The Chronicle: Issue 2014-22, June 3, 2014


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

What's the Lifespan of Insuring Telematically?
Ten years could be the life span of telematics-enabled, usage-based insurance (UBI), and maybe auto insurance itself, according to one expert on autonomous vehicles, speaking at the Insurance Telematics Canada 2014 conference in Toronto yesterday.

Several members of the audience were vocally skeptical, but the Oracle of Omaha was quoted, adding some credibility. At the recent Berkshire-Hathaway annual meeting, Warren Buffet suggested successful self-driving cars would be “very bad for auto insurers” but that the full impact is still decades away. Regardless, the debate continues.

The Intersection: Insurance-Canada.ca Blog
The Intersection

an Insurance-Canada.ca Blog


Technology

MARCON Mobility Newsletter: Introducing the Transportation Evolution Institute
In order to better understand new technologies, to better assess their potential impact on all natures of transportation and to better strategize their optimal deployment, the Transportation Evolution Institute – in French Institut de l'évolution du transport – has been organized and is introduced in this issue. An interesting approach with partners and projects, TEIET is another clear sign that mobility revolution, already underway, is bringing immense changes to society.

Telematics

Desjardins: Ajusto customers improving driving behaviours and saving money
Ontario and Quebec drivers who have signed up for the Ajusto UBI savings program from Desjardins General Insurance Group are improving the way they drive and saving money as a result.

Kanetix: Most Canadians unfamiliar with usage-based insurance
Just 18 per cent of Canadian drivers are familiar with usage-based insurance (UBI) programs, according to a recent survey by Kanetix highlighting both the opportunities and obstacles for this new approach to auto insurance in Canada.

Claims

Paul Davis Systems Canada acquired by FirstService Brands
FirstService Corporation has announced that its subsidiary, FirstService Brands, the leading North American brand in property services, has acquired Paul Davis Systems Canada, a market leader in the Canadian insurance restoration industry.

Distribution

Opta Information Intelligence launches an integrated commercial replacement cost valuator
As the next step in the evolution of iClarify Commercial services, Opta Information Intelligence is pleased to announce the integration of a commercial cost valuator within iClarify. The latest iteration provides accurate re-construction cost values for the functional replacement of commercial properties across Canada.

Applied Systems users group adds two new chapters
Applied Systems Client Network (ASCnet) Chair Chris Gory announced the formation of two new chapters that will deliver local education, networking opportunities and other member benefits in their regions. The new ASCnet Atlantic Canada and ASCnet Ottawa Canada chapters will host inaugural chapter meetings in June.

Consumer Information

Self-driving cars and auto insurance
When autonomous vehicles such as the self-driving Google Car begin to arrive in meaningful numbers, they will change many aspects of life and society as we know them today, from jobs to public transit, auto ownership to commuting, and much more. But what do they mean for auto insurance?

Jobs and Careers

Aviva Canada: Sharon Ludlow joins as President
Aviva Canada, one of the country's leading providers of home, auto, recreational vehicle, group and business insurance, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon Ludlow as President, Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, effective June 17. Sharon will be responsible for Aviva Canada's broker distribution operations, as well as the company's customer, marketing and digital strategy. In the newly created role, Sharon will report directly to Aviva Canada President and CEO, Greg Somerville.


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