How individual insurers have responded to challenges in Ontario auto
August 14, 2018 by Greg MeckbachDespite a consensus in the industry that auto insurance rates are inadequate in Ontario, not all insurers are trying to diversify their business to reduce their exposure to this particular line. The Co-operators Group Ltd. “does not intend to reduce…
Why carriers should share with their competitors
August 1, 2018 by Greg MeckbachInsurance carriers selling through brokers should share, with competitors, some of the software they make to exchange data with brokers’ computer systems, speakers suggested Wednesday at the Data Exchange (D/X) launch. “We need to communicate more quickly and efficiently with…
Wawanesa to discontinue direct channel, sell exclusively through brokers in Quebec
August 1, 2018 by Jason ContantWawanesa Mutual Insurance Company announced Wednesday that that it will sell its insurance products exclusively through independent Quebec insurance brokers, discontinuing direct sales to customers in the province. With this move, Wawanesa will be selling solely through brokers in all…
Questions to ask clients who serve alcohol
July 30, 2018 by Jason ContantRisk managers in the restaurant and bar business need to “mine” for information from potential insureds to make sure they exercise their duty of care in serving alcohol responsibly. “From a risk management standpoint, what’s key is the insured is…
Big Data is bringing credit score issue to the fore
July 29, 2018 by Greg MeckbachAs insurers’ computer databases get exponentially larger, the controversy around the use of credit scores in rating property coverage is getting intense. Customers are asking for “transparency” from insurers on how they price and underwrite insurance, Jean-François Larochelle, director of…
Intact explores blockchain’s insurance potential
July 29, 2018 by Greg MeckbachOne of the “disruptive promises” of blockchain is the ability to use it for insurance, and Canada’s largest insurer confirmed recently that it is exploring its potential. Thus far, however, blockchain “is still [a research and development] project” at Intact Insurance, Jean-François…
How to give your small business clients an online quote in 3 minutes
July 26, 2018 by David GambrillIntact Insurance has launched its new Commercial Property and Liability insurance Quick Quote, a tool designed to give small business owners an insurance quote on their business in about three minutes. The online commercial property and liability quoting tool follows…
Aviva Canada announces three new executive appointments
July 26, 2018 by Jason ContantAviva Canada reported Thursday that it has added to its executive teams in risk, claims and information technology. Bryant Vernon is the new chief claims officer (CCO), Nicole Brouillard is the chief information officer (CIO) and Michel Dionne is the…
Will telematics make territory-based rating a thing of the past?
July 24, 2018 by Greg MeckbachThe use of telematics in pricing auto insurance is going to become more “prevalent,” and a major property and casualty insurer is trying to use the technology to get a better idea of driver risk, speakers said during a recent…
The preferred way to transfer risk of automated cars: Travelers
July 22, 2018 by Jason ContantThe public policy division of Travelers is recommending that a “clear risk transfer mechanism” be in place to adapt auto insurance for autonomous vehicles. “While there has not been widespread attention paid to how liability and compensation will be addressed as…
Insurer Axis Capital selects new chief agent for Canada
July 19, 2018 by Greg MeckbachBermuda insurer Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. has picked Brad Randell as its new chief agent in Canada. The appointment is subject to regulatory review, Axis said Thursday in a release. The previous chief agent in Canada for Axis – Darin…
Top 10 Canadian insurer partners with Slice for new digital brand
July 18, 2018 by Jason ContantThe Co-operators and insurtech Slice Labs announced Wednesday a partnership to allow the insurer to launch a new digital insurance brand in Canada. The first product – underwritten by The Co-operators – will be a pay-per-use homeshare offering under the brand…