Operations

Will Archway expand outside of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick?

One of Atlantic Canada’s largest brokerages, Archway Insurance, may be looking to eventually move outside of the two provinces where it currently does business: Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. On Aug. 1, Archway announced that it had added its 24th location with the acquisition of J.H. Deveau Insurance in Meteghan, N.S. Jean Guy Comeau will continue […]

By Jason Contant | August 3, 2018

3 min read

Operations

Why Canada is said to be ahead of U.S. on real-time data exchange

When it comes to real-time data exchange, the insurance industry in Canada seems to be more on the right path than south of the border, said the CEO and co-founder of an insurtech in the United States that recently incorporated in Canada. TechCanary CEO and co-founder Reid Holzworth spoke to Canadian Underwriter Tuesday, days after […]

By Jason Contant | August 2, 2018

2 min read

Operations

Western acquires Toronto brokerage, deepens expansion into Ontario

Western Financial Group Inc. continues to expand in Ontario, acquiring Toronto-based DMW Insurance Ltd. “As the largest insurance broker in western Canada, we recognize the importance of being able to bring our expertise and care for customers into Ontario, the largest insurance market in Canada,” says Kenny Nicholls, Western’s president and CEO. “We welcome DMW […]

By David Gambrill | August 1, 2018

1 min read

Operations

Why carriers should share with their competitors

Insurance 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 our brokers,” said Marc Lipman, chief operating officer of American International Group Inc.’s Canadian branch. […]

By Greg Meckbach | August 1, 2018

2 min read

Wawanesa to discontinue direct channel, sell exclusively through brokers in Quebec

Wawanesa 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 of its markets across Canada. The closing date of the transaction is targeted for Oct. […]

By Jason Contant | August 1, 2018

2 min read

How to advise clients on cyber after Algonquin breach

Brokers can aid their clients by raising awareness of the common tactics of cybercriminals, as well as by advising their clients to be careful about with whom they share their personally identifiable information (PII). Zac Cohen, general manager of Vancouver-based identity verification provider Trulioo, spoke to Canadian Underwriter Friday about what can be learned from […]

2 min read

Questions to ask clients who serve alcohol

Risk 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 well-run,” said Lorne Folick, a partner with Dolden Wallace Folick LLP, who specializes in liquor […]

2 min read

How brokers can help risk managers sort out counterparty insurance

Courting a new business partner and relying on your counterparty’s insurance coverage to respond to a loss? For a risk manager, it’s a good idea to engage in a form of insurance “prenup” conversation with the potential business partner, says Pamela D. Hans of Anderson Kill, a full-service business law firm based in New York. […]

3 min read

Boost your sales: What science is telling you about your buyers

Want to improve your sales? Stop focusing on your technique as a salesperson and start relying on scientific studies of what the buyer is thinking, Steven MacDonald advises in a blog written for SuperOffice. “Science-based selling uses scientific research to understand what is happening inside the buyers’ brain, and how their brain can be influenced,” […]

3 min read

How Canadian brokers can cut out the ‘middleman’ – the insurers

Canadian insurance brokerages have already made inquiries to an Estonian-based insurance company that is working on a revolutionary blockchain distribution model. Black Insurance is setting its sights on cutting out the “intermediaries” in the insurance sales process – the insurance companies. “Usually when people are speaking about intermediaries in insurance, automatically they think of brokers […]

3 min read