Collision repair standards get dealer support
July 8, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterA bill introduced in Ontario’s legislature to create standard for the collision repair industry is receiving support from the association representing the province’s car dealers. In a press release, the Ontario Automobile Dealers Association (OADA), says the Collision Repair Standards…
Aiming for claims control
July 1, 2002 Vikki SpencerAs insurers, auto manufacturers and other claims supply chain representatives met for the annual AIM Forum in Toronto recently, cost control and injury reduction took the front seat. From the aftermarket parts debate to personal injury claims inflation, speakers noted that insurers and auto makers must find ways to protect against fraud and keep drivers safer, while still keeping a lid on expenses.
B.C. marine insurance requirements concern tourism industry
June 10, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterNew requirements for marine insurance proposed by the B.C. government are coming under fire from the province’s tourism operators. The Council of Tourism Associations is concerned that the new requirements may not respect “the unique nature” or individual marine-based adventure…
Caught in a Crunch – Auto Insurers Face Litigation Nightmare
May 1, 2002 Vicki SpencerAuto insurers may have been caught asleep at the wheel, in light of the recent decision in McNaughton versus The Co-operators. The Supreme Court of Canada refused the insurer leave to appeal a decision which could see deductibles returned to thousands of drivers who have written off their vehicles. In the wake of the decision, and as insurers await potential certification of the case as a class action, industry-wide reaction is still being measured. But no clear answers are in sight — insurers and the legal public note that the case is raising as many questions as answers, with a potential pile-up of claims waiting to be addressed.
BI claims and the “legal factor”: Looking Eastward
May 1, 2002 Philip Chapman, a partner at Huestis RitchSome alarming statistics are coming out of Atlantic Canada on bodily injury claims. The costs of these claims are out of control and have resulted in a call by industry for an overhaul of the system.
CIAG advises repair shops to get money up front
April 29, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterIn light of the recent cancellation of policies by Ontario’s Markham General Insurance Company, the industry association representing bodyshops is suggesting its members get money up front from the company’s claimants for repairs. In an “urgent notice to shopowners”, the…
News (April 01, 2002)
April 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterCollision repair chain CARSTAR Canada announces the purchase of its Durham operation in Oshawa, ON. The acquisition comes following the passing of former franchise owner Bernie Hurst, who died in a car accident last fall. The Durham CARSTAR acquisition means…
McNaughton v. Co-operators could spawn class action landslide
March 8, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterThe victory of one policyholder in a case involving auto insurance deductibles could give rise to large numbers of Canadians seeking similar action against insurers. A Supreme Court of Canada ruling yesterday denies Co-operators General the right to appeal a…
On The Move (February 01, 2002)
February 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterWith the departure of American Re CEO Edward J. Noonan, John Phelan (pictured) is set to take over the top spot at Munich Re’s U.S. subsidiary, effective March 31. Phelan has been with Munich Re of Canada (MROC) for almost…
Insurers learn “art of the deal”
February 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterThe struggle of insurers to compete in a fragmented marketplace was up for discussion at the CARSTAR Canada “Appreciation Day” recently in Burlington, Ontario. “It’s hard to get a share point, it’s hard to keep it,” says Jim Letwin of…
Insurers lose on “preferred shop” appeal
January 2, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterA decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal could limit insurers’ ability to recommend preferred collision shops to their claimants. The Court is overturning a lower court judgement from November 1999, and saying that Toronto’s new Collision Reporting Centres bylaw…
“You Can’t Sue Me, I’m Canadian!”
January 1, 2002 Mark Scheer, managing partner of Seattle-based Scheer & SotirhosImportant U.S. Strategies for Canadians