Why the cyber market has become so crowded
January 31, 2019 by Greg MeckbachClients shopping for cyber insurance today can choose from among far more carriers than they could a few years ago, because it’s such a profitable line of business. However, one reason cyber is more profitable than other lines of coverage…
Why being a broker is the best job ever
January 31, 2019 by Jason ContantThe feeling that their opinions are heard and often implemented is just one of the reasons brokers report being satisfied with their choice of career. “I truly believe that I am a valued professional advisor,” Ryan McKenna, commercial and personal…
Don’t give up on commercial waivers
January 29, 2019 by Jason ContantProperly constructed and worded waivers will be upheld in court, with one commercial and insurance lawyer strongly recommending their continued use. “There are policies and procedures and ways to draft agreements where I promise you the waivers will be upheld,”…
Multiple trucking violations by Humboldt semi driver noted in government report
January 29, 2019 Bill Graveland - THE CANADIAN PRESSMELFORT, Sask. – A Saskatchewan government report says the driver of a semi-truck should not have been on the road the day he flew through a stop sign and caused a crash with the Humboldt Broncos team bus. The report…
Flood risk guidance for commercial brokers coming soon
January 25, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA standard on flood resiliency for commercial real estate could be coming out this year. The Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation is working on a document intended to help commercial insurance brokers and real estate companies reduce flood risk for…
How your commercial clients are exposed to pot liability even if they don’t produce cannabis
January 25, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMarijuana poses a liability risk for commercial clients even if they are not in the cannabis business, an insurance lawyer suggests. Suppose your client operates a hotel where a party takes place. If someone smokes cannabis at that party, drives,…
How to make money during an unprofitable market
January 24, 2019 by David GambrillAs market conditions start to become more challenging in personal home, auto and commercial property lines, how can carriers and brokerages maintain a healthy, profitable book of business? “To me, there are three possible strategies,” says Greg McCutcheon, president of…
Sale of Echelon Insurance to CAA gets shareholder approval
January 23, 2019 by Greg MeckbachNon-standard auto insurer Echelon Insurance is a step closer to being acquired by The CAA Club Group of Companies. Shareholders of Echelon Financial Holdings Inc. voted Wednesday in favour of the $175 million deal, Echelon said in a release. In…
Where the claims industry stands on flexible workplace conditions
January 22, 2019 by Canadian UnderwriterEditor’s Note: This version of the story clarifies that previous remarks attributed to Glen Hopkinson were not intended in any way to be interpreted as connected to the merger of AXA and XL Catlin. His remarks were intended to refer…
Major insurer ‘actively’ looking at insurance risk linked to M&A in Canada
January 21, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCommercial brokers advising Canadian clients involved in mergers and acquisitions could soon have another market to which they could place transactional risk. The Travelers Companies Inc. announced Jan. 15 it plans to offer transactional risk insurance in the United States.…
“Mobile-first” insurtech may be coming to Canada
January 16, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA San Francisco-based firm calling itself a “mobile-first” property and casualty insurance brokerage might start placing home and auto coverage in Canada. Canadian Underwriter asked Karn Saroya, CEO of Cover Financial Inc., whether his insurtech plans to expand into Canada.…
What buyers look for in a brokerage
January 16, 2019 by Greg MeckbachInformation technology is one driving force behind mergers and acquisitions involving property and casualty insurance brokerages. Acquiring new products, talent and technology are among the reasons behind M&A activity in P&C insurance, said Georges Pigeon, a Montreal-based partner with KPMG’s…