Looking Under the Hood
December 15, 2017 Emily Atkins, EditorOntario’s mandatory auto insurance system needs more than a tune-up
Why Canadian insurers’ tech spending is renovating ‘the basement’
December 13, 2017 David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefFor all of the discussion about artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT), in the real world of IT, Canadian property and casualty insurance companies are currently investing in projects that will allow their core legacy technologies…
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…
Your primer on crowdsourcing techniques
December 8, 2017 David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefCrowdsourcing, as defined by the consulting firm Crowd Sourcing Week, is “is the practice of engaging a ‘crowd’ or group for a common goal — often innovation, problem solving, or efficiency. It is powered by new technologies, social media and…
New federal law may make cyber a must-have
December 4, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorThis may be a prime time for brokers to start selling cyber insurance to commercial clients. There is still no word on when Canada will have nation-wide mandatory breach notification, but a legal cyber specialist says companies should start to…
P&C People: Who’s doing what
November 25, 2017 David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefQuebec regulator names inaugural fintech director The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the regulatory and oversight body for Québec’s financial sector, has appointed Moad Fahmi to the new position of director of fintech and innovation. “This new function will foster the collaboration that…
Brokers answer call to discuss industry’s ‘administration problem’
November 16, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterResponding to an insurer’s call for carriers and brokers to find tech solutions to help solve the industry’s “administration problem,” brokers have responded by welcoming such a dialogue, citing several initiatives already dedicated to the task. RSA Canada president and…
Navacord welcomes Toole Peet Insurance of Calgary as new broker partner
November 9, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterNavacord Inc. is welcoming its new broker partner, Calgary-based brokerage Toole Peet Insurance. The partnership expands Navacord’s connections “even further with entrepreneurial insurance brokers across Canada,” the insurance and risk management brokerage said in a press release on Nov. 3.…
Ontario government launches autonomous vehicle demonstration zone in Stratford
November 8, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterThe government of Ontario announced on Wednesday that it has launched the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) in Stratford, Ont., a “unique demonstration zone” that is among the first of its kind in Canada to “allow researchers to hone the…
Brokers succeeding with chatbots, refund portals, text messaging: InsurTechTO panel
November 8, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorBrokerages looking to expand should be prepared to invest in technology and think differently, but innovation does not necessarily require a huge investment, speakers suggested Monday during InsurTechTO. “Know what you want to be and how you want to get…
Allianz trials blockchain prototype for the captive insurance market
November 7, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterInternational insurance transactions can be significantly accelerated and simplified, suggests a trial by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) involving the successful implementation of a blockchain prototype for the captive insurance market. “We are currently seeing many blockchain applications in…
Customers now define the industry and products: InsurTechTO speaker
November 6, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorAs technology disrupts insurance providers and companies in other industries, understanding what customers want is critical, speakers suggested Monday at InsurTechTO. “What I find most challenging about the customer side is, sometimes they know what they want and sometimes they…