Liberty Mutual announces acquisition of Ironshore Inc. from Fosun International Limited
December 5, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterBoston-based Liberty Mutual Insurance announced on Monday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ironshore Inc., a global specialty lines company, from Fosun International Limited. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2017, pending…
Wildfires scorch tourist area in Tennessee; thousands flee
November 29, 2016 Steve Megargee and Jonathan Mattise - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSPIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – Wildfires fueled by high winds roared through parts of the Great Smoky Mountains, burning the doorstep of the Dollywood theme park, destroying a resort and chasing thousands of people from their homes. National Guard troops arrived…
Federal government should consider emergency back-stop mechanism for catastrophic earthquake: conference board
November 22, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Conference Board of Canada is echoing a recent recommendation by a former federal superintendent of financial institutions for Ottawa to consider adopting a last-resort, emergency back-stop mechanism for a catastrophic earthquake given the long-reaching, adverse effects that the event…
Zurich Insurance announces plans to position itself for future, new profitability targets
November 17, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterZurich Insurance Group plans to build on customer relationships, simplify the business and significantly reduce costs as part of its renewed focus on increasing business profitability and delivering high-quality earnings over the 2017-2019 period, the global insurer announced Thursday. “In…
$5.3 billion to be re-invested in Alberta economy over three years to rebuild Fort McMurray: Conference Board of Canada report
November 15, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterAbout $5.3 billion will be re-invested in Alberta’s economy over the next three years to rebuild Fort McMurray following the massive wildfire in May, according to a new Conference Board of Canada report on the economic impacts of Canada’s most costliest natural…
Some increased risks developing in surety space, but these can be managed: panel
November 14, 2016 by Angela StelmakowichThe outlook for surety in Canada is healthy, but a number of developments are introducing increased risk that need to be taken into account and properly managed, speakers suggested during the Toronto Risk and Insurance Education Forum last week in…
Fort McMurray will hit Canadian’s p&c industry financial results in 2016: A.M. Best
November 9, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterCurrent-year financial results for Canada’s property and casualty industry – which were once again strong in 2015 – are expected to take a hit in the wake of the Fort McMurray wildfire loss, notes a new report from A.M. Best.…
Net earnings for Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited US$1.3 million in 2016 Q3 compared to US$424.8 million in 2015 Q3
November 7, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterNet losses on investment contributed to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited seeing net earnings drop to US$1.3 million in 2016 Q3 compared to US$424.8 million in 2015 Q3. The results reflect “strong operating income offset by net losses on investments,” notes…
New Ontario auto dispute resolution system could cause ‘a lot more claims against insurance brokers,’ personal injury lawyer predicts
November 3, 2016 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorRecent reforms to Ontario auto insurance, including the transfer of accident benefits dispute arbitration to the licence appeal tribunal (LAT), has some personal injury lawyers warning of lawsuits against brokers who fail to advise clients accordingly. “We are trying to…
Ontario-based MGAs Excess Underwriting and Towerhill Insurance Underwriters merge
November 3, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterExcess Underwriting and Towerhill Insurance Underwriters Inc., both coverholders at Lloyd’s, announced on Thursday that they have merged effective Nov. 1. The companies will serve their broker partners as Excess Underwriting operated by Towerhill Insurance Underwriters Inc., said a joint…
Toronto-based Moore-McLean Insurance Group acquires Hallmark Insurance Group of Companies of Markham, Ont.
October 28, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterToronto-based Moore-McLean Insurance Group Ltd. announced on Friday that it has acquired the assets of Markham, Ont.-based Hallmark Insurance Group and its family of companies. Beginning Oct. 28, they will form McLean Hallmark Insurance Group Ltd., and McLean Hallmark Financial…
Combined ratio improves 2.7 points at Arch
October 27, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterArch Capital Group Ltd. of Hamilton, Bermuda, reporting a 7.5% overall increase in net premiums written, a 2.1-point improvement in loss ratio and a drop in reinsurance premiums partly due to a decline in casualty, marine and aviation lines premiums.…