Canadian Underwriter

Category: Insights

Is your brokerage prepared with specialized knowledge for the competitive edge?

In an era defined by generative AI, cyber liability and climate-related exposures, brokers know that markets driven by uncertainty call for confident advisors. Brokers who invest in p&c education are better equipped to understand these challenges which positions them to educate clients and win high-value accounts.

Educational offerings like the CIP designation provide courses tailored to exposures such as Cyber Risk, Business Interruption and Specialty Lines amongst others, which not only help to unlock new opportunities to grow your book of business but enhance your expertise and reputation through specialized knowledge.

Expertise builds client loyalty. Clients are inclined to stay with brokers who ensure they are protected and understood, so building and maintaining the trust of clients and insurers is incredibly important. This requires brokers who can communicate the nuances of coverage and risk scenarios with clarity and confidence. Growing a career as an insurance broker and ultimately growing a brokerage requires the discipline and curiosity exhibited in continuous learning.

“Pursuit of insurance education like the CIP designation builds depth of knowledge and trust, which can streamline sales cycles and strengthen customer retention,” says Alex Rei, ACIP, Business Development Advisor, at Economical Insurance.

Brokers recognize that insurer relationships are strengthened with technical knowledge, a comprehensive understanding of underwriting principles, and accurately presented risks. This leads to better placement outcomes, faster turnaround, and increased revenues.

“Today’s clients are more informed,” says Rei. They research policies, compare quotes, and ask tough questions to seek better clarity on their insurance solutions.”

He believes brokers who have invested in their education can correctly and confidently explain coverages and risk scenarios to earn trust — and business.

When looking at the continuous evolution of the industry, The Insurance Institute of Canada believes that while technology, marketing tactics and platforms change constantly, deep insurance knowledge stays relevant.

“Brokerages that invest in insurance education like the CIP designation, signal a culture of professionalism and growth. The CIP helps to future-proof careers and businesses by attracting ambitious brokers and retaining high performers who thrive in roles where they can excel. Offering the CIP designation to employees is a talent magnet and a retention tool,” says Peter Hohman, MBA, FCIP, ICD.D, President, and CEO of The Insurance Institute of Canada. Advice and choice are the brokers’ strength in this “people business” that is centred around strong relationships. Since both insurers and customers are buying into the broker’s reputation as part of the total package, the brokers who successfully navigate with the best advice and options are the industry’s competitive edge.

November 3, 2025
Navigating the Future of Insurance: Risk Management Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

Featuring: Mike Travis, Consulting Director, Underwriting & Matt Santos, Consulting Director, Underwriting

The insurance industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. Technological disruption, evolving client expectations, and systemic global risks demand a reimagining of how we assess, manage, and transfer risk. Underwriting consulting directors Mike Travis and Matt Santos share how these changes have redefined insurance and risk management – and how carriers must evolve to create resilience and stay competitive.

What are the most transformative trends or challenges shaping the insurance industry today?

Mike Travis:

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) that can help automate routine tasks, such as claims processing and underwriting triage, is significant. It’s important, however, that underwriters use these tools for support, rather than to outsource critical thinking or decision making.

Matt Santos:

Another transformative trend is the improvement of data-driven risk intelligence. Big data is no longer just a buzzword for referencing volume. It now enables more precision — including the integration of data ecosystems to enhance risk segmentation, pricing accuracy and predictive modeling — and supports underwriting decisions. This is particularly important in casualty, where there is high complexity in exposures.

How has the role of risk management and specialized underwriting expertise evolved in response to emerging global challenges like climate change, cyber threats and geopolitical instability?

Matt Santos:

Risks today are no longer siloed; they are systemic, dynamic and often unmodeled or even unknown. Some previous examples included leaded gasoline, asbestos or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which created more disruptions and problems than they solved. Today’s trends can include Microplastics and PFAS. Future risks can include bioengineering, nanotech, etc. This shift demands a move from reactive risk transfer to proactive mitigation, resilience-building and integrated risk transfer solutions.

What’s more, curiosity and continuous learning are becoming indispensable skills for underwriters. It’s important that they stay up to date with emerging trends, risks and rapid innovation and work closely with broker partners and the risk management community. Underwriters should prioritize providing viable mitigation and transfer solutions that contribute to a holistic approach to understanding and managing the client’s cost of risk.

Mike Travis:

I’ll add that a robust approach is needed from both risk managers and underwriters to identify and respond to emerging technological, environmental and geopolitical risks.

Also, at CNA we encourage and support continuous, lifelong learning and believe that an organization’s culture can be a source of sustained competitive advantage. Outside of supporting traditional talent development through industry accredited programs, our underwriters benefit from both internal and external subject matter expertise in both the US and Canada. Internally, Risk Control/Engineering and product line underwriting leaders play a vital role consulting with our teams. Externally, access to third party resources is vital in identifying emerging threats be they natural (wildfire, flood), or manmade (PFAS, lithium ion) through a multitude of sources (Bests, Moody’s, risk analytics firms, reinsurers, brokers, etc.)

In what ways do you think insured expectations are changing, and how should carriers respond to stay relevant and competitive?

Mike Travis:

First, I would say that client expectations have changed beyond financial protection. They expect customized solutions on-demand along with some self-service capabilities enabled by technology. Insurers must make sure that their systems and workflows are nimble and agile enough to satisfy these expectations.

Secondly, it’s clear that insureds are aware of current market conditions, like pricing, capacity and coverages, with a focus on rate and premium savings. Insurers need to emphasize their value proposition in this environment – such as know-how, underwriting, risk control, and claims handling – while remaining consistent in their underwriting approach and flexible in response to the market. That is certainly CNA’s approach.

Matt Santos:

Relationship building and client engagement through consistency and advisory are also key because insureds are increasingly expecting carriers and underwriters to understand the intricacies of their business, anticipate risks and offer strategic guidance.

What role do you think data and analytics will play in underwriting and claims management over the next decade?

Mike Travis:

Like any commercial enterprise, insurers are in business to make a profit in an industry that is becoming highly commoditized. Unlike other industries where products are sold with a profit margin, insurers may have to price policies lower than the associated risk. Underwriting profitable business and understanding those associated costs with attention to expense management are critical components of success. Data and analytics from third-party sources across various domains such as industry, environmental, individual and geographical, contribute to how thoroughly we can understand these risks.

Matt Santos:

Data analytics may evolve from merely supporting underwriting judgment to strategically enabling it. Today, underwriters rely on a set of skills and knowledge built through experience. This can include a general understanding of legal frameworks (especially in North America, where there can be interactions between multiple jurisdictions including federal, provincial/state and municipal, which might add complexity), insight into market dynamics and industry-specific nuances, as well as familiarity with the product and its positioning in the market.

Looking ahead, data handlers, including generative AI, may help shift the focus beyond exposure data. They could accelerate how knowledge is built and monitored, using real-time indicators tailored to the exposure, jurisdiction and legal environment. This would support both underwriting and claims teams in anticipating risk, not just assessing it, and contribute to more informed, proactive decision-making processes for accepting risks or managing claims. Ultimately, leveraging the power of AI for underwriting and claims management can help drive profitability.

How do CNA’s underwriting teams balance the need for customized solutions with the pressure for efficiency and scalability in underwriting?

Matt Santos:

Efficiency and scalability derive from having access to the right tools and the right data, not from forcing a one-size-fits-all solution. This means using technology like underwriting platforms, and even generative AI to streamline workflows while preserving sound underwriting judgment. It’s also about empowering professionals at different stages of development, ensuring the tools help structure their decision making, rather than making the decision for them.

Mike Travis:

One approach to this – and the strategy we currently use at CNA – is through increased specialization and clearly articulating risk appetite to brokers and clients. Specialization in the risk management space is a key success factor for us, along with a service offering that includes multi-line products and international capabilities.

Although the insurance industry is in constant flux, uncertainty and emerging global challenges invite proactive use of technology, underwriting and claims acumen and a refreshed approach to meet client expectations.

October 14, 2025
Build Cyber Resilience Without a Big IT Budget
As hackers come knocking, here are 5 smart ways to protect your brokerage today.

Cyber risk is no longer just a “big business” problem. While high-profile breaches at major institutions dominate the headlines, smaller firms — including brokerages — are increasingly in the crosshairs, but with far less public awareness.

Most Ontario insurance brokers understand that cyberattacks are a real possibility. Yet many still believe their brokerage is too small to attract attention, or that their existing safeguards are “good enough.”

The reality is: cyber criminals see brokerages as easy targets. As a broker, you handle sensitive client information and significant financial transactions every day. That makes your business a much bigger prize than your internal revenue numbers might suggest.

Fortunately, you don’t need a massive IT department to protect your brokerage. With a few focused steps, you can dramatically reduce your cyber risk. Below are five of the most common threats facing brokerages today, plus some practical ways to strengthen your defences.

1. AI-Driven Fraud and Social Engineering

Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate clients, executives, and even regulators. Sophisticated social engineering tactics like deepfake audio, hyper-realistic phishing emails, and fabricated identities are designed to trick employees into sharing credentials, transferring funds, or releasing sensitive data.

What you can do:

If a request seems unusual, verify it through another trusted channel before acting.

Offer short, regular training sessions to help staff stay alert to red flags.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect email, client systems and any software containing sensitive data.

Run periodic phishing simulations to help staff recognize cyber scams.

2. Supply Chain and Vendor Security

Many brokerages rely on third-party services like CRMs, cloud storage, or managed IT providers. If one of these vendors is breached, your client data could be at risk, even if your own systems weren’t compromised.

What you can do:

Keep an up-to-date list of all vendors with access to your data.

Ask vendors how they manage patching, encryption and breach response.

Review contracts for minimum security standards and breach notification clauses.

Maintain secure backups in a location you control.

Limit access so vendors and staff only see the data they need.

3. Strengthen Basic Cyber Hygiene

Many breaches stem from simple oversights, such as weak passwords, outdated software, or missing antivirus protection. These issues are easy to fix but are often overlooked in day-to-day operations.

What you can do:

Make patching and updates a monthly habit.

Require strong, unique passwords and update them regularly.

Use reliable antivirus on every device and confirm it’s running.

Test backups to ensure data can be recovered when needed.

4. Regulatory Pressures Are Mounting

With evolving regulations such as PIPEDA, FSRA guidance and the proposed federal privacy law (Bill C-27), brokers face increasing accountability for data handling, consent management and breach reporting.

What you can do:

Review and update privacy and consent policies regularly.

Create a breach response plan that clearly defines roles and steps.

Train staff on confidentiality, fair treatment and reporting requirements.

Stay informed through FSRA, IBAO, or IBAC updates.

Keep records of all training sessions and policy reviews.

5. Preparedness is key

Cyber incidents are no longer a matter of if, but when. Without a tested incident response plan, even a small breach can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, operational delays and regulatory consequences.

What you can do:

Draft a simple incident response plan with clear roles, key contacts, and client communication strategy.

Test the plan annually, using scenarios like phishing scams or system outages.

Know your reporting obligations under PIPEDA and FSRA.

By taking small, smart steps today, you can protect your clients, your reputation and your business from fast-evolving cyber risks.

At CAA Insurance, we’re committed to helping our broker partners build stronger cyber resilience. Together, we can make Ontario’s broker network more secure and better prepared for whatever comes next.
October 6, 2025
Dissecting VIN Fraud: Today’s Threat of Auto Fraud
As auto insurance fraud in Canada becomes more complex, a new threat has emerged: stolen vehicles with cloned VINs are now staying within Canadian borders. In the past, stolen vehicles were often quickly exported through shipping ports; however, as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enhances its scrutiny at these exit points, fraudsters are adapting their tactics.

Instead of shipping stolen vehicles overseas, these vehicles are being re-vinned, a process that uses a clean VIN or alters the VIN to disguise a stolen vehicle’s identity, allowing criminals to reintroduce them within the Canadian marketplace. Through this process, both the cloned VIN and the donor VIN become simultaneously active in the system. The result is a growing underground economy of vehicles with fraudulent identities that are being insured, sold, and driven on Canadian roads, often without detection. VIN fraud and vehicle theft affect many industries, dealers, leaders and insurers, and result in an overall loss of trust in the automotive ecosystem. These criminal activities fund other illicit enterprises, affecting community safety and security.

To gauge the extent of VIN fraud, CARFAX Canada estimates:

During 2024, approximately 69,000 vehicles were reported as stolen in Canada.^[1]

There are over 372,000 potentially cloned VINs in Canada.^[2]

There are approximately 127,000 Ontario-registered vehicles potentially cloned across North America.^[3]

Fraud is evolving

Fraud in the auto insurance sector is constantly evolving. As the industry develops tools to combat fraud, criminals adapt their tactics, moving from simple odometer rollbacks and staged collisions to sophisticated digital forgeries, cloned vehicle registrations, and identity concealment methods.

CARFAX Canada offers a fraud detection solution specifically tailored for the insurance industry that combines proprietary analytics, historical transaction modelling and a vast database of vehicle history records that can help insurers to identify potential cloned VINs, odometer rollbacks and inconsistencies in title history and vehicle status.

The fraud detection solution helps to proactively flag high-risk issues that may go unnoticed until a claim is filed—or worse, after fraud has already caused financial damage.

Addressing the data gap in the insurance industry

One of the primary challenges faced by the insurance industry is obtaining more data to develop solutions or advanced fraud detection methods. The lack of data can create an operational blind spot, making insurers vulnerable. More importantly, it may allow fraudsters to exploit delays, confusion, or inaction to continue operating undetected.

Access to more comprehensive data can help to strengthen existing processes for detecting fraud and determining the appropriate response, such as policy cancellations, notifying law enforcement, and informing other insurers.

Sales agents, brokers, and claims adjusters can help mitigate fraud risks by utilizing data-driven fraud solutions from CARFAX Canada, including detailed vehicle history data, to identify potential vehicle VIN fraud.

Leveraging fraud-fighting data networks can significantly reduce the financial incentives for auto insurance fraud in Canada, positioning institutions and businesses as leaders in prevention. Greater access to data can help remove fraudulent vehicles from the roads, lower claims costs, build trust in insurers, and ease the financial burden on Canadian drivers.

What’s next

To effectively mitigate fraud and protect their customers, insurers and brokers need comprehensive data solutions. CARFAX Canada collaborates with key players in the automotive industry, law enforcement, and government to continuously expand databases and develop new fraud tools to help insurers to stay one step ahead of VIN fraud and auto theft.

Visit the CARFAX Canada website or email big@carfax.ca, to learn how CARFAX Canada data and fraud solutions can help combat fraud.

^[1] CARFAX Canada insights based on data shared by CPIC in 2024.

^[2] CARFAX Canada, 2025.

^[3] CARFAX Canada data, analysis excludes Ontario/Ontario potential clones.
September 22, 2025
Rooted in resilience: Arundo Re marks 25 years in Canada

In a market defined by volatility, from record-breaking CAT losses and economic uncertainty to shifting customer expectations, consistency matters. For a quarter century, Arundo Re has provided just that to Canadian P&C insurers: steady reinsurance support built on deep relationships and trust.

Now, with a refreshed identity and a continued focus on long-term value, the reinsurer is doubling down on what it does best: staying the course, even as the industry changes around it.

“We’re not just offering capacity, we’re offering continuity, insight and proximity,” says Bertrand Labilloy, CEO of Arundo Re. “And nowhere is that more evident than in Canada.”

New name, same commitment

Arundo Re officially rebranded from CCR Re in early 2025, completing a strategic evolution that began nearly a decade ago. The change, says Labilloy, reflects the company’s transition from a former division of France’s state-owned CCR to a fully independent, international reinsurance company headquartered in Paris.

“The rebranding was the final step in a long transformation,” he explains. “We’re now a fully-fledged global reinsurer, with the structure, tools and autonomy to offer far more than capacity.”

But the rebrand wasn’t just cosmetic. “Arundo” references a fable by French poet Jean de La Fontaine, where a flexible reed survives a storm while a rigid oak falls – symbolizing humility, agility and resilience.

“These are the values we live by,” says Labilloy. “Arundo is also an anagram of ‘around.’ Our signature is: Always around.”

This rings especially true for the Canadian market: it’s a new name, but the same trusted reinsurer.

“Same team, same strategy, same commitment,” adds Pierre Dionne, SVP and Chief Agent of Arundo Re Canada. “There are no plans to change how we approach reinsurance in Canada. We’re as steady as ever.”

A Canadian presence built to last

Arundo Re’s Canadian branch — its only international office with full local underwriting authority — celebrates 25 years this fall.

“Many clients have been with us since day one,” says Dionne, who has been with the company for 23 of those years. “It’s a testament to our stable partnership.”

“We’re very proud of the respect our Toronto-based team has earned for their efficiency, deep local expertise and strong relationships,” adds Labilloy.

Reinsurance supporting resilience

The Canadian P&C sector is no stranger to turbulence.

“The trends we’re seeing, including intense drought and wildfire seasons, aren’t unique to Canada,” says Dionne. “But they are intensifying. And it’s clear the status quo isn’t sustainable.”

To help clients adapt, Arundo Re is working with brokers to explore solutions like second prepaid reinstatements and structured drop-down covers for high-frequency CAT events. But beyond structures, the company advocates for more fundamental change.

“We’re firm believers in build back better,” Dionne says. “Even if it costs more up front, it’s worth it in the long run for both the insurer and the reinsurer.”

That long-term mindset is also why Arundo Re supports the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and its efforts to improve adaptation strategies, from wildfire response to flood resiliency.

Built on relationships

As a medium-sized reinsurer by choice, Arundo Re sees strength in staying nimble, collaborative and close to clients.

“We’re not trying to become the biggest player,” Labilloy says. “That allows us to be a relationship-based reinsurer, not just a transactional one.”

That philosophy translates into impressive loyalty: nearly 90% of Arundo Re’s portfolio is renewed annually, and 30% of clients have stayed over a decade.

That commitment shows up across the full reinsurance structure, especially in Canada.

“Reinsurers should support clients across all treaty layers, not just the high ones that rarely see losses,” says Dionne. “In Canada, events like hail, ice storms and wildfires increasingly hit populated areas. These working-layer losses need to be paid, or the whole market suffers. We show up consistently, whether the loss is frequent or severe. ”

Global expertise, local impact

With operations in over 100 countries, Arundo Re brings international tools and expertise to the Canadian market without losing its local touch.

“Canada is our largest foreign market, accounting for about 10% of our business,” says Labilloy. “So our clients here benefit from everything we build globally, whether it’s automation that lowers costs or advanced CAT modelling chains.”

At Arundo Re, agility isn’t just a buzzword. “We’re able to roll out innovation at least as quickly as the biggest reinsurers, and often more affordably,” he says.

Looking ahead

In July 2025, Arundo Re’s final ties to CCR ended when SMABTP (Société Mutuelle d’Assurance du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics) and MACSF (Mutuelle d’Assurance du Corps de Santé Français) acquired full ownership. Now backed by two privately held mutuals, Arundo Re is supported by stable, long-term capital.

“Our shareholders aren’t driven by quarterly earnings,” says Labilloy. “That gives us and our clients stability and a consistent approach to sustainable growth over time.”

With a growth target of €2 billion in gross written premiums by 2027, Arundo Re is looking to deepen its role in the Canadian market.

“We grew our insurance revenue by 70% between 2022 and 2024,” Dionne says. “Now it’s time to solidify our position, build capital, and be ready for the next big event — because it will come. And after 25 years here, we’re just as committed to supporting Canada for the next 25.”

September 18, 2025
One step ahead

How AI-powered phishing scams are altering the cyber landscape

Phishing scams powered by artificial intelligence (AI) are increasing in frequency and sophistication, challenging insurers to stay ahead of threat actors, says a cyber insurance specialist.

“The AI-driven threat is transforming the cyber landscape,” says Lynda David, senior underwriter of technology and cyber with Sovereign Insurance. “It’s increasing and they’re getting more targeted.”

Phishing involves sending emails or other messages that appear to be from legitimate sources to try to get people to reveal personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Many security reports now say a high percentage of phishing emails are AI-generated. David observes these phishing scams are becoming increasingly refined, with fewer grammatical errors, and the use of real names, roles and scenarios.

“Based on the noticeable increase in both frequency and sophistication of social engineering incidents, it is reasonable to infer that threat actors are leveraging AI tools to enhance the effectiveness of their campaigns,” she says.

It’s not always specified in a claims report whether AI played a role in a phishing attempt. For insurers, the challenge is keeping ahead of the trend so that they can use AI more effectively than cybercriminals.

“As underwriters, we can help combat AI-driven attacks by ensuring our insureds implement employee awareness training and phishing simulations that reflect the evolving sophistication of these threats,” David adds. “Aside from multifactor authentication, it’s one of the easiest controls that we can implement, but it’s probably one of the most effective to combat against AI-powered scams.”

Underwriters must be strict about requiring insureds to implement employee training and phishing tests, she says.

“If I see that the insured is proactive about that, it’s a checkmark in my book,” David says. “The cyber industry has the power to reduce risk by demanding those stricter controls…[and] I think that’s the key to combatting AI threats.”

AI is a powerful tool but represents a double-edged sword. It strengthens insurers’ ability to defend, detect and respond to attacks but is also used by attackers to craft more intelligent scams to trick people.

Another trend in the cyber liability space is the increased frequency and severity of ransomware claims, where cyber attackers take control of a computer system until a ransom is paid.

“Business interruption coverage is crucial because operations come to a halt, and it’s important to bring the insured back to where they were just prior to the cyber event,” David says.

She says the largest number of claims are generated by subscription offerings known as ‘ransomware as a service’ that supply pre-written attack software. “And that makes it easier than before, because they don’t have to be so sophisticated or experts in this space. Anybody can get those ready-made kits from ransomware-as-a-service providers.”

She’s also seeing increasingly higher Bitcoin ransom requests each year. The severity, or size of attack, is ticking up as well, and stemming from software vulnerabilities, David reports.

“It’s very important underwriters ask for patching cadences and how often critical vulnerabilities are patched,” she says, adding that the best-case scenario is within 24 hours. “As long as you’re asking that question, and then they’re aware these critical vulnerabilities have to be patched, we can decrease those ransomware attacks.”

September 9, 2025
Where there’s fire, there’s smoke

Fire Damaged Building in Istanbul, Turkey

Insurers are asking clients more often about smoke prevention and evacuation plans

Environmental risk is uppermost in the minds of Canadian commercial property underwriters these days. They’re asking more questions about clients’ preparedness for smoke damage, evacuation procedures, and preventing flood damage at their businesses.

And while three-quarters of Canada-based firms believe they’re prepared for climate change and associated catastrophic risks, claims data reveals otherwise, says a survey commissioned by Beazley in January 2025. It asked more than 3,500 global business leaders and commercial insurance buyers about four different categories of risk — including environmental risk.

The results show 66% of Canada-based business leaders are adopting new risk management procedures due to extreme weather such as wildfires and flooding.

“This is an encouraging shift,” says Zachary Cruickshank, regional leader of Canadian commercial property and country manager for Beazley in Canada. “As specialty insurers, we’re well-positioned to support businesses in strengthening their risk management frameworks, drawing on both our underwriting and claims expertise and the practical insights of our risk engineers.”

Wildfires are top of mind for both commercial insurers and their clients. So far in 2025, Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. has reported four wildfire-related catastrophes, meaning each event caused insured damage exceeding $30 million.

As of Aug. 11, the latest figure from Interagency Forest Fire Centre says 4,363 fires burned or burning year to date. At that point, there were 712 active fires, with 69 of them being out of control.

Cruickshank tells CU protection from smoke damage and evacuation procedures are new areas of focus for commercial property underwriters when speaking to clients.

“These days, smoke damage becomes the bigger issue…as opposed to the actual fire,” he says. For example, underwriters are asking more questions about heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings. Specifically, they want to know if the HVAC systems have shutoffs.

“Smoke damage consistently emerges as a contributor to large-scale losses across the industry,” Cruickshank says. “You could have very minor smoke get into a building, and once that gets into the HVAC system, that’s pumped throughout the entire facility. So, manufacturers will have an HVAC shutoff interconnected with their fire alarms or their sprinkler systems.”

Smoke damage can spoil perishable goods or textile items such as clothing, driving losses higher.“There is a lot of emphasis, especially in wildfire areas, on clients’ smoke controls as well as their fire controls,” Cruickshank says.

Underwriters are also asking about businesses’ evacuation plans. “When we have to evacuate a large community, you’re now starting to see an impact on cover,” Cruickshank says. So, underwriters are asking commercial clients for detailed information about provincial and territorial evacuation notice requirements.

“Before you get that [evacuation] notice from the government, what is your actual protocol to do so, with your main concern being the safety of employees on the premises,” says Cruickshank. “We’re starting to see it more built into a lot of business continuity plans.”

Flood prevention is also on the minds of P&C insurance professionals. For example, underwriters are asking about intellectual property risk associated with storing documents in basements exposed to flood risk.

They want to know a client’s methods for stemming the tide of floodwaters. Hotels located on riverbends have readily deployable inflatables and sandbags, as Cruickshank points out.

And in downtown cores, developers are starting to place mechanical systems — such as HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems—higher in the building, rather than in the basement.

Cruickshank says the industry is gathering more loss control data with each passing NatCat flooding event, and passing lessons learned to clients.

September 2, 2025
Intact Insurance is committed to supporting Canadian businesses transition to renewable energy

The renewable energy industry faces unique complexity, but that isn’t stopping Canadian businesses from driving innovation and the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Now, more than ever, businesses need local brokers and an insurance partner who are equally committed to supporting their ambitions.

The right coverage from day one

From the early stages of project development through to construction and maintenance, Intact Insurance partners with brokers to deliver meaningful protection to customers throughout the lifecycle of their business. Our experience in the renewable energy sector, risk control expertise and financial stability means customers have insurance solutions to support their business.

Intact Insurance provides coverage from specific perils that, historically, result in higher claims, severity and frequency. While customers in high flood or hail prone areas can’t change weather patterns, they can make informed business and design choices that help reduce exposure – and that’s where we excel. We use our expertise to anticipate the needs of renewable energy customers so they can focus on ensuring their operations run as smoothly as possible.

Often renewable energy projects such as wind and solar are installed outdoors and, in Canada, that means exposure to a variety of harsh and challenging weather conditions such as hail. Equipment breakdown can pose a real threat to operations and the bottom line for business owners, which is why it is included as part of Intact’s solution for renewable customers.

Part of our solution from day one, is working closely with our risk control team. Our risk engineers go beyond traditional assessments to provide meaningful insights on weather volatility, regulatory shifts and evolving technologies – adding real value beyond coverage.

Focused on expertise

The Intact Insurance Renewable Energy team is a highly specialized group of risk, claims and underwriting experts with multinational capabilities and local focus to help customers get the most out of their renewable energy program.

Whether it’s solar, wind, hydro, battery energy storage systems (BESS), or emerging innovations, we’re committed to staying aheadby collaborating with industry associations such as the Canadian Renewable Energy Association and International Engineering Insurance Association, to better understand new technologies and industry challenges. We then take what we’ve learned and help brokers and customers protect their investment, their operations, and drive success.

Leading the way for Canadian renewable energy

The renewable energy sector continues to evolve and innovate – that’s what makes it complex. We’re here to help navigate the complexity to deliver insurance solutions so customers can pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Intact Insurance is a trusted partner brokers can rely on to deliver technical depth, long-term vision, and a strong commitment to their customer’s success.

To learn more, visit intact.ca/specialty.

August 18, 2025
Building more resilient communities: How Intact Insurance supports Canada’s construction evolution 
As Canada invests in transformative infrastructure to stimulate economic growth, the construction industry is in a period defined by innovation, sustainability, and community resilience. At Intact Insurance, we are proud to work alongside local brokers, builders and developers as they bring these visions to life. 

Public investment at all levels – municipal, provincial, and federal is a key driver of this progress. From school expansions, libraries and long-term care facilities, to bridges and water systems, these are more than projects. They are commitments to future generations, enabling economic opportunity and more connected and resilient communities. 

Your partner at every stage of a customer’s construction project

When brokers work with Intact Insurance, they receive more than a policy. Expect an invested partner dedicated to success. This starts with risk control guidance informed by technical and boots-on-the-ground experience combined with proven insurance solutions to meet the needs of today’s construction builds.

On-the-ground insight:  We get involved early – before shovels hit the ground – offering brokers and customers guidance during project conception and development, prior to insurance placement.  We also conduct early site visits especially when innovative materials like mass timber are used to identify and prevent risks such as delamination caused by moisture. Findings are shared in real time to help mitigate issues before they escalate. 

Specialized expertise: Our in-house engineers and risk control experts track advancements in materials and new regulations helping projects continuously.

Knowledge sharing: Lessons from one project inform others, enhancing best practices for everyone.  

Our proactive approach ensures projects move forward with confidence, backed by an insurer that understands the complexity of modern construction.  

Insuring the future of Canadian construction 

At Intact Insurance, we support brokers and business owners by insuring construction projects that are vital to Canada’s infrastructure. As projects apply new construction methods and accelerate the use of sustainable materials, insurers play an important role. Mass timber is a prime example. As a renewable, engineered wood product, it offers faster build times, and a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to concrete or steel making it popular for hospitals, schools, community centres, student residences, and affordable housing. However, mass timber also introduces specialized risks. It is more sensitive to moisture exposure, requiring careful water and weather protection during transport, storage and installation to ensure both project timelines and structural integrity. 

Intact’s Specialty Construction team has been at the forefront of insuring mass timber projects since the material emerged as an innovative and sustainable alternative. With years of insights from extensive site visits by risk engineers and technical underwriting and claims experience, we can deliver solutions for complex construction projects across the country.

As new materials, climate risks, and regulations emerge, we are here to help our brokers and customers build more resilient communities – together.

We’re helping to build a more resilient Canada – one construction project at a time.

Learn more about our construction expertise at intact.ca/specialty  
August 11, 2025
Growing technical talent: A strategy for the next generation of adjusters

As the industry continues to grapple with increasingly complex losses, the role of the technical adjuster has never been more critical — or more at risk. With a wave of experienced professionals heading into retirement, organizations are now faced with an urgent question: Who will carry forward this depth of knowledge?

The answer lies in a deliberate and long-term strategy. One that’s rooted in mentorship, hands-on learning, and leveraging the strength of its regional teams to prepare the next generation of adjusters.

“With so many experienced adjusters nearing retirement, the industry has a responsibility to think long term,” says Kelly Stevens, senior vice president, loss adjusting. “At Crawford, we’re not just reacting to the gap — we’re actively closing it.”

A talent challenge with real consequences

Unlike more transactional aspects of claims handling, technical adjusting demands a unique blend of structural, contractual, and environmental knowledge — particularly in sectors like energy, construction, and large-scale property losses. That expertise is typically built over years, not months.

“Technical adjusting isn’t something you master overnight,” adds Stevens. “It takes years of working through real claims, alongside professionals who’ve seen it all. That’s the value of mentorship. It accelerates learning in a way that a manual cannot teach.”

Dock worker or engineer overseeing operations logistics and shipping yard managing inventory, shipping schedules, or container tracking technology, and safety in the shipping industry, depicting a professional in action at a container yard.

The Western-Canada advantage

Crawford’s Western Canadian Global Technical Services’ team has become a cornerstone of this strategy. With a strong cohort of senior adjusters who have spent decades navigating complex claims across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the region offers both a high-risk environment and an ideal training ground for emerging talent.

“Western Canada presents a unique claims landscape. From wildfires and floods to energy and construction losses,” says Walter Waugh, VP operations, Western Canada. “The strength of our team here is tied to diversity of skillsets and we have a growing collaborative team. Talent attracts talent and we have done a good job of continuing to deepen our technical resources. It is exciting and we are far from done.”

Through structured shadowing programs, on-the-ground exposure to catastrophic and technical files, and access to some of the industry’s most seasoned experts, junior adjusters are gaining more than just technical knowledge. They’re developing judgment, confidence, and client trust.

“We’ve made it a priority to create opportunities for intermediate and junior adjusters to work shoulder to shoulder with our most experienced team members,” adds Waugh. “That’s where confidence and critical thinking are developed — in the field, not behind a desk.”

A long-term commitment

Beyond recruitment, Crawford’s approach focuses on continuity and quality. Senior adjusters are encouraged to mentor as part of their core responsibilities, and rising adjusters are given meaningful roles on active, high-stakes claims.

“Clients expect technical accuracy and sound judgment, especially on complex files,” says Stevens. “That only comes with time and the right training environment. That’s exactly what we’re creating.”

As the industry prepares for a generational shift, Crawford’s strategy offers a blueprint for sustaining technical excellence. By grounding its talent development in real-world experience, regional strength, and long-term thinking, the company is validating that its next generation of adjusters are not just ready — and earning the confidence of clients across the country.

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June 2, 2025