Canada Insurance Report Q2 2012

In responding to the challenges of 2011, Canada’s insurers demonstrated, yet again, that they have considerable strengths. As an industry, they are well regulated, have access to the capital that they need, are innovative and – in the life segment, especially – are large-scale players in the US and other foreign markets. The purchase by Intact of AXA’s business in Canada was a highlight of the year and was a positive development for both parties: we expect that the consolidation of the fragmented non-life segment will continue.

In the life segment, a major challenge has been the performance of financial markets, in Canada and elsewhere, through H211. As a result of the general softness in equity prices, at a time that interest rates (short and long) have been falling, the life companies have had to increase their reserves. Sales of life insurance and savings products have, however, generally remained firm. In part because of specific marketing campaigns, the major life companies have achieved double digit growth in particular products relative to H211.

In the non-life segment, recent newsflow has revolved around three themes. The first has been a surge in losses from natural catastrophes. The windstorms which caused CAD200mn or so of insured losses in Southern Alberta in November 2011 are the latest of many. The fire which destroyed much of Slave Lake in May 2011 was the second largest catastrophe in Canadian history. The second theme has been widespread concern over initiatives by OSFI, the regulator, to increase the capital requirements for the property & casualty insurers – although this is a challenge for insurers in most developed countries. The third theme has been the lack of profitability in the market for auto insurance in Ontario. Meanwhile, particular companies have achieved significant growth in their businesses – or in particular lines – thanks to innovative marketing initiatives.