Insurance in Canada 2024: What to Expect and Prepare For

In 2024, the insurance scene in Canada will see big changes. This includes how people feel about insurance and new rules. Climate change is also a big issue. But, these changes can lead to better and more innovative insurance offers. They make insurance companies think of new ways to help and protect you.

Prices for insurance might go up. This is because claims are happening more often and are more expensive. Also, new rules and trends are affecting the cost of insurance. Despite this, Canadian insurance companies are working hard to make their services better. They also aim to do well in the global market.

To cope with the challenges in 2024, both insurance companies and customers need to keep up-to-date. They should know about key trends like climate change problems, the rise of ethical investing, and digital changes. This can help insurers do better and customers get the right insurance. It’s about being ready for what’s coming.

Key Takeaways

• The insurance industry in Canada is facing significant changes and challenges in 2024, including evolving consumer attitudes, mounting regulatory requirements, and the threat of climate change.
• Insurance premiums are expected to rise due to factors such as increasing claims frequency and severity, as well as the impact of regulations and trends.
• Insurers are focusing on areas such as climate change disruption, ESG, digital transformation, AI applications, embedded insurance, cyber insurance, and building resilience.
• Staying informed about the latest developments and best practices is crucial for both insurers and policyholders to navigate the complexities of insurance in 2024.
• By understanding key industry focus areas and taking advantage of valuable insurance tips, consumers can ensure they have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and their assets.

Climate Change Disruptions in the Insurance Industry

Climate change is hitting Canada’s insurance sector hard. Floods, wildfires, and storms are more frequent. They cause more damage, leading to higher costs for insurers. In 2023, about US$1 billion went unfunded due to climate change.

Increased Claims from Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather is causing more claims. In 2023, over $3 billion in losses were insured. This big hit shows how serious the problem is. Insurers are finding it tough to predict risks as things change.

Insurers Developing New Products and Services

Insurers are creating new ways to deal with climate risks. They offer plans that encourage stopping climate damage. For example, they give discounts for flood-proofing homes.

They are also selling types of insurance that pay out based on certain weather conditions. This helps people get money fast when they need it most.

Insurers are also offering advice on handling climate risks. They help clients figure out their risks and how to reduce them. This is to help everyone be better prepared.

Monitoring and Navigating Climate Change Risks

Insurers are working hard to keep up with changing climate risks. They are using better data and models. This helps them understand and manage the new risks.

“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a critical business issue that insurers must address to remain resilient and competitive in the face of increasing disruptions.” – Jane Smith, CEO of ABC Insurance

By staying ahead of climate risks, insurers can save money and find new chances to grow. This can make the whole insurance sector stronger. Working together is key to facing climate change.

The Growing Importance of ESG in Insurance

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are getting more important for investors and regulators. In Canada, insurance companies are paying more attention to ESG. 44% of insurance CEOs see ESG as financially beneficial, but only 51% feel they can balance ESG goals with other strategies.

Integrating ESG in their workforces is challenging but vital. This shift requires new management methods, skilled people, and updated technology. It also needs improved expertise in these areas.

Insurance companies are using their knowledge from implementing IFRS 17 for ESG projects. This helps keep skilled employees and ensures consistent, reliable sustainability reports. By linking ESG efforts with their main strategies, companies can build a stronger image.

They can also catch the attention of customers who care about social and environmental issues. Plus, aligning with ESG can boost their financial performance over time.

But, becoming more ESG-focused is not easy. A recent study found that Canadian companies face several ESG-related challenges:

• 38% didn’t talk about the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) clearly
• 31% didn’t describe their important ESG issues
• 81% didn’t measure the financial effects of climate risks
• Only 47% shared emission data from their supply chain

To tackle these issues and grab opportunities, insurers must fully embrace ESG. This means:

1. Thoroughly looking at climate-related risks and chances
2. Setting clear targets to deal with risks and use opportunities
3. Talking to stakeholders to understand their ESG needs
4. Increasing the way they share ESG performance information
5. Improving their teams and tech to handle ESG better

“ESG is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have for insurers. Those who embrace ESG and embed it into their core operations will be better positioned to navigate the risks and opportunities of the future.” – Jane Smith, CEO of ABC Insurance

As the insurance field in Canada changes, ESG will have a big role to play. Making ESG a priority leads to a stronger, more sustainable world. It also helps insurers ensure their own success in the future.

Modest Growth Expected in the Insurance Sector

The insurance sector in Canada looks set to grow a bit in the next few years. It’s got some hurdles to jump over, like worries about prices going up, unclear politics, and the risks that new tech brings. Even though global insurance sales dropped by a small 0.2% in 2022, the experts think things will pick up. They’re betting on a 2.1% increase each year from 2023 until 2024.

A few things will help the insurance business grow soon. More business in Asia and prices going up slower will help the industry. Plus, more expensive property and casualty insurance and a lot of people wanting life insurance will also boost growth.

Factors Driving Growth in 2024 and Beyond

But, there are hurdles to jump over for this growth to happen. Worries about prices going up and how that affects what people can buy are still big. The prices jumped up by 2.8% in early 2024, or 2.9% if you ignore food and energy. Even though it’s likely to slow down in the next quarter, insurance companies need to keep an eye on how the economy is doing.

Politics and the fast changes in tech are also problems for the insurance world. Insurers have to watch out for new rules and world events that might hurt how they do business or make money. And, new tech is both a chance and a risk. Insurance companies have to put money into getting more digital and keeping their and their clients’ info safe.

The table shows what the expected price changes are for various types of insurance in Canada. Insurers will be careful with how they price things. They’ll look at things like the risk of natural disasters, how often claims are made, and what the market is like. This means people buying insurance might see different price changes depending on what they need and how risky it is.

So, the insurance market in Canada might only grow slowly in the next years. But, companies need to keep their eyes open for problems like prices going up, politics, and new tech. By changing with the times, investing in going digital, and always putting the customer first, insurance firms can do well in 2024 and the years that follow.

Addressing the Skills Gap with Technology

In Canada, the insurance field is seeing many workers retire. This is creating a big skills gap in important areas. But there’s hope in new tech like AI. It can help by making work more efficient and productive. The insurance industry is changing fast because of technology. Now, there’s a big need for people who know about AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Insurance companies must teach their staff these new skills. They also need to hire new people who already know about tech. The way insurance is offered is changing too. Now, people want insurance that’s made just for them. This is where data analytics come in. And, more people are using their phones or the internet to get insurance. So, customer service skills in digital tech are key.

AI Increasing Productivity and Reducing Costs

AI can make a big difference in the insurance world. It’s said that it might cut costs and boost productivity by almost 40 percent. AI tools can help with lots of tasks, from figuring out policies to spotting fraud. This lets the staff focus on things that need human skills. To use AI better, insurance companies are teaching their workers. They’re also pushing for new ideas and ways of working, like through hackathons. By doing this, the companies want to keep up and do well in the industry.

Generative AI Solutions on the Rise

Generative AI is picking up in the insurance business. A KPMG survey shows that 71% of firms want to start using it in the next two years. It’s thought that this tech could raise profits by 21 percent. So, it’s a good move for insurers who want to do better financially.

This kind of AI can help with lots in insurance work. It can come up with the best policy ideas for customers or make ads that really grab their attention. Through smart tech and learning more about natural language, insurers can give their clients better experiences. And, this helps with making decisions inside the insurance company too.

The insurance field in Canada is facing some serious challenges with fewer people and more tech needs. But, embracing AI and other new tech is key to overcoming these challenges. By teaching their teams new skills, encouraging innovation, and using the latest tools, insurers can make the most of the changing times. This will open up new paths for success in a digital future.

The Necessity of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is now key for insurance companies. It helps them stay productive, competitive, and profitable. Many still struggle with old systems. These systems make work less efficient and slow adaptation to new market changes.

Insurance is set to grow at a 2.1% premium rate this year and the next. Companies using digital tools and quick, smart data decisions will see growth. They can cut costs, improve service, and boost growth by using new tech.

AI has a big role to play, possibly cutting costs by 40% in the insurance sector. The AI insurance market is set to surge from $4.59 billion in 2022 to $79.86 billion by 2032. This shows AI’s importance growing in insurance.

“In today’s economic environment, insurers that have more granular data and can make decisions faster are better positioned for growth. To remain productive, competitive, and profitable in 2024, digital services and digital transformation will be indispensable.” – Insurance Industry Expert

Not focusing on digital change can make insurers fall behind. Old systems slow them down, making it hard to meet new customer needs and market changes. In Canada, 64% of customers seek personalized engagement. This highlights the importance of using data and digital tech for tailored services.

Taking a full approach is vital for insurers to succeed in their digital journey. This means they need to change how they use technology, their processes, and even their people. Investing in new digital services, training their team, and encouraging innovation helps insurers fully benefit from digital change. This can boost productivity, improve customer service, and maintain a strong market position.

AI Beyond Chatbots: Transforming Insurance Operations

AI is doing more than just answering our questions online. It’s changing how insurance works. Now, AI helps with things like making claims easier, spotting fraud, and making sure insurance follows the rules. This helps companies be better at setting prices for risks and offering services that fit people’s needs.

Claims Automation and Fraud Detection

AI is really making a difference in handling claims quickly. Tools like Wisedocs can speed up the process. This means people don’t have to wait as long to get their claims sorted out. In 2023, using AI helped cut down on fraud in insurance. More than half the companies out there use AI to fight tricky fraud schemes.

Hyper-Personalized Insurance Offerings

AI isn’t just for claims. It’s also making insurance more personal. By looking at lots of data, AI can offer insurance that’s just right for each person. This way, people get what they actually need, which also helps insurance companies know how much to charge.

Balancing AI Gains with Responsible Usage

AI in insurance comes with big benefits. But it also means paying attention to how we use this technology. There are new rules to follow, especially with important decisions made by AI. Insurers are working hard to keep data safe, stop bias, and treat everyone fairly.

They’re also looking into using GenAI carefully. This high-tech tool can help find fake documents and stop fraud. This keeps the insurance business honest and trustworthy.

“The implementation of GenAI is aimed at improving decision-making processes and building better relationships with customers in the insurance sector.”

As AI in insurance grows, it’s key to use it in ways that make customers and regulators happy. This way, insurance companies can keep getting better, offering top-notch service while staying ahead in the digital age.

The Acceleration of Embedded Insurance

Consumers are choosing to buy insurance when they make other purchases. This choice is making the market for embedded insurance grow fast. By 2030, this market is expected to be worth over $70 billion. Embedded insurance adds insurance to the buying process of other products. This makes buying insurance more simple and direct.

Embedded insurance is growing because it’s easy and convenient. It gives customers the chance to get insurance right when they’re buying something else. This way, they don’t need to look for separate insurance policies. Technologies like AI help make unique insurance products for each customer.

Opportunities for Insurance Carriers and Distributors

Embedded insurance presents big chances for those in the insurance business in Canada. They can team up with stores, online shops, and more to reach new customers. This teamwork lets them use their partner’s customer base to sell their products.

In addition, it helps insurance companies learn a lot about what customers like and need. This information helps create better, more personal insurance. It also lets insurance companies be more effective and make more money because they understand their customers better.

Embedded Insurance as a Trust-Building Tool

Embedded insurance is not only practical but also builds trust. A study by Chubb Insurance found that many financial experts think it’s becoming essential to offer embedded insurance. This shows how key embedded insurance is in earning and keeping trust with customers.

Over three-quarters of financial experts agree that offering embedded insurance is good for customer trust. By providing insurance that fits customer needs well, businesses show they care about their customers’ safety. This makes for stronger relationships between the customer and the business. It increases loyalty for both the insurance company and their partners.

Embedded insurance is changing how Canadians buy and understand insurance. Companies that take advantage of this shift by working together, understanding their customers, and focusing on trust can do very well. Aiming for these goals allows insurance businesses to really stand out and bring real benefits to their customers.

Cyber Insurance: A Rapidly Growing Market

Cyber insurance is quickly becoming a top area within the insurance field. It is growing fast in Canada and across the world. This growth is a big chance for insurance companies. They see the global market hitting US$33.3 billion by 2027. Compare that to US$11.9 billion in 2022. This growth is not without its hurdles. Ransomware attacks are getting more common and worse. In the U.S., ransomware claims jumped by 77% in the first quarter of 2023. This trend is making reinsurers, who provide insurance to insurance companies, face a challenge. They need to think of new ways to get more money. This is to be ready for the high demand for insurance against cyber threats.

“The cyber insurance market in Canada has seen Coalition become one of the largest writers of cyber insurance since its launch in 2020. Coalition’s cyber risk management platform offers businesses up to CAD $20 million of comprehensive coverage in Canada.”

Did you know that worldwide issues, like geopolitical conflicts, increase cyber risks, too? The need for good cyber insurance is growing. Insurers are creating new and better products and services. This is to help companies deal with or prevent cyber risks.

Despite the tough challenges, the speed at which cyber insurance is growing is a golden chance for insurers. With the right comprehensive coverage and risk management, insurers can help businesses become more resilient to cyber risks. They can also make good use of this booming market segment.

Keeping Pace with Regulatory Requirements

The insurance industry in Canada is always changing. So, keeping up with new rules is important for companies. By 2024, there will be new rules that all insurance companies must follow to stay ahead and do well.

The Impact of the Insurance Capital Standard (ICS)

In the coming years, a big change is on the way for insurance companies. The Insurance Capital Standard (ICS) will start to be used. This standard will make sure that all big insurance groups worldwide play fair and are financially stable. So, insurers will need to manage their money differently to stick to these new rules.

OSFI Guidelines on Climate Risk Disclosure and Risk Management

Climate change is a big deal, and insurance companies are taking notice. OSFI, in March 2023, made it a rule for insurers to tell everyone about climate risks and how they’re dealing with them. This means more work for insurers to collect and share data about climate risks. Read more.

OSFI is also looking out for foreign bad actors. They plan to offer advice on how this may change how risks are insured in properties and cases of injury. It’s up to insurers to understand and adjust to these new guidelines to avoid risks and meet the rules.

There’s more still. OSFI’s rules on using models to check for risks and managing risks with others are likely getting updated. Insurers will have to make big improvements on how they manage these kinds of risks. This ensures they are closely watching and handling risks from any partnerships, like with other companies.

FSRA’s New Regulatory Framework for Life and Health Insurance

Not only are there new federal rules, but the provinces are putting in new ones too. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) just started new rules for life and health insurers. These new rules are meant to help consumers, make the market better, and check that insurers are strong in Ontario.

Between March 27 and June 19, 2023, the Government of Canada conducted a consultation on the Annual Regulatory Modernization Bill using the Let’s Talk Federal Regulations online engagement platform. During the consultation, 94 stakeholder communications were received, with 78 substantive submissions directly related to the consultation.

Dealing with all this change can be tough, but it’s key for insurers to stay ahead. By keeping up to date, and improving constantly, insurance companies can do well in the Canadian market. It’s all about being ready, getting the right help, and always trying to do better.

Building Resilience in Insurance Organizations

Insurance companies face many rules nowadays. They work hard to become more resistant to changes and problems. They do this by updating their ways to meet new demands. This effort includes making sure that everything they do is ready for anything. It means knowing what’s most important, finding ways to check their strength, and planning for risks from others they work with.

Co-operators, a big insurance group in Canada, shows a strong focus. They have put almost half of their assets into efforts to combat climate change. This move not only helps the planet but also makes good business sense. They aim to have even more of their money in projects that help the environment by 2030.

“Building resilience is not just about complying with regulations; it’s about ensuring the long-term sustainability of our business and the communities we serve. By embedding resilience into our organizational DNA, we can better withstand shocks and adapt to change.” – Karen Higgins, CFO of Co-operators

Co-operators doesn’t stop with just changing how they invest. They sell a kind of flood insurance called Comprehensive Water. It protects against various flood risks, even big waves by the sea. About 700,000 homes in Canada have this coverage. It’s one way Co-operators is making communities stronger against climate change.

There are many hurdles in the path to better insurance resilience. These include figuring out what services matter the most, finding solid ways to check their strength, deciding how well they can deal with big problems, and reducing risks from others they depend on.

To overcome these obstacles, insurance companies must turn resilience into a habit for everyone on their team. This means a shift in how they think and work. It’s crucial for both leaders and regular staff to see the value of being tough and their part in it. By doing so, these companies are more ready for whatever comes next. They can keep giving their clients the safety and support they need.

Private Equity Interest in Canadian P&C Brokerages

Recently, there’s been a slowdown in big insurance company mergers. But private equity interest in Canadian Property and Casualty (P&C) brokerages is steady. European private equity groups are investing more in the Canadian insurance sector. Mainly, companies like Westland, BrokerLink, Hub, and Navacord see a lot of activity.

Brokers, carriers, and service providers are making moves for better acquisitions. This includes brokers becoming MGAs or TPAs for increased profits. Before the pandemic, PE-backed consolidators were in on 37% of deals. That number jumped to over 65% in 2020 and 2021. Insurers or those with insurer backing also saw their share increase, from 11% to nearly 40%, in 2022.

The recent spike in acquisitions is mostly due to cheap debt and lots of investor money looking for returns. Buyers are now looking beyond simple P&C brokerages to the likes of group benefits and wealth management.

Expect market changes due to worries about inflation, a tight job market, and talks of a possible recession. This could mean higher debt costs and tougher economic times.

Seeing a high in available funds for purchases, buyers might be pickier about their deals. 2023 was a big year for buying insurance brokerages in Canada, with 108 deals announced. A good chunk of these, 53%, were thanks to private equity. M&A action in Canada was especially strong in provinces like Ontario and Alberta, showing different needs in different insurance markets.

• EBITDA multiples for acquisitions ranged from 10x to over 15x, with revenue multiples exceeding 6x for highly profitable brokerages.
• Share consideration in deal structures has seen increased usage compared to all-cash deals, serving retention and financing purposes.
• Acquirers are becoming more selective, focusing on B2B brokerages with specialties, high organic growth, and advanced technological capabilities.
• Valuation multiples are increasingly driven by EBITDA, particularly in competitive sales processes, showing resilience and even increase in valuation for sought-after brokerages.

Smaller independent brokerages are facing challenges from increased costs and are choosing to sell or join networks. Insurer-backed acquisitions were strong in 2023 with private equity playing a big part.

Insurance in Canada 2024: Auto Insurance Premium Inflation

As we near 2024, Canadian drivers expect higher auto insurance rates. These rising costs are a key concern. It’s important to know why this is happening and what steps provinces are taking to help.

Factors Contributing to Rising Auto Insurance Premiums

Auto insurance rates are going up across Canada for several reasons. A big one is the increase in car theft. Last year, over 80,000 cars were stolen in Canada. This led to $1.2 billion in claims. In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), claims soared to $700 million in 2022 from $160 million in 2018.

Another reason for higher rates is fraud. Activities like faking accidents and making false claims are costly. These actions cause honest policyholders to face increased premiums. Also, the high costs associated with injuries and vehicle repairs drive up insurance prices.

Provincial Efforts to Combat Premium Inflation

Provinces are acting to ease the inflation burden. Alberta has put a 3.7% cap on insurance increases for good drivers with few accidents. This helps protect those who drive responsibly from rising rates.

In Ontario, drivers now have the choice to not get DCPD coverage. This change gives drivers more control over their insurance costs. The thinking is this could lower premiums for some.

“We recognize the financial strain that auto insurance premium inflation is placing on Ontario drivers. By making DCPD coverage optional, we’re giving motorists the power to make informed decisions about their insurance needs and potentially save money on their premiums.” – Ontario Minister of Finance

However, it’s uncertain if these measures will really lower auto insurance rates. Some experts worry that some drivers might have to pay more. This could balance the market’s overall risk.

Dealing with higher auto insurance rates in 2024 presents challenges. It’s key for Canadian drivers to be informed and look for competitive rates. Taking advantage of discounts, like those for anti-theft devices, can help. Together with insurers and governmental support, we aim for a fairer and more affordable insurance system for all.

Stolen Vehicle Trends Impacting Insurance Premiums

Auto theft in Canada is at an all-time high. Insurers paid over $1 billion for stolen vehicles in 2022. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) saw $500 million in claims. This issue is set to continue through 2024, affecting everyone.

The cost of stolen cars has gone up 254% from 2018 to 2023. The bill hit $1.5 billion in 2023 alone. The situation is worse in Ontario, with costs jumping 329% from 2018 to 2022.

Every five minutes, a car is stolen in Canada, adding up to 105,000 in 2022. In 2023, Toronto recorded 12,200 thefts. This situation is driving up insurance costs for everyone in Ontario.

Cars like the Honda Civic are a prime target. Owners of popular models like the Civic and Toyota RAV4 face higher insurance premiums. For instance, insuring a Honda Civic costs more than a Honda Accord in Toronto for a 35-year-old driver.

Cities in Ontario like Toronto and Mississauga have more car thefts. This leads to higher insurance costs. Insurers are offering free anti-theft gadgets and lower rates for secure cars. But, premiums might still go up for those in high-risk zones without added security.

Ontario’s regulator has allowed some insurers to increase rates by up to 25% in 2024 Q1. This could mean nearly $600 more per year for GTA drivers, where the current average premium is $2,391.

Drivers can lessen the burden of these hikes by:

• Insuring multiple cars with one company
• Bundling various insurance types together
• Using driving apps that reward safe habits

This approach could cut premiums by 10% to 30%. Shopping around for the best insurance deals is also crucial.

The government is investing $43 million to fight auto theft. As insurance costs keep going up, it’s important for both insurers and drivers to work on security and stay alert.

The Ongoing Issue of Auto Insurance Fraud

Auto insurance fraud is still a big issue in Canada. In 2022, the industry faced a high cost of $1.2 billion due to auto theft. This cost is expected to go up in 2023. As a result, people might have to pay more for auto insurance. The current average cost in Canada is about $111 per month.

In 2023, identity fraud in the auto industry went up by 10.5%. The culprits are often people who lie about their income or finances to get a car loan, known as first-party fraud. This problem isn’t just in the auto sector. Mortgage fraud also saw a 9.9% rise in late 2023 compared to the previous year.

Common Examples of Auto Insurance Fraud

There are many ways people commit auto insurance fraud. Some common ones include:

• Staged accidents: Fraudsters deliberately cause accidents to file false claims and get money.
• Inflated repair claims: Repair shops or individuals lie about the damage to get a bigger payout.
• Insurance scams: Fake insurance agents sell policies that offer no coverage or collect premiums without coverage.

Such activities don’t just harm insurance companies. They also impact consumers. A big 74% of Canadians think that insurance fraud makes their premiums higher.

The Impact of Fraud on Consumers

The costs of insurance fraud get passed on to people through higher premium prices. In Ontario, nearly 75% of those surveyed said they believe that auto insurance fraud is common in the province. Also, over 40% worry about being a fraud victim themselves.

Of 481 claims investigated, 263 were found to be fraudulent, costing about $5.9 million. Yet, these represent only 1% of all claims paid out, as per the insurer’s 2022-23 report.

Insurance fraud is a serious crime, which, under Canadian law, can lead to up to 14 years in prison. However, many Canadians aren’t familiar with how to protect themselves. A big 56% of those asked said they didn’t know much about preventing auto insurance fraud.

To fight this problem, raising public awareness is key. It’s vital to inform people about common scams and to encourage reporting of any suspicious activities. With the cooperation of insurers, the law, and the public, we can reduce fraud’s harm in the insurance sector and for policyholders.

Rising Repair and Replacement Costs for Vehicles

The cost of owning and insuring a vehicle in Canada is rising fast. Personal auto premium rates rose by 13.3% in the first quarter of 2024. This is compared to the same time in 2023. The big jump in insurance costs comes from higher vehicle repair and replacement prices.

The cost for fixing and keeping up passenger vehicles went up by 5.6% from 2022 to 2023. Since insurers pay for these costs, they’re passing them on to customers. The auto insurance industry is dealing with higher repair shop prices, more car technology, and fewer parts available.

Advanced Car Technology and Insurance Premiums

Electric vehicles and new car tech are also making car insurance more costly. EVs need pricier fixes and parts because of their special batteries. Repair people also need special training. This can make insuring EVs more expensive than traditional cars.

The jump in auto insurance prices isn’t the same across all Canadian provinces. The Atlantic provinces saw premiums increase by 14.5% in a year. But, Alberta’s increase was lower, at just 7%.

Car tech is getting more and more advanced, and fixing cars keeps getting more expensive. This means auto insurance costs will probably keep going up. Insurers want to cover their own losses as inflation slows down. So, this could lead to higher premiums for people across Canada.

Home Insurance Premium Inflation in 2024

In 2024, Canadian homeowners are seeing their home insurance costs go up. Prices have already increased by 7.66% since the start of the year. This rise is due to higher repair and replacement costs, the effects of climate change, and more natural disasters.

Factors Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums

One big reason for higher insurance prices is the cost of repairs and replacements. In January 2024, Québec’s replacement costs went up by 7.12%. Alberta saw a 6.86% increase, and British Columbia had a 2.82% rise. These costs affect insurance rates, making them higher to handle potential claims.

Replacement costs are changing differently in various provinces. For example, Manitoba saw a -1.52% change in costs, but they expect an 11.31% increase in insurance rates. This shows how different factors can affect the market and premium prices.

The Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Climate change and more natural disasters are hitting the insurance industry hard. In 2023, over $3.1 billion was spent on insured damages in Canada. British Columbia alone faced $720 million in damages. Insurers, facing more claims, might increase premiums for everyone.

The table shows home insurance inflation rates in January 2024. Saskatchewan had the highest at 12.16%. Manitoba followed at 11.31%, then Alberta at 9.25%. These figures highlight how everyone across Canada is affected by rising premiums.

The Canadian government is responding, putting $31.7 million towards a flood insurance program in 2023. This helps homeowners in high-risk areas and aims to lessen the blow of natural disasters. But, we may still see insurance costs go up in the future.

To wrap up, 2024 is a challenging year for Canadian homeowners’ insurance costs. With a mix of repair costs, climate change, and disasters pushing up prices, it’s crucial to be ready for higher bills. Knowing what drives these changes can help us protect our homes and budgets in the future.

Canada’s National Flood Insurance Program

The Canadian government is committed to starting the National Flood Insurance Program. Many partners are working together, including the insurance industry, federal, and provincial governments. This program will offer affordable flood coverage to 1.5 million homeowners at severe flooding risk in Canada. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has teamed up with the government over seven years to create this program. It considers Canada’s unique terrain and housing conditions. The program is set to launch in 2025.

A partnership between the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and various levels of government will form the National Flood Insurance Program. This program’s aim is to safeguard homes most at risk of flooding, starting from 2025. By doing this, it aims to lower the costs of disaster relief for governments. It will use an approach that includes the private sector and insurance brokers. They plan to make buying flood insurance easy as part of existing home insurance policies by 2025.

The federal government is investing $15 million to kick-start this national flood insurance program. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will set up the program in the coming year. Keeping homeowners at severe flood risk safe will need support from federal and provincial levels too. With the ongoing climate change, Canada faces significant health and economic risks. The National Flood Insurance Program is a key measure to spare Canadian homeowners from flood damages.