The Chronicle: Issue 2014-13, April 1, 2014


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

Is IT’s Elevation of Role Raising Risk Levels?
The profile and influence of IT are expanding – rapidly. Business leaders speak about the integral role of IT in modern commerce. We see lots of articles saying that IT is one of the growing professions. Even the NASDAQ is supporting pretty aggressive multiples on technology stocks with little talk of a bubble. It's a great time to be busy in a hot profession, right? Some recent research suggests we might do well to remember that with reward comes risk. And that risk could get personal; when we meet the enemy, as Pogo said, he might possibly be us.

Independent Agents and the Disappearing Internet: The Road to Insurance 2024
Recent research suggests that the Internet, and related social functionality, is becoming ‘invisible’ – simply blending into, and augmenting, our normal activities. This is not just a theoretical construct for leading independent insurance agents and brokers, as the experience of a six-person independent insurance agency demonstrates. We'd like your thoughts on the phenomenon of the disappearing Internet and your experience with using its invisible social tools.

The Intersection: Insurance-Canada.ca Blog
The Intersection

an Insurance-Canada.ca Blog


Business of Insurance

Swiss Re: global insured losses from catastrophes reached 45 billion USD in 2013
According to the latest sigma study, global insured losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters were USD 45 billion in 2013, down almost half from the 2012 total. Of the 2013 insured losses, a significant majority were generated by natural catastrophes, with hail in Europe and floods in many regions being the main drivers.

Towers Watson: insurance merger and acquisition activity on the rise
An overwhelming majority of North American insurance executives expect to see an increase in the volume of insurance mergers and acquisitions over the next one to three years, compared to the previous three years, and more than three-quarters say they are actively considering acquisitions, according to a new survey conducted by global professional services company Towers Watson.

CNA Canada launches new oneworld manufacturing package
CNA Canada today announced the launch of its new oneworld® Manufacturing package policy, a product specifically designed for the manufacturing industry with features including Product Recall with Loss of Profits, Manufacturer's E&O, Contingent Business Interruption, and coverage for Research and Development activities, and more.

SGI Canada strengthens focus on growth opportunities
SGI CANADA is realigning its business strategy in an effort to more quickly achieve its targets for geographic diversification of risk. As part of the strategy to accelerate geographic diversification, SGI CANADA has entered into an agreement to sell its shares in the Insurance Company of Prince Edward Island (ICPEI) to EGI Financial Holdings Inc. (EGI) at book value, and in addition to license the use of SGI's computer systems. The transaction is expected to close this summer.

Insurance Bureau of Canada takes aim at problem of cargo theft
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) are joining forces, supported by four large Ontario police services, to launch a national program to fight cargo theft. The rapidly escalating crime is a significant problem in transportation hubs in southern Ontario, and in Vancouver and Montreal.

Consumer Information

The Co-operators launches Prestige Plus insurance for higher-value homes
Recognizing the unique insurance needs of higher-value homes in Canada, The Co-operators today introduced a new insurance solution designed specifically for valuable homes. Prestige Plus is specialized insurance that provides appropriate coverage, policy enhancements and valuable extras to properly insure these homes and everything in them.

Technology

MARCON Mobility Newsletter: Mobility Trends and Auto Insurance
One of many trends that computing and communications technologies are facilitating is the rise of car-sharing. At first blush it seems more cars equals more insurance, and all is rosy for the auto insurance industry. But look a little deeper: car sharing means fewer, not more, cars to insure; shared cars are often owned by bigger businesses, often by the auto manufacturers themselves. Note some of the other trends and goings-on: driverless cars, big data and privacy; revisions to insurance will be required; Google's same-day delivery service; Ontario striving to stake some leadership ground; and more.

Claims

Intact Insurance launches ad campaign featuring 30-Minute Claims Service Guarantee
Intact Insurance, Canada's largest provider of home, auto and business insurance has launched a new national television and online campaign geared to consumers, promoting its 30 Minute Claims Service Guarantee. The campaign delivers on the trend that sees Canadians prioritize responsive customer service from their insurer and highlights the Intact Insurance employees that deliver that every day.

Marketing

IBAO: new broker education courses offer tips for attracting prospects and retaining investment
With new social media and digital platforms being introduced every day, consumer expectations have increased with regards to the service provided to them by their insurance brokers. Brokers can now learn new tips on how to engage with their customers on a number of platforms with the latest offerings of broker educational courses presented by the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario.

Distribution

RSA's EZ-Docs obtains CSIO certification for eDocs
Leading property and casualty insurer RSA is proud to announce that they have obtained Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) eDocs Certification for their branded EZ-Docs solution. The CSIO certified EZ-Docs is currently available to brokers across Canada with the exception of Quebec.


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