A.B. Claims: Paralegal Probe
September 1, 2002 Cecil Jaipaul, president, Jaipaul ConsultingParalegals and accident benefits claims are often a costly mix for insurers. A recent proposal to regulate this profession, including accreditation and minimum standards, is a step in the right direction.
Mold & Water Damage Claims: Avoiding the Headache
September 1, 2002 Alex Lozecki Sr., president of Environmental Solutions InternatiThe industry’s newest catalyst is a four-letter word: MOLD. Should we be alarmed about this sleeping monster? How is it affecting people’s health and that of their children? How did it get here, and why is it growing? Insurers are trying to come to grips with this new threat, at the same time facing claims for incidents that happened perhaps years earlier.
Reinsurance Broker Perspective: Where are the Good Old Days?
July 1, 2002 Don Alexander of Guy Carpenter CanadaTrying to “crystal ball” the outcome of the upcoming yearend reinsurance renewal season is something I am not going to hazard a chance at. However, based on the dismal company financial returns for 2001, and the “no nonsense” approach of underwriters during the current year, it is safe to say that securing treaties for 2003 will require skillful negotiation.
IIBAA Conference 2002: Ahead of the Curve
July 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterAs Alberta’s brokers met in Edmonton for their annual convention, the situation in other provincial auto markets was at the forefront of discussion. The Independent Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IIBAA) has assembled a committee to look at cost and availability of auto insurance, anticipating that the growth in claims costs and rate hikes in the Ontario and Atlantic markets may soon move west.
SOLID AS A ROCK
July 1, 2002 Vikki SpencerIn an environment of claims cost cutting, increased litigation exposure and heightened competition from “inhouse resources”, the independent adjusting profession faces some tough leadership challenges. And, like “the rock” that he calls home, Arnold Pike believes that as the incoming president of the Canadian Independent Adjusters Association (CIAA), he is ready to guide members through this challenging time. The keys, he says, will be to work toward a “single voice” on issues, and while doing so, “to make some noise” about the value of independent adjusters within the insurance industry.
Rates Keep on Trucking
July 1, 2002 Craig HarrisTrucking companies, taxi operators and large private fleets are feeling the squeeze of the hard market, with shrinking capacity, increasing rates and restrictive terms and conditions. And, feedback from insurers suggests that there is little relief on the horizon.
XL Capital Ltd Announces Plans to Integrate Le Mans Re
June 17, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterXL Capital Ltd (NYSE: XL), today announced that it plans to integrate its reinsurance operations following the ratification in January this year of XL’s previously announced acquisition of a 67% majority shareholding in Le Mans Re. Le Mans Re is…
On The Move (June 01, 2002)
June 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Risk and Insurance Management Society honored retiring Canadian director of legislative, risk management and public affairs Lloyd Hackett recently at its annual conference in New Orleans. Making the presentation is Mike Phillipus, vice president of communications & external affairs…
Fishing for Knowledge
June 1, 2002 AxiomStan twisted open the throttle on the outboard and our boat skimmed smoothly away from the dock. The lake was glassy calm in the late afternoon sun and we were anxious to pull in a couple of good walleye before…
Customer Retention and Claims Technology
June 1, 2002 Colin Smith, vice president of eClaims at Castek Software Inc.As insurance consumers we are inundated with offers and incentives to buy insurance or to switch companies. Most of us stay right where we are until we are given an incentive to leave, which all too often comes in the…
On The Move (May 01, 2002)
May 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterDavid Forster (left) accepts congratulations on a successful past year as president of the Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region from incoming president Debbie Thompson at the association’s recent AGM. GE ERC has appointed Rick Smith to head its new global…
Wilson stresses need for global thinking
May 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterInsurers should adjust their investment strategies in the face of an increasingly global marketplace, former federal cabinet minister and Brinson Canada Co. CEO Michael Wilson told attendees at a recent meeting of Canadian Insurance Accountants Association. Canadian p&c companies have…