Updated: What emergency relief will insurers offer customers? Here’s what they told us
May 31, 2021 by Adam MalikEditor’s notes: This story has been updated to include additional information from Allstate. Insurance Bureau of Canada announced in 2020 that its members are offering reductions in auto insurance premiums for consumers whose driving habits have changed significantly. You can…
The diversity and inclusion statement that hit home for Intact’s management team
December 9, 2020 by Jason ContantIntact Financial Corporation was holding focus groups on diversity and inclusion a few months ago, when a young manager of colour shared her experience with the insurer’s senior management. “She gave an example to us, which struck most of the…
Who’s heading Fairfax’s effort to improve opportunities for the Black community
November 5, 2020 by Greg MeckbachCraig Pinnock, chief financial officer of Toronto-based Northbridge Insurance, is heading the Black Initiatives Action Committee for Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., Northbridge’s corporate parent. The Black Initiatives Action Committee has one representative of the Black community from each of the…
How much Northbridge could pay out in COVID claims
November 2, 2020 by Greg MeckbachLong-term care facilities accounted for a good chunk of the US$25.5 million in COVID-19 losses that Northbridge reported in the three months ending Sept. 30, officials with parent company Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. suggested this past Friday. Toronto-based Fairfax released…
What carriers told us: The latest on pandemic relief measures
October 21, 2020 by Adam MalikWith $1 billion in auto premium relief made available for Ontario drivers alone, drivers across Canada shouldn’t expect more premium relief coming from their carrier, at least in the near future. Canadian Underwriter reached out to a number of insurers…
How Northbridge is advising clients to prepare for second COVID-19 wave
September 18, 2020 by Greg MeckbachOne key component of preparing for the anticipated second wave of COVID-19 cases in Canada is for businesses to assess how they responded to the first wave of the disease, Northbridge Insurance is telling its commercial clients. “Many businesses that…
Why the hard market reminds Fairfax CEO of 2001
August 14, 2020 by Greg MeckbachSteep price increases that have hit brokers’ commercial clients will not continue for the long term, but the current hard market is reminiscent of the period after Sept. 11, 2001, when two planes destroyed the World Trade Centre in New…
Northbridge’s advice to restaurants upon re-opening
July 23, 2020 by Greg MeckbachAs restaurants in much of Ontario re-open July 24, a major commercial insurer is warning companies to train their staff carefully. “Servers should bring items such as glasses, cutlery, and single-serve condiments to the table only after the party is…
What can go wrong if ‘actual cash value’ is not clearly defined in a property policy
May 19, 2020 by Greg MeckbachAfter a 132-year-old Cape Breton Island building was heavily damaged by a sprinkler line failure, there was a huge disparity between the property owner and insurer’s versions of “actual cash value.” The claimant said $1.59 million, while the insurer said…
Northbridge reveals your client’s biggest risk of commercial property water damage
March 10, 2020 by Greg MeckbachImproper installation of pipes and connections is one of the biggest risks your clients face when it comes to water losses, Northbridge Insurance suggests. “Most water damage losses occur as a result of faulty workmanship. If contractors improperly install pipes…
Firming market ‘might have legs,’ Fairfax executive predicts
November 4, 2019 by Greg MeckbachInsurance premiums are up nearly 14% for carriers owned by Fairfax Financial, and much of that is due to price increases, the holdings company’s president suggests. “In my career here – 16 years – I haven’t seen anything quite like…
How brokers can talk clients out of declining coverages
July 10, 2019 by Adam MalikCompanies looking to save a few bucks by declining certain insurance coverage options are putting themselves at risk, and it’s up to brokers to ensure their clients understand the consequences. What do you tell a commercial client who doesn’t want…