Claims

OPP to crack down after 6% increase in traffic fatalities

Citing a 6% increase in driving fatalities thus far in 2010, Ontario Provincial Police are vowing to crack down on “irresponsible drivers” who demonstrate aggressive driving, drive impaired and don’t wear seat belts.”Our Provincial Traffic Safety Program (PTSP) and other positive factors led to some significant saving of lives in 2008 and 2009, but it […]

By Canadian Underwriter | July 28, 2010

1 min read

Claims

June 2010 a record month for precipitation: Environment Canada

June saw the highest amount of rainfall in a decade in the Toronto region, according to Environment Canada.The monthly total for rainfall in June 2010 was 191.6 millimetres, breaking the prior record of 169.2 millimetres established in 2000. Wiarton and Kingston, Ontario also set new records during the month for total precipitation.The month also brought […]

By Canadian Underwriter | July 27, 2010

1 min read

Claims

Woman “struck by” pole protruding from parked vehicle is entitled to coverage: Ontario Appeal Court

A woman who suffered a serious head injury after hitting her head on a pole protruding from an unidentified, parked truck is covered by her own insurer’s policy, even though the truck was not moving at the time, the Ontario Appeal Court has ruled. Bonnie Lewis walked out of a variety store in 2003 and […]

By Canadian Underwriter | July 26, 2010

2 min read

Claims

Surveillance for evidence collection does not fall under privacy law: Federal Court

Using surveillance to help mount a defence in a civil legal action is not a “commercial activity” under Canada’s privacy law and is therefore not bound by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Federal Court of Canada has ruled.Nevertheless, the Privacy Commissioner does have jurisdiction to investigate the claim, the court […]

By Canadian Underwriter | July 26, 2010

2 min read

Manitoba calls for fraud endorsement in brokers’ E&O insurance

Manitoba licensed insurance agents are now required to have an endorsement that covers fraud and dishonest acts as part of their mandatory errors and omissions insurance.The amendment to the Insurance Agents & Adjusters Regulation was implemented on May 31, 2010, but allows for a one-year transition period.”It is important to note that a transition period […]

1 min read

Tropical Storm Bonnie heads in direction of BP oil spill

Tropical Storm Bonnie is churning towards the Gulf of Mexico, putting the clean-up efforts of the BP oil spill on hold. Bonnie is the second named storm of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season. The storm system will make its way over southern Florida on July 23, and then across the Gulf of Mexico, into the […]

1 min read

Chubb reports an “unusually high” level of cat losses in 2010 Q2

The Chubb Corporation [NYSE: CB]’s results in 2010 Q2 reflected a big catastrophe hit of $193 million, a huge jump from the $43 million in losses in 2009 Q2. “The $193 million reflects the impact of numerous storms throughout the United States, the most significant of which was the May hailstorm in Oklahoma,” Chubb reported […]

1 min read

WSI modifies 2010 hurricane forecast slightly to account for slow start to the season

Weather Services International (WSI) has downgraded its 2010 hurricane forecast slightly to account for a slow start to the early season in June and July, but nevertheless predicts an “extremely active” season in August through to October.In total, WSI is now calling for 19 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five intense hurricanes (Category 3 or […]

1 min read

U.S. securities litigation filings surges in 2010 Q2: Advisen

The U.S. government investigation of Goldman Sachs and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have sparked a surge in securities litigation in 2010 Q2, Advisen reports.In its quarterly report, Advisen noted the number of securities lawsuits filed in 2010 Q2 was nearly 30% higher than in 2010 Q1, and 19% higher than in 2009 Q2.New […]

1 min read

Ontario Bar Association elects insurance law specialists to board of directors

The Ontario Bar Association (OBA) has elected insurance law specialists as its new president and second vice-president, effective August 15.Lee Akazaki, the OBA’s incoming president, is a lawyer at Gilbertson, Davis, Emerson in Toronto. He specializes in personal injury, property damage, coverage disputes, commercial law, professional responsibility and property title defence.Morris Chochla was elected to […]

1 min read