What 5G technology means for the insurance and collision repair industries
March 18, 2019 by Jason ContantThe promise of 5G technology was one of the top stories coming out of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. But what does that mean for the insurance and collision repair industries? A massive increase in connected devices that respond seemingly…
How waiving this government fee could reduce auto premiums
March 15, 2019 by David GambrillIf the Ontario government wants to take one small step towards reducing auto insurance premiums for its drivers, it might consider dropping its administrative charges for drivers and their insurers to obtain three-year driving records, one industry professional suggests. “Assuming…
What this direct writer learned by starting up its own broker channel
March 14, 2019 by David GambrillWe’ve all heard about multi-channel insurance companies that sell through the broker channel while at the same time beefing up their direct channel. But how about CAA Insurance, a direct writer that has become a multi-channel writer by building up…
Top court sides with insurer in unidentified vehicle coverage dispute
March 14, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA Supreme Court of Canada decision released today means Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company does not have to cover a claimant who says he drove off the road to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Andrew Funk was injured after he drove his…
How recreational cannabis has created numerous challenges for insurers
March 14, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCannabis legalization is making things more complex for auto insurers and increasing risk for some commercial property clients, A.M. Best Company Inc. suggests in a recent report. About 25 insurers, most of whom are non-admitted, provide coverage for cannabis risks…
Honda recalls 83,977 vehicles in Canada to replace Takata air bag inflators
March 12, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Honda is recalling about 1.2 million vehicles in North and Central America because their Takata air bag inflators can explode and send shrapnel into the passenger compartment. The recall affects 83,977 vehicles in Canada and includes many Honda…
What Alberta is doing to reduce collision risk
March 6, 2019 Colette Derworiz - THE CANADIAN PRESSEDMONTON – Drivers using Google Maps are getting a last-minute warning as they approach some photo radar camera locations. The feature, which is currently being rolled out by Google, allows users to see speed limits, speed cameras and mobile speed…
One politician’s idea for reducing the severity of school bus crashes
March 1, 2019 by Greg MeckbachSeatbelts with shoulder harnesses should be mandatory on all school buses, an opposition member of Ontario’s provincial parliament told Canadian Underwriter Friday. “We should have the use of three-point seat belts on school buses to prevent injury and even death,”…
AB case generates massive confusion around “but for” causation test
February 21, 2019 by Jason ContantA recent Ontario accident benefits case has highlighted ongoing confusion about how to identify and apply the proper causation test — including the contentious “but for” clause. The case revolves around whether the “but for” test of causation or the…
400 plus vehicles written off since acid spill on B.C. highway last year: ICBC
February 19, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSTRAIL, B.C. – British Columbia’s public auto insurer says about 450 vehicles have been written off since sulphuric acid spilled along a busy commuter route near Trail, B.C., in two incidents last spring. The Insurance Corp. of B.C. says there…
A driver is convicted of assault after a collision. Is the vehicle’s owner vicariously liable for the crash?
February 13, 2019 by Greg MeckbachThe registered owner of a pickup truck could be held liable for injuries to an accident victim even though the at-fault driver of the pickup truck was convicted of assault as a result of a collision, the Court of Appeal…
Aviva rolls out automated claim notification at collision reporting centres
February 5, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMotorists insured by Aviva Canada will no longer have to make their own first notice of loss (FNOL) to the carrier if they report the accident to a collision reporting centre. This is because Aviva Canada is rolling out an…