The Chronicle: Issue 2013-29, July 23, 2013


What's Going Through The Intersection of Insurance and Technology?

Social Media Trending Sideways – Is That A Good Thing?
Back in 1999, Homer Simpson's daughter Lisa told her father that she could show him how to order pizza over the Internet. Homer replied: “The internet? Is that thing still around?” The Internet had gone beyond the initial hyper enthusiasm into a steady state presence that fell below Homer's radar. We're increasingly seeing anecdotal information that Social Media is approaching this same level of maturity, which allows more intelligent planning and utilization for insurers and brokers. We'd like your thoughts.

Is Data Forcing Modern Systems to Stay in Second Gear?
There has been significant emphasis in the past few years on rapid execution of implementation plans for large systems. Agile methodologies and modern technologies allow significantly shorter timelines from the decision stage to lights-on. However, the delivery of strategic goals may not follow as quickly, as we cope with our increased need for more, and better, data and analytics. As always, we are interested in your experiences.

The Intersection: Insurance-Canada.ca Blog
The Intersection

an Insurance-Canada.ca Blog


Technology

Gartner: Majority of information workers will soon interact with content applications via mobile device
The consumption of video on mobile devices for work-related purposes is on the rise, and Gartner predicts that by 2015, at least 60 percent of information workers will interact with content applications via a mobile device

Human Resources and Jobs

‘Canadian experience’: Exactly what does that mean in recruiting circles? – Michelle Straka, InsuranceWorks
Fifteen years ago it was very common for hiring managers to claim that they needed Canadian experience when presented with a candidate whose resume included relevant experience gained outside of Canada. The practise is slightly less common but still occurs today. Recent immigrants to Canada argue that they cannot find work without Canadian experience, but at the same time, cannot gain the Canadian experience without being given a job – the proverbial catch-22.

Consumer Information

The Co-operators launches new QuickQuote tool for auto insurance estimates
Today, The Co-operators launched its new QuickQuote tool for getting a fast, easy auto insurance estimate on its website. Recognizing that people are busy, this industry-leading quote tool is easy and efficient, delivering an accurate auto estimate in as little as 30 seconds.

Distribution

RSA expands availability of electronic document download using CSIO XML standards
Leading property and casualty insurer RSA has added Applied Systems' TAM to the list of broker systems compatible with their electronic document delivery, opening the door to greater efficiency and streamlined workflows for almost all their brokers.

In The Community

Economical Insurance partners with Canadian Red Cross to deliver disaster preparedness training
Recent flooding in Alberta and intense rain in Southern Ontario demonstrate that Canadians are facing the increasing impact of climate change. Severe weather is jeopardizing lives, property and livelihoods. And it isn't getting better. To help Canadians better manage emergency situations, Economical Insurance and the Canadian Red Cross will provide emergency preparedness sessions across the country in a new National Disaster partnership.

Business of Insurance

PwC: Regulation is the top industry concern, survey shows
Increased insurance regulation is putting significant pressure on the industry, according to the newly released biennial Insurance Banana Skins survey. Results show that Canadian respondents identified industry regulation as the greatest concern over the next two to three years. Regulation is also the top issue globally, as it was in 2011.

Great-West Lifeco completes acquisition of Irish Life
Great-West Lifeco Inc. has announced that it has, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Canada Life Limited, completed its previously announced acquisition of Irish Life Group Limited.

Guarantee Company of North America launches rebrand of Guarantee Gold
The Guarantee Company of North America's exclusive insurance coverage for high net worth customers, Guarantee GOLD®, invites you to get to know its new look and feel at guaranteegold.com.

Industrial Alliance to acquire TSX-listed Jovian Capital Corporation
Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. has announced an agreement to acquire through a plan of arrangement all of the outstanding common shares of Jovian Capital Corporation. Jovian holds interests in a portfolio of financial services companies, including Leon Frazer & Associates Inc., T.E. Investment Counsel Inc., Hahn Investment Stewards & Company Inc., JovFinancial Solutions Inc. and IIROC dealer MGI Securities Inc.

Claims

ASSI announces opening of Niagara Collision Reporting Centre
The Niagara Regional Police Service and Accident Support Services International Ltd., facilitators of Collision Reporting to the insurance industry, are pleased to announce the opening of the Niagara Collision Reporting Centre on July 22nd at the 3 District Police Station in Welland, Ontario.


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