Government insurer sees drunk driving offences plunge
January 22, 2018 by Jason ContantDecember 2017 saw the lowest number of impaired driving offences reported that month in the four years since Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) began doing its monthly traffic safety spotlights, even with increased enforcement. “Overall, we think attitudes are changing in…
Ontario technology hubs key for GM Canada’s plans for driverless cars
January 22, 2018 David Paddon - THE CANADIAN PRESSMARKHAM, Ont. – General Motors of Canada sees Ontario’s strength in advanced technologies as strategically important for its plans for creating safe, driverless vehicles in the near future, its CEO said Friday at the launch of a new software centre…
Uber nearing autonomous cars without human backup driver
January 19, 2018 Tom Krisher - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDETROIT – Uber plans to carry passengers in autonomous vehicles without human backup drivers in about the same time frame as competitors, which expect to be on the road at the latest sometime next year, the service’s autonomous vehicle chief…
How can you tell if your client is driving while stoned?
January 15, 2018 by Greg MeckbachAs Canada moves closer to legalized pot, a sure-fire way of testing drivers for cannabis impairment remains elusive. Bill C-45, currently before the Senate, would make possession of up to 30 grams of recreational marijuana legal. Bill C-46, a companion…
Top 5 auto frauds in Manitoba last year
January 12, 2018 by Jason ContantManitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has released its top five frauds of 2017. The annual list is selected by reviewing a number of factors, including “sheer uniqueness of the fraud, financial savings for MPI and investigative excellence in unearthing the fraud.”…
Why consumers may be snubbing telematics
January 9, 2018 by Jason ContantPrivacy and security concerns may be contributing to a lower-than-expected uptake of telematics programs, Andrew Lo, the president and CEO of Kanetix Ltd., said on Monday. Also, there seems to be some confusion among consumers about the data insurers are…
Driverless cars could be coming soon to Ontario roads
January 9, 2018 Allison Jones - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Ontario drivers could soon find themselves motoring along the highway next to a car with no one in the driver’s seat. The province’s Liberal government is proposing to change the rules of its 10-year automated vehicle pilot project…
Safety gadgets driving up insurers’ auto repair costs
January 8, 2018 by David GambrillSafety gadgets mounted on today’s slick new vehicles are creating headaches for insurers when it comes to the severity of auto insurance physical damage claims. Why? Because it costs more to repair them when they are damaged in collisions. Mitchell…
How the Feds’ pot plan could trigger home insurance claims
January 7, 2018 by David GambrillCanadian insurance claims professionals see social host liability issues at play when the federal government’s Cannabis Act comes into force. “If somebody goes to a home where cannabis is available because the homeowner is able to grow four plants, and…
2017 cat bond issuance reaches record levels
January 5, 2018 by Jason ContantCatastrophe bond issuance in 2017 reached record levels, including in Canada, as insurers and reinsurers sponsored approximately US$10.5 billion in cat bonds. According to data from the Artemis.bm Deal Directory, there was more than US$10.5 billion in issuance last year,…
Christmas claims follies
December 21, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterIn the spirit of the holiday season, insurance companies around the world are sharing their most—and least—common Christmas claims, in the hopes that people keep safe during the festive period. An obvious Yuletide tip would be to keep your lit…
Tool can help insurers ensure document authenticity
December 20, 2017 Jason Contant, Online EditorAn Ontario-based property inspection and analysis company will soon publicly launch a product that could help carriers verify the authenticity of an insured’s photos, files and forms. The Image and Document Upload System (IADUS) uses specific features to help insurance…