How construction clients could be taking on too much risk
July 26, 2019 by Greg MeckbachIf you place insurance for construction clients, they could be signing contracts that saddle them with risks that they should not be taking on. “We are beginning to see tenders coming out where not enough design work has been done…
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…
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…
Mandatory building fire risk labels proposed
October 7, 2018 by Greg MeckbachFire safety can be impacted if a building is made from lightweight, prefabricated material, and legislation under debate would mandate placards for certain construction types in Ontario. “Truss and lightweight construction, when exposed to fire, can pose serious risks to responding firefighters,” Randy…
Paid Steering the Course: Course of Construction (COC) Insurance Options
August 28, 2018 Neil Jeanson, Senior Class Underwriter, XL CatlinAll it takes is a spark. From a sander. Or errant cigarette. And POW! Igniting common, flammable construction materials like wood, solvents, packaging, and gasoline and turning a work in progress to a pile of ash. It’s a powerful blow…
Property Loss Update: A review of recent cases, Part 1
November 3, 2017 Glenn GibsonThere have been a number of very important cases in recent months involving coverage issues, which are worthy of note. The Supreme Court of Canada has now become involved in trying to clarify the process that should be followed in…
Mandatory surety bond legislation lacking in Ontario: MPP
October 2, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterMaking surety bonds mandatory on public sector construction projects in Ontario would help protect subcontractors and suppliers, a Liberal MPP suggested last week in the legislature. Bill 142, if passed into law, would make it mandatory for a contractor who…