01.25.2016 Flashcards
What is “Going Forward 2” (GF2)?
Risk management programs to help producers manage income volatility from market conditions, weather related events and natural perilsAgricultural
What are the six programs of GF2?
- AgriInsurance2. AgriStability3. AgriInvest4. AgriRecovery5. Western Livestock Price Insurance6. Advance Payments ProgramAgricultural
What’s the purpose of AgriInsurance?
Protect against production losses.Guarantees a predetermined level of production.Agricultural
What’s the purpose of AgriStability?
Pays when production declines more than 30% from historical margin.Pays out 0.7 * (average year - current year)Agricultural
What’s the purpose of AgriInvest?
Deposit matching program that allows producers to accumulate funds that can be used to manage income shortfalls or make investments to manage farm risks.Agricultural
What’s AgriRecovery?
Disaster relief framework done on a case-by-case basis for natural disasters like disease, pests or weather related events.Federal and provincial govt funding only.Agricultural
What’s Western Livestock Price Insurance Program?
Protects against unexpected price declines of livestock.Agricultural
What’s Advance Payments Program?
Provides producers with access to short term low interest loans in order to improve cash flow management.Federal funding only.Agricultural
What are some of the regulations surrounding GF2?
-coverage can’t exceed 90% of losses-premiums must be actuarially sound-certificate of an Actuary must be provided: -Probable yield methodologies -Premium rate methodologies -Assessments of self sustainabilityAgricultural
Optional agricultural benefits?
NAME?
What are five adjustments required for historical yields to reflect current production?
- changes in farming or mgmt practices2. changes in insurance program design3. trends in technology and genetic improvements4. changes in data sources5. variations in mix of insureds over time and across geographical regionsAgricultural
Two requirements for an agricultural program to be considered self-sustainable?
- recover from the 95th percentile deficit, on average, within 15 years2. recover from the 95th percentile deficit, with 80% probability, within 25 yearsAgricultural
Which coverages does GRID apply to?
Basic coverages (TPL and AB).Alberta
What happens if a driver has an at fault accident on the GRID scale?
The driver moves 5 steps up the grid.Alberta
What happens if a driver gains an additional year of experience in Alberta re: GRID?
The driver moves one step down the GRID range and receives an additional -5% (up to a max of 50%).Alberta
Workers with asbestos-related injuries used to be compensated through workers comp. What changed?
In 1973, plaintiffs were successful in holding the manufacturing companies strictly liable for failure to warn of unreasonably dangerous product.AAA Mass Tort
What are four features of asbestos litigation?
- Plaintiff groups: combine several defendants resulting in complex and expensive cases.2. Forum shopping: filing claims in perceived pro-plaintiff jurisdictions3. Multiple Defendant cases: workers worked with numerous asbestos-containing products during careers so name multiple defendants.4. Peripheral defendants: some states have jointly and severally liable so peripheral defendants now bear majority of the costs.AAA Mass Torts
What are three asbestos trends/conclusions identified in RAND study?
- claims filed annually increased sharply in the mid to late 1990s2. nonmalignant injuries account for most of the growth3. asbestos litigation is inefficient (42% goes to plaintiffs)4. defense costs may rise because of: -more complex suits -defendants are abandoning settlement strategies -coverage disputes with insurers and reinsurersAAA Mass Torts
What’s the concern for non-seriously injured and unimpaired asbestos claimants?
- if they don’t proceed with a lawsuit today, compensation may be depleted from claims happening now-future health uncertainty- continuing expenses for ongoing medical monitoringAAA Mass Torts
What’s the concern for plaintiff’s attorneys re: asbestos claims?
NAME?
What are the primary concerns for peripheral asbestos defendants?
NAME?
What is an example of a federal asbestos reform and what are the concerns around it? Who funds it?
FAIR Act: proposed to establish no-fault trust fund which claimants meeting asbestos exposure and medical criteria get compensation.Funded by corporate defendants, insurers, and existing bankruptcy trusts.Concerns:-How many claims will be filed?-Is funding adequate?-Should the federal govt contribute?-Will it be operated efficiently?AAA Mass Torts
What are three state level reforms re: asbestos?
- inactive dockets and pleural registries to preserve the right of those who don’t currently meet specific medical criteria to pursue litigation in the future2. medical criteria statues3. restrictions of case consolidation and venue rulesAAA Mass Torts
What are two uses of credit score?
- rating2. underwritingAAA Credit Scores
What’s joint and several liability? What are the pros?
Allows the plaintiff to recover damages from multiple defendants collectively or from each defendant individually.Increases efficiency in legal system.ATRA
What are the suggested reforms from ATRA?
- repeal in favour of rule of proportionate liability (based on fault)2. bar application of joint and several liability for non-economic damages3. bar recovery from defendants who are less than a certain percentage at faultATRA
What’s the collateral source rule?
Evidence may not be admitted at trial to show that plaintiff’s losses have been compensated by other sources.Allows for double dipping.ATRA
What are punitive damages? What are the issues around them?
Used to punish the defendant for intentional or malicious actions and to deter future similar conduct.Issues: -frequency and size has greatly increased-difficulty prediction whether punitive damages will be awardedATRA
What are the reforms ATRA suggests for punitive damages?
- est liability trigger based on actual malice2. require clear and convincing evidence3. requiring proportionality awards4. enact federal legislation to address problem of multiple punitive damage awardsATRA
What’s wrong with the current appeal bond? What does ATRA suggest?
When appealing a verdict, have to post an appeal bond (sometimes equal to 105% of the verdict) and it can force bankruptcy.ATRA suggests an appeal bond waiver that limits the size of appeal bond when company is not liquidating its assets or attempting to flee.ATRA
What are the reforms ATRA suggests to address jury services?
- eliminating occupational exemptions2. ensure only those who experience true hardship are excused3. establishing trial fund to pay jurors who serve long civil trials4. providing jurors flexibility in scheduling their service and limit time at court per dayATRA
What are the four main types of insurers?
- individual underwriters: does not act as an insurer or have any liability on the policies issued2. joint stock companies: for profit, controlled by board3. mutual insurance companies4. reciprocal organizations: orgs that have joined together for the exchange of insurance. Issues no policies itself but no participant can take out insurance unless he offers it in return. Members are individually liable.Baer
What are the three classes under individual underwriters?
- Underwriting members: allowed to accept risks on own account2. Subscribers: act as brokers on behalf of public and place risks with underwriting members3. Associates: lawyers, claim adjusters, and others who perform services for members and subscribers.Baer
How do rating bureaus help prevent insurance companies from becoming too competitive?
- Use IBC to gather statistics and advise companies about future premium rates2. Authorized to fix the terms/conditions of insurance contracts (ie: insurers can’t compete on contract)Baer
What are the five objectives of IBC?
- discuss general insurance2. collect and analyze statistical info3. study legislation4. research and pilot programs to provide service for public5. promote better public understanding of insuranceBaer
What are the 5 main focuses of Canadian Insurance?
- Solvency2. Canadianization3. Government revenue4. Regulating the Contract: promote marketing integrity and improve insurance contract5. Direct control over marketing practices: promote honesty and competence of insurance intermediariesBaer
What are the three reasons for strict financial regulation of canadian insurance?
- bankruptcies in 1860s and 1870s shook public confidence2. legislators believed short term price competition is not in public’s best interest3. manage large pools of pre-paid premiums Baer
How does the Canadian insurance industry promote solvency?
- controlling the creation of domestic insurers and licensing of foreign insurers2. limiting the types of investments insurers could make3. providing periodic filing of financial info4. giving a govt dept authority to ensure complianceBaer
What are the three levels of insurance regulation?
- legislation2. regulation by lieutenant governor in council3. guidelines by the superintendent (favored because provides more flexibility and less likely to be misinterpreted by the courts)Baer
What’s the role of the CCIR?
Encourage uniform practices in the industry through industry-wide rules and common teaching and testing materials for insurance agents.Work closely with Superintendent and industry.Baer
What’s an indemnity contract?
Where amount receivable is measured by extent of pecuniary loss.Baer
Describe the Glynn v. Scottish Union case.
Gylnn and wife got in accident as a result of negligence by Sutherland. Gylnn got settlement from Sutherland and also managed to get insurer to pay for medical expenses (double recovery).Insurer appeals because contract was one of indemnity and therefore shouldn’t be about to double-dip.Verdict: indemnity contract so subrogation allowed and insurer wins.Baer
Describe Regal Filmns v. Glens Falls case.
Insurance policy protecting against fire, lightning, wind, etc but titled “inland marine policy”. Policyholder made fire claim but it was resisted because proof not provided in 60 days. Under Part IV of Insurance Act, proof must be made as soon as “practical” but insurer doesn’t believe falls under Part IV because it’s an inland marine policy.Policy doesn’t specify the loss has to be caused by “incident to marine adventure” so plaintiff wins.Baer
What are the four ways to handle multiple recovery situations?
- Election: person decides if wants to collect money from wrongdoer or collateral source2. Cumulation: can collect from both sources3. Reimbursement: insurance is second player4. Relieving the Tortfeasor: wrongdoer has to pay what insurance doesn’t (insurance is first payer)Baer
Which recovery methods prevent double recovery?
NAME?
Describe the Fletcher v. MPI case
Both people suffered severe injuries but had not purchased underinsured motorist but thought had purchased maximum coverage. Verdict: plaintiffs awarded damages as defendants were found negligent.Baer
What are three criteria to determine if there’s a duty of care?
- reliance2. reasonableness of reliance3. was the reliance expected?Baer
Provide three reasons why government agents have less duty to advise than private company.
- employees not specialists in risk advice2. employees don’t have to be licensed as agents3. private company agents provide info AND advice, public just provide infoBaer
Describe the Broadhurts & Ball v. American Home case.
Broadhurts & Ball had primary liability policy with American home and excess policy with Guardian.B&B sued.American Home acknowledged obligation to defend but Guardian denied duty because accused B&B of knowing about lawsuit when bought coverage.Verdict: American Home and Guardian to equally share defense costs b/c both have duty and can create the best defense together.Baer
Describe the Dillon v. Guardian case.
Dillon hit five year old with his car and sued for $100,000. Policy limit was $50,000.Counsel said could settle for 45 or 46 but decided to go to trial where Dillon owed 80. Dillon sued Guardian for remaining costs.Verdict: Dillon wins. If given opportunity to settle in policy limits, must take risk on themselves if decide not to take it {absolute liability}Baer
What’s a “reporting professional”?
The person using the work of the otherCIA CSOP
What’s a “specialist professional”?
The person who’s work is being usedCIA CSOP
Describe the details in the case with Hughes and BC Credit.
Hughes was insured with Federated and he found out that Economical had sought his credit info prior to his renewal.He did not give consent .Economical ordered to provide all home insurance policyholders notice that credit score may be obtained for assessing future risk and had to review consent forms.Economical challenged delegate’s order b/c would impose hardship and cost on BC brokers.Separate case (Goepel) forced Economical to provide notice about credit scores.CIA CSOP
What are the five reasons to have government participation in Insurance?
- Filing Insurance Needs Unmet by Private Insurance: unmet due to affordability or availability -govt can subsidize with taxes2. Compulsory Purchase of Insurance: mandatory to meet social responsibility -govt may operate as “take all comers” in competition with private insurers3. Convenience: easier for govt to set up program quickly than private market4. Efficiency: belief they can operate at lower cost than private market5. Social Purpose: main reason -ex: building codes/zoning could require private insurers to offer flood to new construction but govt would still be required for old flood prone areasCAS
What are the three ways government can be involved in insurance?
- exclusive insurer (social security)2. partnership with private insurers (flood, terrorism)3. competition with private insurers (workers comp)CAS
What are three criteria for evaluating performance of government insurance programs?
- Is it necessary or does it achieve a social purpose that can’t be provided by private insurance?2. Is it social welfare or insurance? Social welfare has benefits based on demonstrable need and is funded by tax resources. Insurance is paid to all who suffer loss and is funded by premiums.3. Is the program efficient? Accepted by the public?CAS
Why are caps on non-pecuniary or general damages necessary?
- claims of severely injured can be limitless2. non compensatory because no money can provide true restitution but goal to make life more endurable3. plaintiff will be fully compensated for future loss of income and care costs4. exorbitant awards can produce unaffordable increases in insurance and social costsDavidson
What case has gone above the trilogy cap for non-pecuniary loss?
Fenn v. City of PeterboroughPlaintiff was awarded $125,000. Decision was not appealed so Supreme Court was not given the option to comment.Davidson
What did we learn from Lindal v. Lindal case? (trilogy…hint)
Awards are not compensatory so it’s not fair to compare injuries of different plaintiffs.Cap should be indexed for inflation.Davidson
What was argued in the Lee v. Dawson case?
Cap discriminates against seriously injured victims of negligence who do not receive full compensation compared to other injured victims.Court’s response is that general damages are not meant to be fully compensated. Compensation should not depend on seriousness of injury but to make life more bearable.Davidson
What are the arguments against the cap on general damages?
- language used was “rough upper limit” not rule of law2. sky-rocketing awards have proven to be false3. upper limit disregards the importance of having a jury4. cap inconsistent with modern community values5. cap is arbitrary and lacking logical foundation6. cap doesn’t allow for keeping up with pace of social, economic, and technological change in societyDavidson
What types of cases does the cap on non-pecuniary damages not apply to?
- sexual assault cases2.defamation3. cases of negligence causing catastrophic personal injuriesDavidson
What are one of the issues with the cap on non-pecuniary damages?
Tends to overcompensate people with temporary or less severe injuries and under compensate those with permanent or more severe injuries.Davidson
What’s the leading cause of insurance company failure in Canada?
Inadequate pricing and deficient loss reserves.Dibra
What’s the definition of insolvency?
Involuntary exit from the market as a result of a winding-up order issued by the appropriate supervisory authority.Dibra
What are the two types of risks that can lead up to involuntarily exiting a market?
- Insolvency Risk: assets become insufficient to meet contractual and other financial obligations.2. Liquidity Risk: sufficient assets to over obligations but high risk that assets could disappear.Dibra
What are the characteristics of insolvent companies in Canada?
- size (low asset value)2. ownership (branches of failed parents)3. age (newer companies more likely to fail)4. rapid growth (sudden growth in premiums)Dibra
What are four types of insolvency costs?
- policyholders lose UEP2. claims not paid in full3. costs incurred by regulators, agents, reinsurers4. lost wages, commissions, taxesDibra
How does the treatment of liquidation dividends differ from Canada and the US/UK?
In the US and UK, dividends are used to reduce current and future assessment needs but in Canada, PACICC returns liquidation dividends to solvent members of the industry.Dibra
What are four external factors influencing solvency?
- Underwriting cycle and profitability (high correlation between soft U/W cycle and insolvencies)2. Catastrophe losses3. Economic and Financial Market Factors (key issue is not level of financial variables but volatility)4. International ExposuresDibra
What are the benefits to international exposure?
- increased competition2. greater diversification3. access to international sources of capitalDibra
What are four company characteristics that play a role in most solvencies?
- Governance & Internal Controls: financial reporting reduces risk, internal processes persist over time2. New Entrants: likelihood of survival increases with firm’s age3. Growth: often rapid growth two years before insolvency (usually accompanied by deteriorating loss reserves)4. Firm size: insolent insurers usually small and therefore don’t have great access to capitalDibra
What is the goal of Facility Association?
To ensure auto insurance is available for every owner and licensed driver who needs it to legally operate their vehicles.Dutil
Who’s members of Facility Association?
All licensed insurersDutil
Which provinces do not have FA?
BC, MB, SK and QBDutil
What are the three types of mechanisms administrated by Facility Association?
Facility Association _________________l______________ l l lResidual Risk Sharing Uninsured AutomobileMarket Pools Funds(FARM)Dutil
What is FARM (Facility Association Residual Market)?
Residual market for personal and commercial autos who may encounter an availability problem.Dutil
How does FARM work?
Contracted Service Carriers issue and administrate policies and adjust claims.All policies must follow FA rates, rules, and classes which require provincial approval.Policyholder is aware of assignment.Dutil
What are the requirements to place a risk with FARM?
NAME?
How are the results of FARM handled?
Pooled among all licensed insurers based on participation ratios.Dutil
Describe Risk Sharing Pools
Allows insurers to transfer certain exposures to industry-wide pools.Risks don’t qualify for FARM but are higher risk.Policyholders and brokers are unaware of assignment.Financial results are pooled among all licensed insurers.Companies administrate own policies according to own rates and rules.Dutil
Describe Uninsured Automobile Funds.
Provides compensation when unable to have damages paid because no other insurance is available or it’s inadequate.Dutil
What are the requirements to transfer risks to Risk Sharing Pools?
NAME?
What are the unique details about Ontario Risk Sharing Pools?
Only covers 85% of every risk transferred.Can transfer up to 5% non-fleet PPA WE Dutil
What’s unique to Alberta Risk Sharing Pool?
No limit to number of GRID policies that can be transferred.Limited to 4% non-fleet PPA WE.Dutil
What’s unique to NB First Chance Risk Sharing Pool?
Covers exposures with at least one driver who receives the “First Chance” discount.Limited to 8% of non-fleet PPA WE.Dutil
What’s unique to NS Risk Sharing Pool?
Covers exposures with at least one driver with less than six years of driving experience and no accidents or convictions.No limit on risk transfer.Dutil
What was the goal of the 2010 FSCO reforms?
To increase options for customers.FSCO
What are some of the changes in the 2010 FSCO reforms?
NAME?