What adjusters can learn from technology disruptors
January 29, 2019 by Greg MeckbachAdjusters who want to improve service for claimants could take a few pointers from companies outside the insurance industry. “When I look at customers today, their entire experience of how they want to be dealt with has been shaped outside…
Signs of progress on national flood program for Canada
January 29, 2019 by Jason ContantCanada is making good progress on a national flood program, pending a final decision by federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for emergency management. “What they are looking at is one national insurance solution to improve outcomes for high-risk…
How many Ontario motorists got placed in the residual market
January 28, 2019 by Greg MeckbachThe number of Ontario auto policies in the residual market has increased by nearly a third in little more than a year, figures released to Canadian Underwriter show. Since the fall of 2017, there has been “some uptick” in the…
How to make money during an unprofitable market
January 24, 2019 by David GambrillAs market conditions start to become more challenging in personal home, auto and commercial property lines, how can carriers and brokerages maintain a healthy, profitable book of business? “To me, there are three possible strategies,” says Greg McCutcheon, president of…
By how much did your clients’ auto rates increase last quarter?
January 24, 2019 by David GambrillOntario auto insurance rates increased by an average of 3.35% in the fourth quarter of 2018, with several companies receiving approval for double-digit rate increases, the province’s regulator reported. Overall, 23 insurers representing approximately 51% of the market based on…
Quebec’s cannabis agency cuts back expansion plans amid shortages
January 24, 2019 Julien Arsenault - THE CANADIAN PRESSMONTREAL – Quebec’s cannabis agency generated about $40 million of sales in its first three months of operation, but supply shortages are forcing the public retailer to reduce its expansion plans. The province expects to have 40 points of sale…
Sale of Echelon Insurance to CAA gets shareholder approval
January 23, 2019 by Greg MeckbachNon-standard auto insurer Echelon Insurance is a step closer to being acquired by The CAA Club Group of Companies. Shareholders of Echelon Financial Holdings Inc. voted Wednesday in favour of the $175 million deal, Echelon said in a release. In…
How many municipalities will want to host cannabis stores?
January 22, 2019 Allison Jones - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – More than half of Ontario’s eligible municipalities have opted in as willing hosts to cannabis stores as the first locations are set to open in a little over two months. Municipalities have until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday to tell…
What will insurance look like in 30 years?
January 21, 2019 by Jason ContantInsurance company survival and relevancy will be big issues for the industry in the coming decade, predicts a P&C industry consultant. “We are facing somewhat of a crisis in that our industry is only picking up 32% of catastrophic losses…
Major insurer ‘actively’ looking at insurance risk linked to M&A in Canada
January 21, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCommercial brokers advising Canadian clients involved in mergers and acquisitions could soon have another market to which they could place transactional risk. The Travelers Companies Inc. announced Jan. 15 it plans to offer transactional risk insurance in the United States.…
How weak insurance sector growth puts technology in the spotlight
January 17, 2019 by Jason ContantExpected weak insurance sector growth in the near-term is fueling the need for efficiency gains through technology and innovation, Ernst & Young Canada said recently. The EY Insurance Outlook 2019 reveals that insurance sector growth is expected to remain weak…
Why CBI insurance is on the rise in Canada
January 16, 2019 by Jason ContantContingent business interruption (CBI) insurance is on the rise in Canada, with an increase in both demand and higher limits, says the CEO and chief agent for Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) Canada. “This is one of the most…