MPI tracks cars stolen multiple times
January 6, 2003 by Canadian UnderwriterA new study from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) shows that one car in that province was either stolen or had a theft attempt made on it six times in the past two years. The finding was part of a study…
Insight: B.C. Auto Insurance Deregulation: Anchored?
January 1, 2003 Sean van ZylThe B.C. government’s announcement toward the end of last year that it plans to maintain crown insurer the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia’s (ICBC) monopoly position in providing basic auto coverage has left a bad taste in the mouth of…
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…
Manitoba PUB orders 1% drop in rates
December 6, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterFollowing a request from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to keep rates the same in that province, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has ordered a 1% reduction in basic public auto insurance rates. This represents the fifth year MPI has held…
Taking the Lash Out of Driving
December 1, 2002 Mary Lou Reilly, IBCAdjusting vehicle head restraints, or headrests, can help prevent the pain of whiplash, says a new Canadian study. The message for drivers: rest up and save your neck.
Legislation sets timetable for UV project
November 11, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterAmong the changes included in last week’s introduction of Bill 198 in the Ontario legislature is a countdown for the industry’s Uninsured Vehicles project.Through changes to the province’s Compulsory Automobile Insurance and Highway Traffic acts which stand to be passed…
Tiburon tops theft list again
November 6, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterThe third time is definitely not a charm for the Hyundai Tiburon which has ranked as the most stolen vehicle in Canada for the third straight year, according to Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) data.In its annual report “How Cars…
Educational Evolution
November 1, 2002 Vikki SpencerAs the Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC) celebrates its 50th anniversary as a national source of insurance education, its path can be viewed as a work in progress. Many of the mandates that marked the institute’s early years continue to guide its development: accessibility, professionalism and high educational standards respected worldwide. Now, institute president Peter Hohman says the IIC is also focused on raising the profile of its graduates with the public.
Ontario auto insurance reform debuts to mixed reaction
November 1, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterMuch anticipated Ontario auto insurance reforms have been put before the legislature with the view of having legislation enacted by the beginning of next year. Auto insurers, represented by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), say they “applaud” the actions…
IBC applauds Ontario auto reform
October 30, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterThe much anticipated Ontario auto insurance reforms have now been put before the legislature and the industry’s lobby body is pleased.Reacting to the news that Ontario Finance Minister Janet Ecker has tabled legislation that will allow future changes to the…
Older cars a target for thieves: IBC study
October 8, 2002 by Canadian UnderwriterCar thieves are increasingly targeting older vehicles, says a new study from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).The IBC commissioned the study after collecting annual statistics from insurers in 2002 which reported more older cars being stolen than new ones.…
Ontario Proposed Standards for Auto Repair: A Fair Deal?
October 1, 2002 Alex Szabo, president of the Collision Industry Standards CounciRecent private-member legislation put forward in Ontario under Bill-165 with regard to implementing minimum quality standards for auto collision repair shops appears to have come under fire from auto insurers. There seems to be concern that such standards will eliminate “direct repair programs”, or “DRPs” that currently exist between insurers and their vendors. The auto repair shop organizations supporting the standards legislation and ultimately improved protection of the consumer believe that these concerns are unjustified.