How modernization of payment systems in Canada could increase cyber claims
February 26, 2019 by Jason ContantWhile theft of funds remains a relatively minor source of Canadian cyber claims for one specialist insurer, it is expected to grow as further modernization of payment systems takes place in the country. CFC Underwriting released Friday its 2018 cyber…
The latest way cyber-criminals are attacking your clients
February 25, 2019 by Jason ContantCyber 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…
How much business Sonnet writes for Economical
February 22, 2019 by Greg MeckbachDirect writer Sonnet accounted for about 5% of Economical Insurance‘s premiums in 2018, the Waterloo, Ont. mutual reported Thursday. “While Sonnet requires additional scale to achieve profitability, we now have sufficient insights and experience to improve performance, and we have…
What the commercial underwriter of the future might look like
February 22, 2019 by Jason ContantCommercial 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…
The two main benefits of parametric insurance
February 20, 2019 by Jason ContantSpeed is one of the main benefits of parametric insurance compared to traditional forms of insurance, with the underwriting process taking just several days to two weeks, speakers from AXA Global Parametrics in France said Tuesday. Parametrics is index-based insurance,…
The impact of hardening Lloyd’s market on Fairfax
February 20, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA tough Lloyd’s market and California’s worst-ever wildfire led to an underwriting loss for Brit Plc, which Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. acquired in 2015. Fairfax officials faced pointed questions during its recent earnings call from one analyst who suggested…
How expert witness restrictions impact insurers
February 15, 2019 by Greg MeckbachInsurance 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…
Opta acquires getClarity: linking property and risk data with consumer profiles
February 14, 2019 by David GambrillWith 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…
The aftermath of ‘firm action’ in Lloyd’s market
February 8, 2019 by Greg MeckbachEight Lloyds syndicates have closed and some clients insured by the London market are seeing premiums increase four-fold, the head of a major Bermuda insurer suggests. “After some firm action by Lloyd’s in (2018), we saw the closure of eight…
Intact’s appetite for cross-border mergers
February 8, 2019 by Greg MeckbachIntact Financial Corp. is not ruling out the possibility of buying a commercial brokerage or managing general agent in the United States. “We are doing a lot of work to understand the opportunities in distribution in the U.S. and will…
What commercial brokers are saying about the worrisome market turn
February 4, 2019 by David GambrillWhether the industry faces a hard market or simply a “market correction,” commercial lines premiums are definitely on the rise, Canadian commercial brokers reported in an online poll by Canadian Underwriter. And they are starting to get concerned about it.…
Zurich Canada names new head of operations
January 31, 2019 by David GambrillMathias Sommer has been named head of operations for Zurich Canada. Sommer has been leading the operations team as vice president of operations for Zurich’s Canadian commercial insurance segment since September 2017. He will remain based in Toronto and report to Zurich Canada CEO…