers, though, continue to do battle with car thieves on this side of the border, relying on a variety of…
GETTING TO GRIPS WITH CLAIMCOSTS
January 1, 2000 Sean van Zyl, EditorWith little room to maneuver on premium growth and enhancing investment returns, property and casualty insurers are likely to turn their attention in the year ahead to better risk selection and improved claims handling efficiency to boost bottom-line performance, industry…
Your Frontline Partner
January 1, 2000 Sam Malatesta Vice President, Marketing & Insurance Relations, CHow insurers treat customers when it counts most will be a critical marketing element that will lead to brand recognition and brand loyalty for all those involved in the insurance distribution channel.
The Edge of Claims Handling
January 1, 2000 AxiomAs the company’s senior marketing representative, this occasion was a command performance for me. My company was unveiling its new and improved 24-hour claims service, which included a fleet of modern cell phone, fax and computer-equipped cars to take our…
Toronto City struck down in bodyshop fight
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Supreme Court of Ontario has ruled in favour of insurers who mounted a challenge against a City of Toronto bylaw outlawing insurers from directing their insureds to preferred bodyshops. “This is a big victory for the industry and for…
Scrambling for loose business
December 1, 1999 Lowell ConnSports insurance is a specialty-lines oddity. It is unprofitable business marred by rising loss payouts not accurately balanced by the premiums generated. It is a competitive market where premium prices should be two or three times their current rate, insiders…