The secret behind CSR good talent
January 1, 2001 AxiomAs the company’s senior marketing representative, it was an annual ritual. Every January, I invited a group of my lead brokers to my house for an afternoon of wine tasting followed by a large and calorie-rich dinner. It was now…
CRACKING the CASE: INVESTIGATING INSURANCE FRAUD
November 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerWith the rise of high-tech crime fighting equipment and the experts to match the tools, insurers are discovering new ways to crack down on fraud. Far from a victimless crime, fraud accounts for higher premiums and higher taxes as fake…
News (October 01, 2000)
October 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterHamilton, Ontario firefighters have a new tool to detect hot spots, thanks to Paul’s Restorations. The Hamilton-based company, which works for the insurance industry to provide cleaning and repair services following fires, floods and other claims, recently donated a Thermal…
Co-operators buys Atlantic company
October 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterCo-operators subsidiary Canadian Union has bought Newfoundland insurer Colonial Fire and General to strengthen the group’s Atlantic broker presence. Key to the deal is a firm relationship with Wedgwood Insurance Ltd., the brokerage which created Colonial, says Katherine Bardswick, chief…
Fire Protection: Complacency Burns!
September 1, 2000 Gary Richardson, fire chief of the City of OttawOne of the biggest causes of property loss is fire. However, this is a threat which appears to garner less than serious attention in terms of mitigation efforts by both risk managers and insurers. Building fire system inspections carried out by the Ottawa Fire Department last year revealed an exceptionally high level of deficiencies to early warning responses, largely as a result of complacency.
PIECING TOGETHER MONEY RISKS
September 1, 2000 Glenn McGillivray, head of corporate communication at Swiss ReinWith the globalization of business, companies are increasingly opening themselves up to exchange rate risk.
Counting the Costs of claims service
August 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerThe old adage ‘you have to spend money to make money’ should be taken to heart by today’s insurance companies, say the industry’s claims managers. Canada’s top insurers agree that customer service is the name of the game, and claims handling the key to keeping customers on board. Companies that sacrifice customer service in the name of cost saving are in danger of paying the price in the long run.
CNA Re closes Canadian offices
August 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Chicago-based CNA Group is the latest of reinsurance players to be placed on the injury list as a result of losses on Canadian business. CNA Re, which writes its business in Canada through a wholly-owned U.S. registered subsidiary, Niagara…
The Edge of Claims Handling
January 1, 2000 AxiomAs the company’s senior marketing representative, this occasion was a command performance for me. My company was unveiling its new and improved 24-hour claims service, which included a fleet of modern cell phone, fax and computer-equipped cars to take our…
The future of distribution: Keeping our Options Open
December 1, 1999 Doug Davis of Davis Consulting Inc.With increasing attention being brought to bear on the cost of distribution and how to improve competitiveness, insurers and independent brokers alike are repositioning. This, however, is having a noticeable impact on the industry’s “traditional relationships,” leaving many within the industry unsure to the “what”, “where” and “how” of the future of the independent broker profession.
Underwriting performance HERE, and SOUTH
October 1, 1999 Gary Ketchum, managing senior financial analyst at A.M. Best Co.Investment gains have kept Canadian property and casualty underwriting results afloat, but conservative leverage — combined with signs of a market price hardening — now look to provide some additional comfort to the market. However, a comparison of business strategies applied by companies in Canada and their counterparts south of the border suggests that the former will have to place greater emphasis on reducing operating expenses.
The mechanics of Ontario’s collision repair
October 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterOntario’s collision repair industry is undergoing fundamental change — however, it is a change that spells good news for a besieged industry, insurers as well as a beleaguered consumer.