Recent NatCats reveal need to boost construction standards
February 4, 2022 Greg MeckbachEnforcing existing building codes, bringing in new construction standards and improving community planning are among the measures governments can take to mitigate the cost of property losses from natural catastrophes, industry watchers say. And arming consumers with better information about…
Is online the best way for consumers to buy insurance?
January 13, 2022 Canadian Underwriter StaffA small portion of consumers want to buy insurance online without talking to somebody, Robyn Young, CEO of Excel & Y Insurance Services, told Canadian Underwriter in an interview for the December-January issue. “Do I think that’s the best way…
This open banking recommendation is a ‘red flag’ for brokers
August 11, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA federal advisory committee’s recommendation to prohibit the use of banking data in underwriting, during the proposed initial phase of open banking in Canada, is a partial but not a complete victory for Canada’s national brokers’ association. In its final…
Has the pandemic changed how brokers think about specialization?
November 23, 2020 by Adam MalikWith the global COVID-19 pandemic affecting specific sectors harder than others, brokers may see the value in the diversification of their offerings so as to not have their business depend on the success of one sector, says one broker leader.…
How renewal delays are taking a toll on brokers
November 17, 2020 by Adam MalikInsurers are becoming more meticulous around what they deem to be a good risk and that extra scrutiny is giving brokers heavier workloads, broker leaders say, and it could force brokers to limit how much they take on. Interest rates…
What industry experts think of pandemic auto rebates
October 30, 2020 by Adam MalikInsurance companies responded well and appropriately to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of assisting customers by way of premium relief and other measures, according to industry experts. Canadian Underwriter recently checked in with insurers on the current status of relief…
National broker association appoints new broker connectivity lead
September 4, 2020 by Jason ContantThe Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) has announced the appointment of Tom Reid as the new broker connectivity lead for the association’s Data Exchange (DX) project. “Broker connectivity is a key priority for IBAC, and the pandemic has intensified…
Brokers urged to plan now for eventual return to the office
May 4, 2020 by David GambrillCanadian brokers are now turning their minds towards returning back to the office safely while the novel coronavirus pandemic is still underway and a vaccine has yet to be developed. Brokerages across Canada will need to be aware of what…
This company is accelerating broker commissions
April 13, 2020 by Adam MalikSome brokers will be getting their commission payments sooner from Travelers Canada, the company announced just before the Easter weekend. The move is being applauded by the Insurance Brokers of Canada (IBAC). Those who are on an annual payment system…
The thinking behind IBAC’s ‘light-hearted’ flood and earthquake education campaign
February 13, 2020 by Greg MeckbachWhile the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) is encouraging homeowners to contact brokers about earthquake and overland flood risk, it is not aiming to shock or scare the living daylights out of consumers. “We consciously chose not to use…
New president at Insurance Brokers Association of Canada
September 20, 2019 by Greg MeckbachKent Rowe is now the president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. Rowe, a former president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Newfoundland, was inducted into his new role after IBAC’s annual general meeting Thursday. By day, Rowe works…
IBAC announces new president
October 16, 2018 by Greg MeckbachChris Floyd, president of individual insurance services at the Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP), is the new president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. IBAC announced Monday its new leadership team, which was confirmed October 5 at its annual…