What these brokerages bring to the table in Hub merger
January 15, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA Quebec brokerage recently acquired by Hub International Ltd. brings expertise in construction and auto dealerships to the table. “Hub is already major player, if not one of the biggest brokers in Quebec,” Alain Giroux, executive vice president of Montreal…
An adjuster’s take on the hazards of cannabis edibles
January 14, 2019 by Jason ContantEdibles containing cannabis are expected to become legal in Canada later this year, so insurance professionals are encouraging social hosts and commercial establishments to ensure their guests are consuming these products responsibly. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada…
B.C. broker banned for misapplying premium funds “for years”
January 11, 2019 by David GambrillA B.C. broker repeatedly in hot water for misapplying thousands of dollars worth of insurance premium funds over several years has had his Level 3 licence permanently revoked. In addition, Insurance Council of B.C. fined Antony Ronald Fransen $7,500 personally…
How this insurer detects distracted drivers
January 11, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCanada’s largest property and casualty insurer is checking to see whether some of its auto insurance clients are using their phone while driving. If your auto client is insured by Intact under its My Driving Discount program, Intact can detect…
Hub buys Quebec commercial brokerage
January 10, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMontreal commercial brokerage Forum Risques et Assurance Inc. has been acquired by Hub International Ltd., Chicago-based Hub announced Thursday. Forum Risques was founded in 2013 by François Jean and Alain Giroux. Its target markets include technology, manufacturing and construction. Jean…
New, revised CAIB expected by fall
January 10, 2019 by Jason ContantThe Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) is hoping to be able to present a new, revised Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) program to the broker community by this fall. The new content will address 10 broad broker competency areas…
Beginner’s guide to insuring pot
January 9, 2019 by Jason ContantAfter nearly three months of recreational marijuana being legal in Canada, insurers are still trying to wrap their heads around a sector with no track record and lots of uncertainty. For specialist insurer CFC Underwriting, there is still some caution…
The first priority for the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario
January 9, 2019 by Greg MeckbachReforming auto insurance is top of mind for Jeff Gatcke, the new president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario. “Our Number 1 priority would be working with insurance companies and the government on changes to the auto insurance product…
McDougall merges with Barrie, Ontario brokerage
January 9, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMcDougall Insurance Brokers of Belleville, Ont. announced Tuesday it has merged with Barrie-based Dusome Insurance Brokers. The combined firm has 34 offices, including Kingston, Peterborough, Deep River, Pembroke, Orillia, Trenton, Cornwall and Oshawa. Dusome’s 11 employees will join McDougall as…
BrokerLink expands with two new brokerages
January 8, 2019 by Greg MeckbachTwo brokerages have joined Intact Financial Corp.’s BrokerLink unit effective Jan. 1, BrokerLink announced Monday. The new BrokerLink brokerages are Edmonton-based Challenge Insurance Group Inc. and Toronto Insurance and Financial Group (TIFG) Inc., situated on Valleybrook Drive near the neighbourhood…
Why Canadian insurers are reticent to enter the cannabis space
January 8, 2019 by Jason ContantWith signs of a hard insurance market in Canada, it appears that a lot of insurers are still reticent about entering the cannabis space. “When an insurance cycle goes a little bit harder, when insurers are trying to put their…
Jones Brown acquired by large international brokerage
January 8, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCanadian brokerage Jones Brown Inc. has been acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Itasca, Ill.-based Gallagher announced Tuesday. Jones Brown, which places both commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Hamilton. “The…