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.…
How much of a cost decrease will get your clients to switch carriers?
January 18, 2019 by Jason ContantMore than half (56%) of polled Canadians would switch insurance providers for a savings of $150 or more, according to a new survey from Kanetix.ca, an online comparison site for insurance rates. Almost the same percentage (57%) of the 812…
How mixing marijuana and alcohol may lead to more settlements
January 18, 2019 by Jason ContantWith recreational marijuana legal in Canada since Oct. 17, 2018, social hosts and bars will need to pay attention to liability arising from people who are intoxicated by both marijuana and alcohol. Traditional liquor liability cases can be complicated enough…
Why CBI insurance is on the rise in Canada
January 16, 2019 by Jason ContantContingent business interruption (CBI) insurance is on the rise in Canada, with an increase in both demand and higher limits, says the CEO and chief agent for Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) Canada. “This is one of the most…
“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.…
How boating accident sparked dispute between insurers
January 11, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA court decision released this past Wednesday clarifies what should happen if your client is sued and covered by more than one insurance company. Melissa Shawbonquit filed a lawsuit after she was injured in a boating accident in July 2016.…
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…
Lloyd’s disputes claim over diamond-studded statue
January 8, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSVANCOUVER – A major insurance company is fighting back after a British Columbia court required it to make good on a policy covering a gold, diamond-encrusted eagle statue allegedly stolen in Metro Vancouver more than two years ago. The B.C.…
These two provinces now have storm surge and overland flood coverage
January 7, 2019 by Jason ContantHomeowners in Quebec now have storm surge coverage available, while homeowners in Manitoba are covered for overland flood damage, The Co-operators said Monday. Storm surge, which includes rising water levels and waves caused by storms, presents a significant flood risk,…
In defence of public insurance
January 7, 2019 by Jason ContantBritish Columbia’s public auto insurer is challenging the view that opening up the market to competition will create efficiencies and better accident benefits. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) was responding to comments from the Canadian Federation of Independent…
The Co-operators acquires Quebec independent brokerage
January 4, 2019 by Jason ContantThe Co-operators announced Thursday it has purchased Quebec-based independent brokerage Assurances Madelein Inc., its 16th office in the province. The Laval, Que.-based brokerage’s portfolio includes personal and commercial insurance lines, as well as life, disability, health and mortgage insurance, and…
2019 Executive Outlook | Rowan Saunders, Economical
January 4, 2019 Canadian UnderwriterCanadian Underwriter approached Canadian P&C industry executives with two questions: 1) What is the single most important change the industry must make looking forward into 2019? 2) How might this change be brought about? Their answers, featured in our 2019…