Are commercial lines going direct?
October 7, 2018 by Jason ContantCommercial lines may be moving more toward a direct model, a property and casualty insurance industry analyst suggested recently. “It’s interesting to see commercial lines moving toward the direct model, which we haven’t really seen,” said Philip Heywood, a partner…
Artist or hoarder? Why insurers don’t like clutter
October 2, 2018 by Greg MeckbachSelf-employed artists who work from their own apartments with large quantities of material should have sprinkler systems and firewalls, a Toronto fire inspector suggests. In 2017, Toronto Fire Services ordered an apartment tenant – identified only as K.R. – to…
How blockchain can help fight insurance fraud
September 24, 2018 by Jason ContantBlockchain for insurance has various oft-touted benefits – reduced costs and simpler and faster transactions, among them – but it can also be used to combat fraud, said David Verbeeten, a domain expert in insurance at software company ConsenSys. Verbeeten…
Insurer restricts trampoline insurance coverage after serious injuries
September 21, 2018 by Jason ContantIncreased losses due to significant trampoline injuries has resulted in restrictions on insurance coverage in Alberta. The Alberta Gymnastics Federation (AGF) provided an update on its trampoline coverage on Sept. 7. Due to a recent limitation endorsement, coverage is restricted…
Toronto’s density, old sewer system lead to flooding, observers say
August 22, 2018 Gabriele Roy - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Steady rain and thunderstorm warnings in Toronto on Tuesday had residents bracing for waterlogged streets and transit delays for the third time in as many weeks, with the city saying it was prepared to respond quickly to urgent…
The Hartford to acquire specialty insurer for $2.1 billion
August 22, 2018 by David GambrillThe Hartford has signed an agreement to acquire specialty insurer The Navigators Group Inc. for US$2.1 billion in cash. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is subject to approval by Navigators’ shareholders…
How individual insurers have responded to challenges in Ontario auto
August 14, 2018 by Greg MeckbachDespite a consensus in the industry that auto insurance rates are inadequate in Ontario, not all insurers are trying to diversify their business to reduce their exposure to this particular line. The Co-operators Group Ltd. “does not intend to reduce…
One trillion litres of sewage leaked into Canadian lakes and rivers over last five years
August 13, 2018 Mia Rabson - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – Last Wednesday, a team of people from the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper environmental group descended on the Toronto harbourfront looking for any signs the previous night’s massive, flash-flood rainfall had caused the city’s ancient combined sewer system to overflow…
Court balks at auto injury medical expert witness fee
August 3, 2018 by Greg MeckbachWhen a motorist gets sued by an accident victim, should the defendant be ordered to pay $5,000 to reimburse the plaintiff for half a day’s court testimony from a plaintiff’s doctor? A British Columbia court official says no. Gary Senner…
Two 100-year-old mutual insurers vote to amalgamate
July 13, 2018 by David GambrillNorfolk Mutual Insurance Company and Wabisa Mutual Insurance Company in Ontario have voted to amalgamate under the new name “Nova Mutual.” The two mutuals held separate special general meetings Tuesday on the proposed amalgamation, scheduled to take effect January 1,…
Tropical Storm Chris could make landfall on Newfoundland
July 10, 2018 by Greg MeckbachNewfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula could get wind gusts of up to 100 km/h this week as a result of Tropical Storm Chris, which is expected to be upgraded to hurricane status Tuesday. Tropical Storm Chris was in the Atlantic Ocean more…
Judges divided on how claimants prove involvement of unknown vehicles
May 29, 2018 by Greg MeckbachThe Court of Appeal of Alberta has ruled that motorists who claim to be hit by unidentified vehicles must prove that there was “physical contact,” and produce some kind of corroborating evidence of the involvement of an unknown vehicle. The…