This aging infrastructure problem could force residents out of homes
April 18, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA substantial number of Ontario residents are at risk of becoming temporarily homeless because they live in old high-rise buildings with critical infrastructure that needs to be replaced, a politician told Canadian Underwriter Wednesday. “Across Toronto and across Ontario we…
Why this insurer does not have to pay additional living expenses for campground fees
March 29, 2019 by Greg MeckbachAn insurance company does not have to pay a flood victim the cost of living in a campground because that client had a pre-booked vacation trip, the British Columbia civil resolution tribunal has ruled. Patrick Strange took the Canadian Northern…
How air conditioner installer got dragged into basement flood
March 12, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMoisture that an air conditioner collects could damage your client’s home if it doesn’t drain properly, but the client cannot necessarily blame the air conditioner installer for a flood. Basement flood victim Samuel Sieb took Gandy Installations Ltd. to British…
Your landlord agrees to insure the property. Why the landlord can still subrogate against you
February 25, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA Thunder Bay restaurant operator has lost its bid to block an insurer from filing a subrogated claim arising from a fire. The Supreme Court of Canada announced Feb. 21 it will not hear an appeal from the Sushi Station…
What adjusters can learn from technology disruptors
January 29, 2019 by Greg MeckbachAdjusters who want to improve service for claimants could take a few pointers from companies outside the insurance industry. “When I look at customers today, their entire experience of how they want to be dealt with has been shaped outside…
Where the claims industry stands on flexible workplace conditions
January 22, 2019 by Canadian UnderwriterEditor’s Note: This version of the story clarifies that previous remarks attributed to Glen Hopkinson were not intended in any way to be interpreted as connected to the merger of AXA and XL Catlin. His remarks were intended to refer…
Recent storm ‘most damaging’ in BC Hydro history
January 2, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSVANCOUVER – BC Hydro says December’s massive windstorm was the most damaging in its history and demonstrates improvements are needed in order to be ready for future outages. A report from the Crown corporation says the Dec. 20 storm was…
Watch out for scammers, IBC warns Ottawa-Gatineau tornado victims
October 2, 2018 by Jason ContantIn the wake of the tornadoes that struck the Ottawa-Gatineau region Sept. 21, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has raised another concern: contractors misrepresenting themselves or offering extensive fees for services. One restoration firm representative noted large-scale disasters can…
First General names new head of central and eastern Ontario offices
October 1, 2018 by David GambrillFirst General, a North American restoration network with operations across Canada, has appointed Dan Burns to be the regional director of its central and eastern Ontario offices. First General has more than 80 general locations in Canada and the United…
Tornado damage: View from the ground
September 25, 2018 by Jason ContantClaims adjusters are reporting a wide range of claims from the two tornadoes that tore through the Ottawa-Gatineau area Friday. “The tornado event is considered to be more like a ‘pocket storm,’” Kumar Sivakumaran, vice president of national operations with…
Simple disaster preparation rules that commercial clients forget
September 13, 2018 by Greg MeckbachThough it pays to be tech-savvy, one way commercial clients can manage risk is to learn to do without the Internet and payment card networks, a disaster restoration professional advises. In the event of a major storm, businesses need to…
Regulator allows adjuster to co-own a moving company that sells to insurers
August 9, 2018 by David GambrillIn a clear conflict of interest case, the Insurance Council of B.C. has allowed an insurance adjuster who co-owns an adjusting firm with his wife to double as a minority owner in a moving and storage company that sells its…