Scrambling for loose business
December 1, 1999 Lowell ConnSports insurance is a specialty-lines oddity. It is unprofitable business marred by rising loss payouts not accurately balanced by the premiums generated. It is a competitive market where premium prices should be two or three times their current rate, insiders…
B.C.’s collision repair industry under the Spotlight
December 1, 1999 Brian Harper, editor of Bodyshop MagazineThe recently held Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) auto repair symposium drew focus on the forces of change sweeping through the industry, in particular the close relationship that exists between property and casualty insurers and shop operators. Similar to the cost-efficiency driven rationalization occurring across other provinces, B.C.’s own market should be preparing for change if the existing independent players plan on surviving into the new millennium, the speakers warn.
Letters (November 01, 1999)
November 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterDear Editor, I was so pleased to read that Jan Lowther had received the “Golden Torch” award recently in Colorado. Jan has been the “guiding light” for risk management communications in Canada for many years and her trustworthy and interested…
R. Lewis Dunn 1942-1999
November 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterPeacefully, on October 19, 1999 Lewis Dunn, president and chief executive officer of CGU Group Canada Ltd., passed away surrounded by family. Beloved husband of Sandy, and father of son’s Chris, Greg (and wife Carolyn), daughter Carolyn and grandfather of…
A Brave New World
November 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe term “globalization” has become yet another buzzword expression littering the field of industry jargon. Similar to other grand but ambiguous phrases like “business reengineering” and “corporate repositioning” (among a broad host too numerous to mention), the term globalization jumps…
Broker networks position
November 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterBroker consolidator Equisure Financial Network Inc. (TSE: EFN) has in partnership with the ING group launched a new general insurance company to be licensed across Canada. Ownership of the new insurer, Northbrooke General Insurance Company of Canada, will be equally…
The Peripatetic Rep: Four disciplines, one vision
October 1, 1999 AxiomAs we completed our tour of the brokerage’s renovated offices, Saul led me into a small boardroom on the second floor. Three men sitting around the table rose to their feet. “Dave,” he said with a smile, “meet my three…
INDEPENDENCE ALIVE
October 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorIf anyone harbored doubts of the political clout capable of the independent broker movement in protecting its business turf, such a notion would have been soundly thrashed by the highly effective campaign wielded against the banks in the latest round…
INDEPENDENCE or INTERDEPENDENCE?
October 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorDespite the recent and resounding victory of independent property and casualty insurance brokers in blocking banks from branch retailing of insurance, Canada’s brokerage community faces many challenges on the road ahead. Even without the bank threat, the distribution end of…
Going for Wholesale or BROKE
October 1, 1999 Lowell ConnThe recent acquisition of insurance wholesale broker KMS Insurance by consolidator The Hub Group emphasizes the change consolidation is bringing about throughout the broker distribution channel. Wholesale brokers and managing general agents have been brought into the market fray of soft rates and the eternal drive for cost-efficiency. Is there a future for this particular breed of broker — most of the players believe so, but each appears to be taking a different course.
News (September 01, 1999)
September 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Brokers Association of Canada’s (IBAC) recently held broker-based CEO symposium featured a speech by IBAC president Michael Toole, who outlined association initiatives for the future. One idea bandied about was a decision to move the IBAC management team…
LONDON calling
September 1, 1999 Glenn McGillivray, head of corporate communication at Swiss ReinSince reforms in the mid-1990s, more and more corporate capital is flowing into Lloyd’s of London — much of it from some of the world’s most noted reinsurers. Could this injection of new capital forge the rebirth of the world’s most unique insurance market?