WIRELESS CLAIMS BEYOND THE INTERNET
February 1, 2001 Larry Snipes, director of product development and general insuraThe brave new world of the Internet brought a scope of accessibility never before experienced. And, just as insurers are beginning to grasp all that the Internet has to offer, the digital world is opening even more doorways with the…
Adjusting the Balance
January 1, 2001 Vikki SpencerAs incoming president of the Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association, Paul Feron knows he will juggle the interests of two diverse member groups, independent and staff adjusters. Finding common ground may not, however, prove difficult. Adjusters as a whole face a…
Healthcare: a Tear in the Claims Management
January 1, 2001 Sean van Zyl, EditorIn the few short years between 1991 and 1998, the cost of healthcare as a percentage of auto claims across Canada rose on average by almost a third to the point where amounts paid out by insurers toward vehicle damage/loss…
Auto theft costs draw concern
January 1, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterRoughly half of the amount paid by insurers through claims resulting from comprehensive auto cover on new vehicles is caused by theft, the Insurance Crime Prevention Bureau (ICPB) and the Vehicle Information Centre of Canada (VICC) recently disclosed. At a…
Saskatchewan brokers gear up for change
December 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterAs Saskatchewan’s brokers joined for their annual conference recently, proposed changes to rate classifications by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) were the hot topic for discussion. Prior to the meeting, SGI announced plans to reclassify light commercial vehicles by removing the…
Magtec meets VICC standards
December 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterIn its drive to promote the use of electronic vehicle immobilizers as an alternative to car alarms and other devices, the Vehicle Information Centre of Canada has approved the use of the Magtec 6000. The device, distributed by Calgary-based Magtec…
ICPB scores against car theft
September 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterFollowing extensive investigations, police in Quebec swooped in on a vehicle theft ring based in Victoriaville in July, seizing 56 cars valued at approximately $1.6 million. The Insurance Crime Prevention Bureau (ICPB) congratulated the authorities on the successful raid, noting…
Developing risk management: POSITIVE REFLECTIONS
September 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerIf experience is required, then Rich Whitehouse is the right choice to host the silver anniversary of the Canadian Risk and Insurance Management Society’s conference. As a delegate at the first conference 25 years ago, he is in a unique…
Sweet but Deadly, Lessons From Walkerton
August 1, 2000 David CarrAging infrastructure, cut budgets and a blind political eye. With increasing pressure to cut taxes, Canada’s federal and provincial governments have for decades reduced investment and maintenance expenditure in public infrastructure. Repeatedly, reports have been issued of the resulting dangerous…
Kingsway acquires AXA fleet book
June 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterInsurer AXA Canada has sold its book of commercial trucking business, consisting of ten vehicles and more, to specialty insurer Kingsway Financial Services Inc. The book is valued at about $23 million in annual premium. As part of the arrangement,…
Multi-Distribution: Switching channels
June 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerRecent management consultant surveys of the North American property and casualty insurance industry have highlighted distribution as the number-one future concern facing insurer CEOs. The reports all weigh strongly in favor of integrated multi-distribution approaches with the Internet playing central…
Following the right track
June 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerAuto manufacturers and property and casualty insurers recently joined forces at the AIM 2000 Conference held in Mississauga to combat cost-pressures and identify means of better serving their customers. Highlighting the agenda were the use of research, design and rating…