Mar 22, 2021 | blog, Events, News
By Sara Ametrano
The pandemic has prevented us from meeting with our broker partners in person, and we’ve really missed that interaction. It made it clear that now is the perfect time to try something new. So we’re seizing the opportunity to get creative, because after all, at Trisura, we love innovation.
You’ve participated in our e-learning courses (more coming your way this year!) and possibly even some in-person webinars with our subject matter experts. But now, we’re stepping things up even more, expanding our catalogue of courses with free webinars!
Hosted by an exclusive Trisura team, our education series will be a new way to learn about specialty insurance and surety. A fun way to learn at a distance, our instructors will present interactive courses live and will be ready to take any questions you might have. And that’s not all: continuing education credits will also be available to those who attend!
We’re looking forward to bringing exciting new courses your way and hope to see you at the webinars.
Stay tuned for more information including course information and accessibility and dates coming your way soon!
Mar 3, 2021 | blog, News, Risk Solutions, Specialty Insurance
By Sara Ametrano
Over the last several months, Insurance Business Canada has been on a mission to determine the leading carriers for professional liability coverage in the country. Trisura is happy to report that we have made the inaugural list!
“We are thrilled to be recognized as a Five-Star Carrier for professional liability,” Marilyn vanGansewinkel, Trisura’s senior vice president of specialty insurance solutions says. “Trisura always strives to create positive experiences for our broker partners, providing tailored solutions to meet their unique needs.”
To determine the winners, the magazine conducted extensive research, surveys and one-on-one interviews with brokers to determine the nation’s leading professional liability providers. Information was gathered for a variety of categories, and Trisura is one of just two organizations to be selected as a top carrier for all of the categories:
- Private E&O
- Private EPLI
- Private D&O
- E&O Lawyers
- E&O Design
- E&O Accountants
- E&O Medical
- E&O Construction
- E&O Non- profit
- Public E&O
- Public EPLI
- Public D&O
- Claims
- Underwriting
What is professional liability insurance?
Professional liability insurance protects against allegations of negligence in the performance of a business’ professional services. The client may seek financial compensation if they believe the organization failed in their professional services that caused a financial loss.
What Trisura can do:
As we do with our other products, Trisura can tailor the professional liability coverage to fit each specific class of professional that we insure. Trisura takes a unique approach to all claims and provides expertise and solutions so organizations and individuals can quickly return to their business.
About the Insurance Business Canada Five-Star Carrier in Professional Liability Awards:
Over the span of 15 weeks, Insurance Business Canada conducted research, surveys and interviews with thousands of brokers to determine the country’s top carriers. The criteria used for scoring carriers included: relationships between parties, ability to handle claims, underwriting expertise and the products provided. Access the complete list of winners and more information on the awards here.
To learn more about Trisura’s professional liability coverage, click here. Or, talk to one of our experts today! Contact us.
Feb 22, 2021 | blog, News
The following is a press release published by the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada.
Toronto, February 22, 2021 – The Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) is pleased to announce that Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company has maintained its support of the Broker Identity Program (BIP) at the Full Partner level.
Trisura’s sponsorship will support IBAC’s Broker Identity Program (BIP), a national advertising campaign that raises awareness of the significant value that insurance brokers provide for their clients – choice, advice and advocacy.
In addition, their investment will contribute to important IBAC initiatives including IBAC’s technology leadership, professional development of the broker workforce, and our strong and effective federal advocacy to maintain the separation of banking and insurance, which protects consumers and promotes a fair and competitive marketplace.
“For Trisura, Covid-19 has underscored the importance and value that brokers provide to insureds and insurers alike. Trisura strives to provide our brokers with an exceptional experience and to be their consummate partner, and today’s environment has intensified this critical mission,” said Chris Sekine, Trisura’s President & CEO. “We believe that IBAC’s Broker Identity Program plays a critical role in supporting insurance brokers across Canada and we are proud to continue our participation as a Full Broker Partner.”
“Now more than ever, insurance brokers are going above and beyond to assist their customers. Trisura’s renewed investment recognizes the essential role of the broker, and we greatly appreciate their continued partnership and support,‘’ said Peter Braid, IBAC’s Chief Executive Officer.
About Trisura Guarantee:
Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company is a Canadian specialty insurance and surety company with offices across Canada, providing customized solutions and expertise through a select broker network. Trisura Guarantee is uniquely positioned to satisfy Canadian risks in Contract, Commercial and Developer Surety, Directors’ and Officers’ Liability, Fidelity, Professional Liability including Media and Cyber Liability and Warranty products.
Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Trisura Group Ltd., a leading international specialty insurance provider operating in the surety, risk solutions, corporate insurance and reinsurance segments of the market. Trisura has three principal regulated subsidiaries: Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company, Trisura International Insurance Ltd. and Trisura Specialty Insurance Company. Trisura is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSU”.
About IBAC:
Founded in 1921, the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada is the national voice of over 38,000 property and casualty insurance brokers, advocating for the interests of both insurance brokers and consumers to the Government of Canada. The Broker Identity Program (BIP) was launched in 1988 to promote the value and professionalism of the insurance broker to consumers, insurers and governments.
For further information, please contact:
Denys Bégin, Manager, Marketing & Communications
Insurance Brokers Association of Canada
416-367-1831 ext. 160 or dbegin@ibac.ca
www.ibac.ca
Dec 23, 2020 | blog, News, Risk Solutions, Specialty Insurance, Surety
Originally Published by Canadian Underwriter, December 23, 2020.
Chris Sekine, President, CEO, Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company
COVID-19 has affected most businesses, and the insurance industry is no exception. Businesses are operating in a more uncertain environment than ever before. Insurers and reinsurers have adjusted underwriting appetites, which has influenced portfolios, available capacity, and pricing. Given current hardening conditions, we expect industry results to gradually improve. For many businesses, near-term results will be contingent on government support in response to the pandemic and the potential for further lockdowns.
Insureds are navigating challenging industry dynamics. The pandemic, combined with the hard market, amplified the need for brokers and their value. This is true for both insureds and insurers, and especially those with complex commercial risks. Trisura is a broker-driven company and we are working closely with our broker partners to navigate these turbulent times.
We expect the risk tolerance of businesses/insureds to evolve. Cyber risk is a good example of an exposure that businesses may not have appreciated. As cyber attacks have increased through COVID-19, businesses are looking to the insurance industry to help manage this risk.
We expect many business trends established before COVID-19 to return and business operations will resume much as they were pre-pandemic. For example, we anticipate a return to working in-office and in-person interactions with our brokers and partners. Although most companies successfully transitioned to working remotely, we don’t believe that is sustainable in the long run. Businesses rely on personal relationships. Virtual meetings are a great temporary measure, but they simply can’t replace in-person meetings.
That being said, the success of remote working arrangements will provide a broader tool set to employers and employees. For those with appropriate job functions, employers should offer flexible working arrangements.
Embracing technology will enhance productivity and collaboration of established operating norms. What hasn’t changed is that good people are the very core of a successful business.
Dec 21, 2020 | blog, Events, News, Specialty Insurance, Surety
This year’s Insurance Business Canada awards may have taken on a different format, but there was no denying that the excitement could be felt through the entirety of the event. The event celebrates the insurance industry, recognizing organizations and professionals for their dedication and achievements. And we are proud that a member of Trisura’s talented team was selected as the 2020 Underwriter of the Year!
Emily Thompson, a senior underwriter for Trisura, has been in the insurance space for seven years. Throughout her career, she has been eager to learn and grow, and is now often consulted for her expertise in the surety space by both clients and peers alike. As 2020 has proven to be a year full of unique challenges, Emily has been integral in Trisura’s approach towards working through the pandemic, maintaining a sense of consistency and continuing to offer unique solutions for industry partners.
Congratulations, Emily, on this much-deserved accolade!
We chatted with Emily about her professional journey so far. Below, she delves into how she got started in the industry, the help she has received and her advice for potential industry newcomers.
Trisura: What is your favourite part about working as an underwriter in the surety space?
Emily: Without a doubt, the people. The surety industry is very people-driven and working collaboratively with great people across our industry makes the work exciting. Every client is unique, and we are often presented with scenarios where a traditional approach might not work. I find that through collaboration, both internally and with our external partners, we can arrive at a positive outcome for everyone. It’s exciting to deliver a tailored solution and enjoy in that success with others.
Trisura: What drew you to the industry?
Emily: As a math and business student in university, surety underwriting intrigued me with its combination of financial analysis, understanding a business’ health and the teamwork involved between the surety, broker and client. But while the numbers tell part of the story, listening to a client proudly tell the story of their business and their past successes builds a strong connection with the client, and gives me, as an underwriter, a glimpse into their world. Getting to know the people in a business provides a great insight into how they operate and how I can best support them. The analytical part of the job drew me in, but its the people I have met that make the industry a great field to work in.
Trisura: How has the pandemic impacted your role, and have you implemented a new approach in conducting business with your brokers?
Emily: The pandemic has had a big impact! To me, the most important thing has been maintaining strong communication. Everyone is managing more uncertainty than ever, while also navigating a new work environment and managing multiple priorities. Maintaining transparency and open communication has been important to me in conducting business. I also aim to ensure the way we operate continues to be consistent and offer stability.
Trisura: Do you have a mentor? If so, what sort of impact has he or she had on your professional development?
Emily: I have had a number of mentors over the past few years at Trisura. Each of them has taught me a lot about the industry, underwriting, communication–you name it. They’ve also given me a lot of room to practice new skills and throw myself into new projects, learning more along the way. I can’t thank those mentors enough for allowing me many opportunities to grow both as an underwriter and a person. There is always more to learn, and I am excited to continue to do so, with the support of some great people at Trisura and throughout the industry.
Trisura: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in insurance?
Emily: Dive in and be curious. For me, I was looking for a career in a field relating closely to my math and business background. I hadn’t considered insurance seriously, until my second co-op term with Trisura when I started in surety underwriting. In the first few days, I quickly saw how interesting the business was and began asking questions and soaking up information. As I immersed myself in the industry, it opened doors that I didn’t even know existed. There is always something more to learn, and I’m excited to see what more is in store!
