Dispelling the “CRM Myth”
September 1, 2003 Robert AngelSome property & casualty underwriters have questioned client relationship management’s (CRM) validity. Others have suggested that the client relationship process has evolved to “commodity status” and therefore CRM offers little competitive advantage. However, new 2003 market research suggests otherwise – understanding customers remains as relevant as ever.
Disclosure of Insurance
July 1, 2003 Ani Abdalyan, barrister & solicitorOntario’s rules of civil procedure have not always mandated disclosure of insurance. In the years before 1984, under Ontario’s old rules, plaintiffs settled or proceeded to trial with no knowledge of whether the defendant was insured. Counsel used strategies to get around the lack of procedural requirement to disclose insurance.
Insurers and Auto Makers – Put To The Test
July 1, 2003 Vikki SpencerNever before has the public spotlight been aimed so directly on the insurance industry. As rising auto insurance premiums fuel media and government attention, the insurance industry has shifted up in drive to educate the public on the impact of rising claims costs. At the recent AIM Forum in Toronto, auto insurers, manufacturers and suppliers met to discuss how the current auto crisis can be overcome.
IBC poll shows support for limits on “pain and suffering” in Nova Scotia
June 11, 2003 by Canadian UnderwriterA new poll commissioned by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) suggests Nova Scotians would support limits on “pain and suffering” compensation for auto accident victims if it leads to lower premiums.The poll, which saw 1008 residents aged 16 or…
Dealing With Tort Claims
May 1, 2003 Lorri FrederickWhile proponents of the new Ontario auto reform legislation anticipate relief for a number of issues facing automobile insurers, some fear it will further expose a smoldering crisis that has been plaguing the industry for several years now – a…
Expatriate Employees in a World of Risk
March 1, 2003 Daniel Anber, president of XN Holdings, Inc.As a growing number of multi-national corporations relocate key executives on overseas assignment, they are increasingly faced with a challenging array of strategic risk exposures.
The Right Tools, The Right Strategy
February 1, 2003 Martyn Lambert, chief marketing officer of Sherwood InternationalThese are difficult times for the Canadian insurance market. Industry cooperation and government action can help the industry as a whole, but in a way, that really is not the point. Each carrier is still faced with finding an appropriate business strategy – no matter what the details of the context they all share. And today, more than ever, the right technology is crucial to successful execution on business strategy.
Smash! Birth of the Ace
January 1, 2003 Sam Malatesta, vice president of marketing & insurance relationsBoth insurers and their collision repair partners are facing difficult times, with costs rising and marketshare scarce. Consolidation in either industry has not brought about the kind of cost efficiency dreamed of. Perhaps it is time to see “the big…
Claims Management Strategies 2003: Competing Interests
January 1, 2003 Vikki SpencerWhat promised to be the “year of the rebound” in 2002 was anything but. Despite price hardening, claims have continued to grow, particularly with never-ending medical payouts on auto claims. And, this is just the tip of the iceberg facing…
Having Your “It Cake” and Eating It
January 1, 2003 Ivor Kaye of Grantech TechnologiesIn normal business practice, it is always wise to keep a sharp watch on costs. With the present tight business economy it becomes absolutely essential. While cost control techniques vary greatly depending upon the type of business being operated, some…
Industry claims satisfaction rate rises for 2002
December 19, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterWith the release of the 2002 Auto Claims Satisfaction survey from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), the industry saw its satisfaction level rise to 86%, its highest level since the survey’s introduction five years ago.Topping the survey was…
Mobilizing for a Cause
December 1, 2002 Vikki SpencerIn 1995 Jan Tomlinson crossed the border to take over as president of Chubb Insurance Co. of Canada. That was also the same year one of the industry’s premier organizations, the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) began raising funds to fight the dreaded disease. Since that time, Tomlinson has emerged as a strong voice for core underwriting discipline and claims service. She has also taken a lead role in the industry’s battle against cancer as co-chair of WICC.