Proposal to eliminate farm insurers’ tax exemption before Senate
June 21, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterAn omnibus bill that proposes to eliminate the tax exemption for insurers covering farming and fishing properties has been referred to a Senate committee. Currently, Section 149 of the federal Income Tax Act stipulates that an insurer is exempt from…
Reduced market access, regulatory fragmentation and cloud risk accumulation among key industry risks: Swiss Re
June 13, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterReduced market access, regulatory fragmentation, the return of inflation, cloud risk accumulation and emerging liability legislation for artificial intelligence are just some of the key risks for the re/insurance industry, according to Swiss Re’s 2017 SONAR report. The report, released…
Vehicle and equipment dealerships in Alberta authorized to sell gap insurance
June 12, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) has announced that its General Insurance Council (GIC) has approved the issuance of a restricted certificate of authority authorizing both vehicle and equipment dealerships to sell gap insurance. Gap insurance is property insurance that covers…
New State Farm Canada app includes telematics and water detection programs, account access
June 5, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterState Farm Canada announced on Monday that it has released a new app that includes telematics and water detection programs, as well as easy account access. The free State Farm Canada App, available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play,…
Aviva plc reports 9.5% increase in rejected claims due to fraud
May 30, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterUnited Kingdom insurer Aviva plc has reported a 9.5% increase in the number of fraudulent claims it declined in 2016, “fuelled by increases in fraud detection across motor bodily injury, household and liability claims.” Aviva said in a press release…
Saskatchewan government extends effective data for PST on insurance premiums
May 18, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Government of Saskatchewan announced on Wednesday that it has extended the effective date for the application of provincial sales tax to insurance premiums following discussions with insurance industry associations. The Ministry of Finance said in a press release that…
US$33 billion in 2016 global insurance M&A marks retreat from prior-year levels: Conning
May 15, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterGlobal insurance mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity slowed across all sectors in 2016, according to a new study from global investment management firm Conning. The Conning study, 2017: Global Insurer Mergers & Acquisitions in 2016 – Activity Slows, but Pressures…
Chubb net income up 149.2% to US$1.09 billion in Q1 2017
April 26, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterChubb Limited has reported a 149.2% increase in net income for the first quarter of 2017 ending March 31, from US$439 million in Q1 2016 to US$1.09 billion in the most recent quarter. Operating income was US$1.17 billion, up 15.3%…
ILS market growth continues in first quarter of 2017, record year possible: Willis Towers Watson Securities
April 26, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterNon-life insurance-linked securities (ILS) capital grew again in the first quarter of 2017, continuing the trend from last year, the securities division of Willis Towers Watson (WTW) has reported. Willis Towers Watson Securities, the investment banking business of WTW, released…
Global insurance industry to see “slightly increased” growth by 2018, P&C premium volume to grow by 4% on average: Munich Re
April 20, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterThe global insurance industry is likely to see slightly increased growth by 2018, Munich Re reported on Thursday. Munich Re said in a press release that better economic prospects in the United States and in many emerging markets will offset…
Optimum General obtains CSIO certification for commercial lines eDocs
April 20, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) has announced that Optimum General Inc. has obtained CSIO certification for commercial lines eDocs. Optimum is now CSIO eDocs-certified for both of its lines of business, as the company obtained certification for…
Desjardins’ acquisition of Western Financial caused ‘headaches’ for brokers: Baker
April 19, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterIf Trimont Financial Ltd. acquires Western Financial Group, Desjardins Group officials will have “more time to focus on further integrating State Farm,” MSA Research Inc. suggested in a recent report released Tuesday. “Slowly but surely, the complexion of the industry…