Melting Spot
April 1, 2014 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorAs Saskatoon faces a record year for watermain breaks attributed to temperature fluctuations, a local broker has noticed that carriers are adjusting premiums and deductibles for sewer back-up coverage on some homeowner policies.
Under Development
April 1, 2014 Donna Ince, Senior Vice President, Personal and Commercial Insurance, RSA InsuranceInsurers have certainly noticed the high toll that increasingly severe and frequent bad weather is having – and policyholders are likely to soon follow. The circumstances make it clear that insurers, brokers, customers, lawmakers and other groups all must work together to mitigate (or prevent) damaging effects.
Solar Haze
April 1, 2014 Craig HarrisThe rapid growth of the solar energy market has created some cloudy issues for insurance coverage and claims. Is the property and casualty insurance industry taking into account all of the risk factors associated with the proliferation of solar panels?
Breaking Bad
March 31, 2014 Kirsten Hoedlmoser, Chemical and Environmental Engineer-In-Training, Giffin Koerth Forensic EngineeringHow clean is “clean” when it comes to property damage and the health side effects associated with illicit meth labs?
Sunshine Sketches
March 31, 2014 Craig HarrisMike Gojevic of Peninsula Adjusters embraces the rural lifestyle and supportive community atmosphere of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.
Moves and Views
March 1, 2014 by Canadian Underwriter1 Gore Mutual Insurance Company of Cambridge, Ontario recently announced its president and chief executive officer, Kevin McNeil [1a], will retire June 30. Effective February 17, Heidi Sevcik [1b], former vice president of claims, became Gore Mutual’s new chief operating…
Water Logged
March 1, 2014 Canadian Institute of Actuaries, Research Committee/Property & Casualty Research SubcommitteeA mix of environmental, economic and sociological pieces make up a costly puzzle when it comes to water damage risk and the potential effect on Canadian property insurance pricing.
Quake Conundrum
January 31, 2014 Craig Harris, Freelance WriterThe risk of a major earthquake in certain regions of Canada is real, according to geoscientists and catastrophe modelers. However, the awareness level of residents in vulnerable zones, as measured by take-up rates of private insurance, is low. Independent adjusters say that while it is difficult to truly prepare for a major earthquake in an urban area, there are some lessons that can be gleaned from recent events in Japan, New Zealand and Chile. The question looming ahead: will Canada be ready for the big one?
Wild Ride
January 1, 2014 Angela Stelmakowich, EditorSevere weather – be it wind, rain or hail – will again be a focus in 2014. Will related claims make for a wild ride, leaving adjusters and insurers bruised, but not out, like during a tumultuous 2013? Or will calmer conditions prevail, allowing insurance partners to hang tight and get themselves prepared for the next rough year?
Moves and Views
January 1, 2014 by Canadian Underwriter1 In December, On Side Restoration Services Ltd. announced that Amandio Contreiras [1] had been named the company’s new chief operating officer. Before joining On Side Restoration, Contreiras worked for 11 years at Reliance Comfort LP, holding roles such as…
Keys to Closure
November 30, 2013 Joel Van Popta, GeoscientistHow environmental claims can be handled quickly and cost effectively.
FIRSTONSITE RESTORATION RIMS CANADA CONFERENCE RECEPTION, OCTOBER 8, 2013
October 8, 2013 by Canadian UnderwriterFirstOnSite Restoration hosted a Meet and Greet reception at the RIMS Canada Conference on October 8 at Spinakers Gastro Pub Brewpub in Victoria.