After Toronto van attack, what should brokers tell their rental firm clients?
April 30, 2018 by Greg MeckbachThe van attack that killed 10 people and wounded 14 in Toronto Monday highlights the importance of brokers giving proper coverage advice to fleet owners, an insurance defence lawyer says. Eric Grossman, founding partner of Zarek Taylor Grossman Hanrahan LLP,…
Simplifying claims involving automated cars
April 26, 2018 by David GambrillCanada’s insurers are developing a framework for insuring automated vehicles that is designed for handling auto claims quickly, regardless of whether tort liability arises from human error or a manufacturing defect in the automated vehicle. “We all know the automated…
How a court kept insurers’ auto storage costs under control
April 25, 2018 by David GambrillAn auto collision centre has lost an appeal in court that would have effectively forced insurance companies to settle all disputes in an auto claim before the vehicle is released to the insurer, thus racking up storage costs while the…
Your client texts a driver who crashes. Is your client liable?
April 23, 2018 by David GambrillLook for Canadian case law to impose secondary liability on texters who distract drivers with their email messages, akin to social host liability, a senior claims executive at Travelers predicts. “If I text someone while driving, and they get into…
Ten dead, 15 injured in Toronto van pedestrian attack
April 23, 2018 Michelle McQuigge and Liam Casey - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Ten people died and 15 others were injured when a van mounted a sidewalk and struck multiple pedestrians along a stretch of one of Toronto’s busiest streets, authorities said Monday, calling it “a horrific attack.” Deputy police chief…
Ontario auto insurance rates up in first quarter of 2018
April 16, 2018 The Canadian PressTORONTO – Auto insurance rates in Ontario increased in the first quarter of 2018, putting the Liberal government further away from its promise to cut rates by 15 per cent. The numbers released Friday by the Financial Services Commission of…
MPI reveals estimated insurance costs of distracted drivers
April 10, 2018 by Jason ContantThe direct insurance costs associated with distracted driving in Manitoba are estimated to be at least $70 million per year, the province’s government auto insurer reported recently. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) spokesperson Brian Smiley told Canadian Underwriter that direct insurance costs…
Tip to broker leads to undercover auto fraud investigation
April 9, 2018 by Greg MeckbachAs auto insurance premiums go up, Aviva Canada is going after healthcare providers and legal professionals who are conspiring to submit false or inflated claims. Fraud is a “key” reason auto insurance premiums are rising in Ontario and the government…
Tens of thousands without power in southern Ontario due to windstorm
April 4, 2018 The Canadian PressTORONTO – A powerful windstorm is sweeping through southern Ontario, knocking out power to tens of thousands of people and disrupting travel in the air and on the roads. Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for the region, saying…
Ontario budget 2018: What’s in it for the industry
March 29, 2018 by Greg MeckbachThe Ontario government’s 2018-19 budget document provides some comfort for auto insurers because the province is committing to having the new regulator up and running by April 2019. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority, which will effectively replace the Financial Services…
Why insurers and brokers like Ontario’s budget
March 29, 2018 by David GambrillFacing the distinct possibility of a political regime change in Ontario, the province’s auto insurers and brokers are calling on all of the province’s political parties to keep their eyes focused on auto insurance reform as the way to deliver…
What Ontario needs to do to reduce auto insurance costs
March 20, 2018 by Greg MeckbachIf Ontario motorists want lower insurance rates, the government will have to take a harder line on distracted driving, a former Ontario civil servant said Monday. Fraud in the collision repair industry and distracted driving are among the issues that…