Ports of Call
March 1, 2015 Thomas Ptacek, Senior Vice President, Marsh USA Inc.; and George Boire, Environmental Practice Leader, Marsh Canada LimitedWith the growth in oil traffic activity, environmental risks at ports and terminals are also on the rise. That said, a solid understanding of current conditions and potential risks can help with identifying what insurance solutions will help address and minimize any related loss.
Top 10 Insurance Decisions
January 31, 2015 Chris Dunn, partner; and Josiah MacQuarrie, associate, Dutton Brock LLP|Chris Dunn, partner; and Josiah MacQuarrie, associate, Dutton Brock LLPA review of the ten most important insurance coverage cases of 2014.
Water Watch
January 1, 2015 Karen Hopkins-Lee, Chief Underwriter, Canadian Direct InsuranceWater damage has become the most common insurance claim in Western Canada. Despite the number of such claims, a recent survey of tenants and homeowners in Alberta and British Columbia shows that water is a peril that continues to be underestimated and overlooked.
Pollution Solution
December 1, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterBrokers would be well-advised to think beyond the commercial general liability policy when it comes to the environmental exposures contractors face. Having a clear understanding of client exposures is particularly important in light of the complex legal issues, regulatory provisions and contractual requirements that could unfold.
Interpreting Exclusion
November 1, 2014 Michael Teitelbaum, Partner, Hughes Amys LLPA recent ruling by the Court of Appeal for Ontario includes some interesting observations with regard to how to address what constitutes a multi-causal loss and how the pollution exclusion in a property policy should be interpreted.
Changing Resilience
October 1, 2014 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorAttendees of the 40th Annual RIMS Canada Conference heard views on the many risks currently facing Canadian organizations. These range from cyber crime to business interruption, pollution coverage in directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies and even the possibility of active shooters.
The Liability Line
September 30, 2014 Craig Harris, Freelance WriterCasualty premiums account for roughly 10 per cent of the overall insurance market in Canada. However, the severity of long-tail liability claims can put disproportionate pressure on adjusters to effectively manage and adjudicate losses. Key risks, such as asbestos and tobacco, have had a huge impact on insurance companies when it comes to reserving for future claims. What are the current risks that insurers and independent adjusters should have on their radar screen? And what emerging exposures may cross the liability line?
Absolute Liability
September 1, 2014 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorThe Canadian government promises to impose additional liability on operators of pipelines, offshore oil and gas producers and nuclear power plants. Those writing pollution coverage for pipelines will have to be even more diligent than they already are in assessing risk, one insurer contends.
Risk Elements
August 1, 2014 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorWhile not every organization has launched enterprise risk management (ERM), there is growing awareness of its value among risk managers who recognize essential elements must be identified to reach a core understanding of the challenges their respective organizations face.
Property Loss Trends
July 31, 2014 Glenn Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Crawford & Company ConsultingA review of recent legal cases shows some interesting developments involving property insurance claims.
Marketplace
February 1, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterCLAIMS $3.2 billion in weather-related losses in 2013 The $3.2 billion in insured losses from severe weather represents the highest ever in Canadian history, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) recently reported. The late-year ice storm – which wreaked havoc…
Off Track
December 1, 2013 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorWhether or not federally regulated railway operators should have a specific dollar value of liability insurance limits are among the issues now being explored as part of a public consultation. Stakeholders are also being asked if railway companies should be required to notify their insurer of changes that could mean coverage is no longer adequate.