ReplacementFinder joins the e-business fold
February 1, 2000 Kathryn SchroederFinding replacements for insured damaged products, at competitive prices, is a constant challenge to the insurance industry. The costs can have a severe affect on company bottom lines. “If adjusters had the ability to comparison shop among competing suppliers in…
The Distribution Challenge Of 2000
January 1, 2000 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe North American Insurance Conference, recently held in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida, drew an equal crowd of Canadian and U.S. insurance attendees, the event speakers covering a broad range of subjects from reinsurance market conditions through to the impact of…
The Edge of Claims Handling
January 1, 2000 AxiomAs the company’s senior marketing representative, this occasion was a command performance for me. My company was unveiling its new and improved 24-hour claims service, which included a fleet of modern cell phone, fax and computer-equipped cars to take our…
Assessing EFFECTIVE Occupation Rehabilitation
January 1, 2000 Craig McCleary of Ability To Function Inc.One of the grayest areas of claims management is effective assessment of occupational related disabilities. In determining a claim settlement, the insurer not only has to judge the merit of the claim presented, but as well the accuracy of the assessment data used. However, the latter is now an area which can be more effectively managed through professional and well documented “functional evaluation” (FE) procedures.
Commercial Risk Under JIT
January 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterThe “just-in-time” (JIT) efficiency supply process has over recent years become more than just a popular fad among manufacturers, it has become an engraved business philosophy having produced significant operating savings to companies. However, when evaluating commercial coverages, insurers need to carefully weigh up all the risk factors associated with JIT.
The Trials of Industry Mergers Acquisitions
January 1, 2000 David Carr1998 proved to be a record year for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the insurance industry, with total transactions exceeding US$150 billion. But the pace of insurance M&As sputtered in the second half of 1998, failing to pick up any real momentum in 1999. What lies ahead for 2000?
Coming Events (January 01, 2000)
January 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterAnnouncements in Coming Events are run free of charge as a service to the industry. Items should be submitted by the first of the month prior to the month in which the announcement is to appear. Ontario Risk & Insurance…
The quest for EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT
December 1, 1999 Jacinta Whyte, vice president of the personal insurance divisionThe traditional property and casualty (p&c) insurance industry is moving toward multi-channel distribution. The shift may not be as brisk as some industry observers believe is necessary to blunt the competitive challenge posed by the banks and others, even some traditional broker companies. Still, it is difficult to argue with the success that Canadian brokers are having in retaining customers in the face of an expanded range of distribution options already available.
Scrambling for loose business
December 1, 1999 Lowell ConnSports insurance is a specialty-lines oddity. It is unprofitable business marred by rising loss payouts not accurately balanced by the premiums generated. It is a competitive market where premium prices should be two or three times their current rate, insiders…
Kingsway hosts Analysts & Investors Day
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterPrices will firm up and standard insurers will tighten underwriting rules, Kingsway Financial Services Inc. president Bill Star says, addressing media and stakeholders at the company’s first annual Analyst & Investor Day. “The result could see more business bypassing standard…
Coming Events (December 01, 1999)
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterAnnouncements in Coming Events are run free of charge as a service to the industry. Items should be submitted by the first of the month prior to the month in which the announcement is to appear. Toronto Insurance Women’s Association:…
HUON goes online at Kemper
December 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterKemper Canada has gone online with its HUON system, announcing their personal lines automobile and property markets are now being supported by The HUON Solution. “We now have the system to facilitate a winning environment,” says Judy Maddocks, president of…