‘Weak safety culture’ led to sinking of cargo vessel
December 13, 2017 Jason Dearen - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSA “weak safety culture” was partly to blame for the fatal sinking of the 790-foot cargo vessel El Faro, the United States National Transportation Safety Board announced Tuesday. Safety management systems are also a major issue in Canada’s maritime sector,…
Industry encouraged to offer discount for using cellphone blockers
December 11, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorVehicle owners who install smart phone-blocking apps should get a break on insurance rates, some industry groups contend. British Columbia’s government-owned auto insurer says it will roll out telematics devices designed to block drivers from using their wireless phones on…
Are you covered for giant boulder damage? Not if the Earth moves…
December 7, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterResidents in certain parts of British Columbia may be used to evacuations from wildfires, but how about evacuations due to giant boulders? The Canadian Press reported earlier this week that eight properties in the province’s Fraser Valley, including five homes,…
Planning for a public emergency? Don’t follow Ontario’s example
December 6, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorOntario’s emergency planning for risks such as severe weather, terrorism and cyber-attacks is in dire need of an update, the province’s auditor general concluded in a report released Wednesday. The province’s severe weather plan has not been updated in 12…
Are Canada’s risk managers compensated for wearing many hats?
December 5, 2017 Jason Contant, Online EditorMore than six in 10 (63% of) risk management professionals in the United States and Canada reported performing functions in addition to risk management in their organizations, according to RIMS’ 2017 Risk Management Compensation Survey. One reason why is because…
P&C People: Who’s doing what
November 30, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterIndemniPro shakes up Quebec leadership IndemniPro, an independent claims adjuster, has announced two organizational changes in Quebec. After a 16-year career with IndemniPro, Suzie Godmer, senior vice president of the company’s Quebec and Atlantic Canada regions, has decided to leave…
MPP seeks “accident forgiveness” for public emergency claims
November 27, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorAn effort to forbid Ontario insurers from terminating a policyowner’s contract on the basis of a claim arising from a declared public emergency highlights concerns over the lack of a government backstop for home flood coverage, an Insurance Bureau of…
What’s the hourly wage of an insurance professional?
November 25, 2017 David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefOntario’s recent minimum wage hike up to $15 per hour ruffled a few feathers within the business community, but the new legislation didn’t raise much of a fuss within the property and casualty (P&C) insurance sector. “On this particular issue,…
More Windsor residents eligible for Ontario government flood relief
November 20, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorNearly three months after torrential downpours gave rise to more than $100 million in insured losses in and near Windsor, the Ontario government announced Monday it has expanded the number of property owners eligible for disaster relief. “Expanding the original…
Property Loss Update: A review of recent cases, Part 2
November 17, 2017 Glenn GibsonThis is Part 2 of the property loss review that began in the Feb-Mar issue of Claims Canada. Carter et al V. Intact Insurance Company, Ontario Court of Appeal, December 6, 2016 On March 16, 2011 a fire caused…
Explosion Response
November 17, 2017 Pablo J. RobalinoA collaborative success story
N.S. at risk of becoming an island if action isn’t taken, municipal leaders warn
November 16, 2017 The Canadian Press (CPSTF)AMHERST, N.S. – Nova Scotia is at risk of becoming an island within decades if action is not taken to fix the 275-year-old dikes that prevent flooding of the isthmus connecting the province to the rest of Canada, officials warn.…