Tips for brokers on insuring high-value homes
July 12, 2018 by David GambrillHigh-value homes are good for business, knowing how to rate them properly is a must. Brokers need to be aware that high-value, custom-built homes or renovations should not be put on Standard Build when determining insurance to value, a broker…
What the court said about a family law approach to “spouse” in auto AB claim
July 11, 2018 by David GambrillThe meaning of the term “spouse” under the Family Law Act is not applicable when determining eligibility for accident benefits under an auto insurance policy, an Ontario court has ruled in a priority dispute between insurers. In Royal & Sun…
How this insurer fared against a drunk driver’s “regurgitation” defence
July 10, 2018 by David GambrillAfter a drunk driver regurgitates alcohol from the stomach to the mouth, taking a breathalyzer test just seconds shy of a 15-minute wait period doesn’t necessarily render the test invalid, a B.C. court has found. In reaching its conclusion, the…
Beware of this water-related risk excluded by CGL
July 9, 2018 by Greg MeckbachIf water damage is top of mind for property insurers, does this mean mold is covered by a commercial general liability policy? Not necessarily. Commercial brokers should make sure they aware of exclusions in CGL policies that would prevent their…
Clear policy exclusion wins the day in class action against credit union
July 8, 2018 by Greg MeckbachA clear exclusion pertaining to fees and commissions in a credit union’s professional liability policy means Liberty International Underwriters will not have to defend a British Columbia credit union against a class-action lawsuit related to machine charges outside of Canada. Coast…
Contractors know their role: Restoration contracting firms speak out
July 3, 2018 by Jason ContantControversy has swirled around the property and casualty industry’s response to Ontario’s May 4 windstorm, with restoration contracting firms speaking out to Canadian Underwriter recently to confirm the proper role of contractors during the catastrophe event. Restoration contracting firms made…
What Canadians think of their travel medical insurance
June 29, 2018 by Jason ContantMore than eight in 10 polled Canadians who have purchased travel medical insurance are “satisfied with the product and the value it provides” and 98% of those who made claims in the past year were fully or partially paid, a…
In search of cannabis product liability coverage
June 28, 2018 by Greg MeckbachBrokers looking to place product liability policies for cannabis vendors might face an uphill battle. The cannabis industry “desperately” needs access to the same coverage that insurers already provide to non-cannabis businesses in agriculture pharmaceutical or manufacturing, said Wendy Sinclair,…
Why brokers need to stay in front of students who move away from home
June 28, 2018 by David GambrillStudents who leave home for school represent a big opportunity for brokers to provide value-added advice on a variety of insurance coverage changes, but the key is for brokers is to get in front of the students before they make…
Fort McMurray airport sues insurer for $34 million in wildfire losses
June 25, 2018 by Jason ContantThe Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) is suing FM Global for more than $34 million, contending that the insurer breached its obligations under a policy in place during the Fort McMurray wildfire in May 2016. In a statement of claim…
Insurer owes $234K in priority dispute when “named insured” is not the actual car owner
June 22, 2018 by David GambrillOntario’s Motor Vehicle Fund has recovered $234,574 in a priority dispute arising when GAN Canada Insurance (since acquired by Aviva Traders) sent a policy termination notice in 2001 to a named insured who was not the owner of the car…
Claims professionals speak out amid allegations of contractors providing insurance advice
June 21, 2018 by Jason ContantOntario and Quebec’s May 4 windstorm event has the Canadian claims industry talking about the proper roles of contractors and adjusters, based on unconfirmed reports that individual rogue contractors – e.g. not people associated with the larger restoration contracting firms –…