The Chronicle: Issue 2013-04, January 29, 2013
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What's Going Through The Intersection of Insurance and Technology? | |||
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Beyond Technology Modernization: Will The Circle Be Unbroken?
Canadian On-line Insurance Activity: Leading May Be Rewarding and Award-Winning |
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Business of Insurance
Swiss Re investigates the risks and opportunities of a sustainable energy future
Swiss Re's latest report, Building a Sustainable Energy Future, describes the impact of the changing global energy mix on climate change. Using a combination of economic analysis and scenario building, the report provides a framework for decision-makers when it comes to questions of renewable energies, greenhouse gas emissions and how to adapt to climate change. The report concludes with a look at how insurance can enable development in the energy sector.
CarProof.ca launches game-changing fraud screening tool for vehicle insurance
Three years ago, CarProof began working with i2iQ and 10 participating insurers to develop a unique tool to assist claims departments in identifying potential fraud activity during the claims adjusting process. The result of all this effort is the launch of eSmartClaims, which CarProof is introducing in January 2013.
IBC: insurance industry key to Ontario's economic health
According to a new study, “Property and Casualty Insurance Industry in Ontario – Economic Benefits across the Province,” prepared for Insurance Bureau of Canada by Jupia Consultants Inc., Ontario's insurance industry remains a key sector to the province's financial health.
The Co-operators pledges $255,000 to community organizations
Today, The Co-operators announced $255,000 in funding to 13 remarkable community organizations across Canada that help people achieve greater self-reliance. The funding supports a variety of programs that are strengthening communities from St John's to Vancouver by providing training and employment opportunities to help local residents overcome barriers.
Economical Insurance donates to Campbellford Memorial Hospital in support of palliative care
Economical Insurance is proud to donate $10,000 to Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation for end–of-life/palliative care patients. The funds will go towards the purchase of a new bed fitted with an air mattress specifically designed for palliative patients who are bed ridden. Unlike a standard hospital bed that patients occupy on a short-term basis, a palliative air mattress offers superior weight distribution and comfort, as well as an additional level of patient stability and support.
Distribution
Policy Works enters strategic partnership with Policy Bill
Policy Works Inc. and Policy Bill are pleased to announce they have entered into a strategic partnership. Together, the companies intend to work with the independent broker network to provide solutions that enhance broker profitability.
iter8 and HTM Insurance partner to develop real-time inquiry capabilities
iter8 is pleased to announce that HTM Insurance Company and iter8 have signed a contract to develop policy, claims and billing inquiry capabilities for the HTM independent broker and agent channel. This represents the initial phase in HTM's plans to provide technology solutions for their brokers and agents so they can effectively integrate with HTM in real-time
Kanetix.ca expands commercial insurance quotes service with Gore Mutual partnership
Kanetix.ca announced today an expansion of the company's online Commercial Property Insurance comparison service after a new partnership with Gore Mutual Insurance Company. Available to commercial insurance customers in Ontario and Alberta, the latest partnership offers businesses in both provinces quotes from one of Canada's top commercial insurance providers.
Technology
BDC offers financing to help entrepreneurs invest in technology
The Business Development Bank of Canada offers tailored financing to entrepreneurs who want to invest in information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, software and consulting services, which includes IT planning, strategy, security, online services, Internet marketing and social media.
Policy Management
West Bend picks RC Inspection from Risk Control Technologies
Risk Control Technologies Inc., the industry-leading provider of loss control software solutions for insurers, today announced that West Bend Mutual Insurance Company ("West Bend") has selected the RC Inspection software solution to streamline its loss prevention operations. West Bend is a large, Midwest-based property/casualty insurer, specializing in home, auto, business, and specialty insurance, with more than $700 million in annual direct written premium.
Marketing and Customer Service
eMarketer: Canadian online video audience outstrips advertising
Online video consumption has grown rapidly in Canada. In fact, the country ranks second in the world in online video penetration. While advertisers have lagged behind consumer uptake, ad spending on online video grew rapidly in 2012, jumping 75% from the previous year, and is projected to continue growing sharply in coming years, according to a new eMarketer report, “Canada Online Video: Consumers Lead the Way.”
Industrial Alliance innovates with visually presented retirement statements
Industrial Alliance is proud to announce that members of its group retirement plans now have access to a new and innovative retirement savings statement. More than simply informational, this new statement will serve as a retirement planning tool that is simple, easy to understand, educational and personalized for each member.
Consumer Information
Kanetix.ca: falling auto insurance rates favour Alberta and Ontario drivers
Kanetix announced today the results of its quarterly review of car insurance rates in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec. Comparing the results of Q4 2012 to those of the 2011, the Kanetix study found a 3.3% decrease in Ontario, a 8.1% decrease in Alberta, and a 6.8% increase in Quebec.
Got junk in your trunk? State Farm recommends essential emergency supplies
According to a new survey by State Farm and KRC Research in the United States, more than 60 percent of drivers had some sort of "junk" (non-emergency supplies) in their trunk ranging from extra clothes and shoes to used food or drink containers. While 99 percent of drivers had at least one emergency supply in their vehicle, such as spare tire or jumper cables, a mere nine percent carried all the essential emergency roadside supplies
IBC hails auto insurance fraud reform by Ontario government
Insurance Bureau of Canada congratulates the Ontario government on its most recent efforts to tackle auto insurance fraud. Late yesterday the government announced that it would be introducing new regulatory amendments aimed at making insurers, consumers and health care providers more accountable when dealing with claims as a result of motor vehicle accidents. The proposed regulations would be another important step toward stamping out fraud and reducing the cost of automobile insurance premiums.
PC Insurance launches new term life and critical illness insurance plans for Canadians
To help Canadians start 2013 off on the right foot, PC Insurance announced that it has launched three new coverage options: PC Term Life Insurance, PC Critical Illness Insurance and the PC Family Protector Package. Underwritten by The Canada Life Assurance Company, all options offer the ease and convenience for which the PC brand is known.
Inspect extension cords to prevent vehicle fires, warns Manitoba Public Insurance
Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging vehicle owners to inspect their extension cords after several vehicle fires have been attributed to faulty/broken extension cords.
CAA offers winter car care tips for the cold spell
Forecasters are predicting bone-chilling temperatures will grip southern Ontario over the next few days. CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) warns that as the mercury drops, so does your car's battery power. The average life of a battery is 3-5 years, but driving conditions, weather and lack of care can shorten the lifespan of a battery.