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The latest way cyber-criminals are attacking your clients

February 25, 2019 by Jason Contant

Cyber criminals are adapting their methods by using ransomware in targeted extortions, often with more severe and costly results than indiscriminate attacks. Targeted extortion is when cyber criminals set their sights on a particular, vulnerable organization and look to extort

News Commercial LinesInsuranceTechnology

What the commercial underwriter of the future might look like

February 22, 2019 by Jason Contant

Commercial underwriting in the future may expand to encourage more cross-functional and hybrid responsibilities, potentially with engineering, claims, finance or operations, according to a new report from McKinsey & Company’s insurance practice. “To attract younger talent, companies need to recognize

News AdjustersClaimsInsuranceLegal

Are cannabis edibles a “drug”? What adjusters should be asking

February 22, 2019 by Jason Contant

Claims adjusters’ questions should address potential policy wording dilemmas related to the upcoming legalization of cannabis edibles later this year, a lawyer told Canadian Underwriter recently. For example, consider the following question in the context of edible cannabis (or even

News Insurance

What your clients need to know about trip cancellation insurance

February 19, 2019 by David Gambrill

Your clients have a lot to learn about trip cancellation insurance. Almost two-thirds of Canadians either don’t buy or are unsure if they have trip cancellation insurance before leaving on holiday, according to a recent study of 960 Canadians by

News InsuranceLegislation / Regulation

How expert witness restrictions impact insurers

February 15, 2019 by Greg Meckbach

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia will save millions as a result of new auto injury lawsuit rules for the province, which will likely cut costs for other carriers as well, the provincial government says. ICBC, which is losing over $1

News BrokersInsuranceMergers and Aqcuisitions

Atlantic Canada brokerage acquires family-owned operation

February 15, 2019 by Jason Contant

Archway Insurance, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest brokerages, has announced the acquisition of family brokerage George Mitchell Insurance in Liverpool, N.S. Amherst, N.S.-headquartered Archway announced the acquisition Thursday. Effective Feb. 28, 2019, Archway’s latest acquisition brings its number of locations

News InsuranceMarkets / Coverages

Captive insurance programs target commercial auto in Canada

February 15, 2019 by Jason Contant

eCaptiv, which provides alternative and captive insurance solutions in Canada and the United States, will be forming two group captives through an exclusive group of independent insurance brokers to “combat commercial auto trends in Canada.” The programs are in the

News InsuranceMergers and AqcuisitionsTechnology

Opta acquires getClarity: linking property and risk data with consumer profiles

February 14, 2019 by David Gambrill

With its recent acquisition of getClarity, Opta Information Intelligence is expanding into the area of customer and prospect behaviour. Opta is Canada’s largest property data aggregator and a provider of risk intelligence and loss control services. Its solutions include iClarify

News InsuranceRiskTechnology

How your client’s directors could be blamed for cyber losses

February 14, 2019 by Greg Meckbach

Cyber risk awareness is on the rise among corporate directors, who could face liability risk if they are accused of being lax on governance. “Corporate clients are more likely to be aware today, compared to a few years ago, of

News AdjustersClaimsInsuranceLegislation / Regulation

The type of claims that may arise from legalization of cannabis edibles

February 14, 2019 by Jason Contant

With the upcoming legalization of edibles containing cannabis this October, Canadian claims adjusters may see more indirect injury loss and damage claims, suggests a lawyer with Field Law in Calgary. Compared to regular smoked marijuana, edibles have a more delayed

News BrokersMergers and Aqcuisitions

Hub continues expansion into employee benefits

February 12, 2019 by Greg Meckbach

Hub International Ltd. has bought another Canadian employee benefits operation. Chicago-based Hub announced Tuesday it has acquired the assets of Toronto-based Firstbrook Pointon Benefits Incorporated. Tuesday’s announcement comes a month after Hub acquired Vancouver-based TRG Group Benefits and Pensions Inc. Firstbrook

News BrokersInsuranceTechnology

How your brokerage might benefit from partnering with an innovation hub

February 11, 2019 by Jason Contant

A brokerage in Nova Scotia has partnered with an innovation hub in Atlantic Canada to “up its game” in the digital space. AA Munro Insurance, which has more than 20 locations in Nova Scotia, has partnered with Volta Labs. This