Latest news with #AmandaDean
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Toronto and GTA Flash Flood Anniversary Underscores Urgency of Severe Weather Preparedness
TORONTO, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - On July 16, 2024, residents in Toronto and across the GTA faced devastating flash flooding that led to prolonged power outages and nearly $1 billion in insured damage to personal property, including homes, businesses and vehicles. The massive flood contributed to the more than $9 billion in insured losses recorded in 2024 – the most destructive year for insured losses in Canadian history. The speed and intensity of the floods serve as a stark reminder of nature's destructive power – and the critical need to mitigate risk before disaster strikes. "Insurers were there for their customers – and always will be – but this event reminds us all of the importance of being prepared for the worst," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "Flash floods, like wildfires, can often occur with little to no warning. Taking proactive steps to prepare for a severe weather event is not only important for your personal safety, but for your financial security. IBC wants to ensure residents across Ontario are fully prepared for the potential hazards posed by extreme weather events this summer." IBC's top 10 tips to help protect your property from flood risks and water damage: Make sure downspouts are clear of debris and that they direct water away from your home to help prevent basement water damage. Keep the floor drains inside your home and the storm sewer grates on your street clear of obstructions. Consider installing a backwater valve, after consulting with a professional to assess your home's location & eligibility. Move valuable items out of your basement to higher levels in your home. If you have a sump pump, ensure that it is working properly and has a backup power source. Have someone check your property regularly if you are away from home for an extended period. If you need to drive during or after a storm, drive according to the conditions and do not drive on flooded roads. Ensure proper lot grading. Consult with a landscaping professional about building up the ground around your house so that water will drain away from basement walls. Consider using rain barrels to help hold and manage excess rainwater around the property. During periods of heavy rainfall, limit water use in your home (this includes limiting use of appliances such as dishwashers and laundry machines). If flooding is imminent, shut off electricity to the areas of your home that may be affected. Use sandbags, or install flood shields or built-up barriers, to stop water from entering through basement windows and doors. Consider raising large appliances, such as the furnace and the hot water heater, off the basement floor on wood or cement blocks. This should be done by professionals well in advance of potential flooding. If a flood is imminent, consider anchoring these appliances and protecting them with a floodwall or shield. Every policy is different. Know what your insurance covers. Overland flood coverage is optional and typically covers specific types of water damage, such as damage resulting from the overflow of lakes, ponds or rivers; surface water from heavy rainfall or melting snow; and groundwater or the rising of the water table, causing water to enter a home at the ground level or by seeping through windows, doors and walls. Homeowners are encouraged to reach out to their insurance representative with any questions about their policy. Damage to vehicles from wind or water may be covered if you purchased the optional coverage (comprehensive and/or collision) as part of your policy. Check with your insurance representative to see what coverage you have. Water damage in a basement due to a sewer backup is only covered if you have purchased specific optional sewer backup coverage. Subject to any applicable exclusions, the contents of your refrigerator and freezer may be covered for damage related to food spoilage caused by an accidental power interruption. In this situation, your fridge, freezer and their contents may be insured for a specified amount. Check your policy. In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to stay in their homes because of insured damage may be entitled to additional living expenses. Check with your insurance representative to find out what your policy covers. "Severe weather is getting worse and while there are steps consumers can take to help mitigate risk and damage, governments also have a major role to play to protect Canadians. This includes no longer building unprotected homes and businesses in high-risk flood and wildfire zones, enhancing flood defences in communities at high risk of flood, helping homeowners understand their risks, subsidizing home retrofits to help homeowners reduce their exposure to floods and wildfires, and investing in improved emergency preparedness, response and recovery capacity," added Dean. Infrastructure improvements can also play a role in tackling risk, e.g. bridge and sewer enlargements mostly undertaken by municipalities. In addition, Ontario's conservation authorities (CA) provide vital weather and flood forecasting warnings. Visit the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program website for information from local CAs. Consumers with general questions about insurance are encouraged to reach out to IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) or [email protected]. For additional tips and information on how to protect your property from various perils and weather events, visit IBC's Severe Weather Safety web resources and/or watch IBC's Stay Protected video series on its YouTube channel. About Insurance Bureau of Canada Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow. IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For media releases, IN Focus articles, or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
IBC Urges Action as Auto Theft Claims Rise in Atlantic Canada over Past Decade, Deepening Financial Strain for Region's Drivers
New Brunswick emerges as the Atlantic auto theft capital, with highest claims costs in 2024 HALIFAX, NS, July 14, 2025 /CNW/ - New data released by Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) show that the cost of auto theft in the Atlantic region has risen dramatically over the past decade in all four provinces, especially in New Brunswick. Despite dipping slightly in 2024, Atlantic Canada has seen an alarming increase in both the number of auto thefts and the related costs since 2014. Last year, auto theft insurance claims costs exceeded $31 million compared to $8.4 million in 2014 – a staggering 275% increase. New Brunswick has become the auto theft capital of the region, with 788 auto theft claims in 2024 at a cost of over $16 million. Auto theft–related claims have increased 228% since 2014. Over the past decade, the three cities in Atlantic Canada with the largest increases in claims costs due to auto theft are all in New Brunswick: Saint John (520%), Moncton (746%) and Fredericton (1,672%). "All orders of government should continue to take action on the auto theft crisis in Atlantic Canada and across the country. However, it is most critical to tackle the crisis in New Brunswick to ensure it doesn't become one of the country's primary hot spots for vehicle thefts," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, IBC. "Auto theft is not a victimless crime. A stolen car is just the tip of the iceberg. The proceeds from stolen vehicles fund organized crime, and the amount of this illicit funding is staggeringly high – and growing. The time to act is now." Provincial data for Atlantic Canada In 2024, Prince Edward Island saw the biggest drop (18.8%) in auto theft claims from 2023 in the region. New Brunswick saw theft claims drop by 4.8% from 2023 to 2024. In contrast, theft claims rose by 12.4% in Nova Scotia and 5.6% in Newfoundland and Labrador over the same period. Table 1: Cities Most Affected by Auto Theft in Atlantic Canada, 2014 – 24, compared with 2023-24 Halifax Charlottetown Saint John Moncton Fredericton Claims Count Change 2014–24 100 % 133 % 150 % 383 % 692 % Change 2023–24 15 % -33 % 29 % -6 % -24 % Claims Costs Change 2014–24 233 % 438 % 520 % 746 % 1,672 % Change 2023–24 -2 % -19 % 18 % -7 % -24 % "We need to treat vehicle theft as the national crisis that it is. It affects people and communities in every corner of the region and beyond," added Dean. "The strategies and tools to address these issues exist. They stem from the federal government's 2024 auto theft summit." The Atlantic region's auto insurers urge provincial governments to: Provide more resources for coordinated inter-agency enforcement Bolster enforcement capacity, as Ontario recently did, by creating provincial auto theft teams with dedicated prosecutorial support to strengthen provincial capacity to police and deter organized crime's involvement in auto theft. Newfoundland and Labrador has taken a positive step by implementing an Insurance Validation Program. This program allows provincial auto registries to instantly confirm that a vehicle has active insurance, deterring uninsured driving. At the federal level, the government should continue to implement the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, including modernizing and updating the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to make cars harder to steal in the first place. One of the forces contributing to the decade-long increase in auto thefts is that vehicles have become easier to steal, reflecting the outdated nature of the regulations. The government should also follow through with their platform commitment to boost the capacity of the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent stolen vehicles from exiting the country. Thefts could also be thwarted by expanding and improving the Interprovincial Record Exchange to foster better data- and information-sharing with provincial registries and close vehicle registration loopholes. About Insurance Bureau of Canada Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow. IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For media releases, IN Focus articles or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help. Additional Background Data Table 2: Atlantic Canada's total auto theft costs, 2014 – 24. SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How to prevent your vehicle from being stolen amid Canada's auto theft crisis
Andrew Hurtado was fast asleep in his Innisfil, Ont. home one night in March when his $70,000 2023 Toyota Tundra was stolen from his driveway. The thief quickly turned off Hurtado's car alarm before it had the chance to wake him. Police later found the vehicle in Scarborough, Ont., but not before it racked up $21,000 in damages. 'Now we are paranoid,' said Hurtado. 'There's definitely a trauma associated with this.' Auto theft has been a national problem in Canada for some time now, says Amanda Dean, vice-president of Ontario and Atlantic with the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), an association representing home, auto and business insurance companies. And it's not only the direct victims who pay the price. 'The more pressure that there is on claims, the more pressure there will then be on [insurance] premiums,' Dean said. 'We, as insurers, certainly want to work to keep those numbers down.' In Ontario, a particular hot spot for auto theft, the number of insurance claims has risen 165 per cent since 2017, and the costs to service those claims are up 538 per cent, new data from IBC reveal. In Toronto, where the large majority of vehicles are stolen, 63 per cent of residents 'live in fear' that their vehicle will be taken, the report says. Canada's top stolen vehicles include Toyota Highlander, Dodge Ram 1500 Series, Lexus RX Series, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, according to Équité Association, a not-for-profit organization focused on insurance crime and fraud prevention. George Iny, president of the Automobile Protection Association, says Canada is still in an auto theft crisis because some vehicles are easy to steal, and historically, coordinated law enforcement efforts around auto theft were lacking — but have since improved. Drivers, in turn, are responding to the crisis by increasingly adding tracking devices onto their vehicles, says Matt Dillon, executive vice-president of operations at Magrath, Alta.-based Surex, an online insurance brokerage. Surex's own internal data show approximately six per cent of clients used a tracking device for commonly stolen cars last year. Now, it's seeing that figure increase to as high as 25 per cent. Iny recommends drivers specifically use a car tracking system offered by Montreal-based Tag. Tag's technicians install multiple, hard-to-find tracking systems throughout the car, which can be tracked anywhere in North America. The company will also etch its logo on the front driver's side and passenger side windows to further prevent theft. Iny also recommends an etching system by Longueuille, Que.–headquartered Sherlock Antitheft Marking. Sherlock etches a unique code onto multiple vehicle components. That code, which is associated with the vehicle identification number, is then stored in a secure database available to law enforcement, insurance company investigators and border service agencies. 'If I'm going to steal the vehicle for export to a West African country, that's not going to bother the person buying it,' Iny said. 'But if I was stealing it for parts or stealing it to resell inside Ontario, cloned as a different vehicle, then all those numbers would have to be removed. I won't bother. It's very time-consuming and it will show that somebody sanded off the numbers.' For better value, Iny recommends drivers get etching done at an auto glass shop. 'It will be cheaper than what the dealer sells,' he said. 'We see the dealers mark up products with a retail price of $400 to $2,000 or $1,500.' Iny is less enthusiastic about steering wheel locks, such as the Club, as a theft deterrent, calling them a secondary line of defence. 'It's one step above junk,' he says, adding that they can give a false sense of security and are inconvenient to use. While a thief might not be able to cut the lock, they can cut the steering wheel, Iny says. Still, if a thief is targeting a specific make or model and sees three parked on the same street, they might skip the one with a steering wheel lock. For drivers whose vehicles are stolen just three or four weeks after purchase, it likely means they're being watched, Iny warns. 'It's an argument in favour of buying something that people don't want to steal as much, rather than buying the same thing next time,' he said. 'Emotionally, we want to replace what we lost, so that tends to be what we do, but it's not necessarily the most rational solution if you're being targeted.' While Hurtado had set up Toyota-specific tracking systems, the thieves quickly deactivated them. After his vehicle was recovered, he turned to the aftermarket and installed Tag's anti-theft system, with some assurance that it offers better protection. Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
GTA Residents Sound Alarm: Nearly 80% Call Auto Theft a Crisis
2024 auto theft claims data shows slight improvement over 2023, but most GTA residents fear their vehicle will be stolen TORONTO , June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - New data from Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) confirms Ontario remains in the midst of an auto theft crisis, with the number of insurance claims up 165% since 2017 and the costs to service those claims up a staggering 538%. Even more troubling is how residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – where the vast majority of vehicles are stolen – view the auto theft crisis. According to a new Pollara Strategic Insights poll commissioned by IBC, 63% of GTA residents live in fear of their vehicle being stolen and more than half (56%) reporting that the crisis is affecting their community. Continue Reading Auto Theft Claims in Ontario (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada) "We still have a long way to go to effectively curb auto theft in the province," said Amanda Dean , Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, IBC. "The Ontario and federal government's efforts to tackle auto theft are both commendable and were reflected in the decline in claims costs in 2024. But the crisis persists and requires continued leadership and focus." Over the past eight years, auto theft has disrupted thousands of lives and families across Ontario and placed an unprecedented strain on law enforcement, court resources and insurance costs. According to the recent auto theft survey commissioned by IBC, the emotional toll this crisis is having on residents is alarming: 76% believe Ontario is facing an auto theft crisis. is facing an auto theft crisis. 63% of GTA residents are concerned that a vehicle they own, co-own or lease might be stolen in the future. Younger Ontarians express more concern; 75% of those aged 18–34 and 67% of those aged 35–54 are worried about their vehicle being stolen, compared to 52% of those aged 55+. 56% say the crisis is affecting their own community. Auto theft in Ontario Insurance Claims and Costs for Auto Theft, 2017 to 2024 Claims Count Total Cost 2017 7,693 $113,627,636 2018 9,470 $165,474,435 2019 10,426 $211,783,676 2020 10,547 $242,929,120 2021 13,632 $406,390,578 2022 20,497 $760,035,984 2023 25,805 $1,036,937,925 2024 20,418 $724,598,945 IBC analysis based on industry data from GISA systems. " Ontario's insurers have taken steps to address the crisis and we look forward to supporting the federal government's recently announced Strong Borders Act as it follows through with its recent commitments to add 1,000 new Canada Border Services Agency officers to manage additional border scanners, drones and new canine teams for Canada's land borders, ports and railyards," added Dean. "Last week's announcement will help to close a gap in the transportation network and prevent stolen vehicles from leaving Canada . We need a whole-of-society approach coordinated through continued federal government leadership and a commitment from all stakeholders to put an end to auto theft." About the Pollara survey Pollara Strategic Insights conducted the online survey from April 23 to April 29, 2025 , among N=1,126 adult (18+) GTA residents. The data set has been weighted by age, gender and region to ensure it accurately represents the demographic and geographic distribution of this population. As a guideline, a probability sample of N=1,126 carries a margin of error of ±2.9% 19 times out of 20. Sub-samples carry higher margins of error. About Insurance Bureau of Canada Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow. IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For media releases, IN Focus articles, or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit . Follow us on LinkedIn , X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook . If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help. SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada Media Contact: Brett Weltman, Manager, Media Relations, IBC, [email protected]
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GTA Residents Sound Alarm: Nearly 80% Call Auto Theft a Crisis
2024 auto theft claims data shows slight improvement over 2023, but most GTA residents fear their vehicle will be stolen TORONTO, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - New data from Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) confirms Ontario remains in the midst of an auto theft crisis, with the number of insurance claims up 165% since 2017 and the costs to service those claims up a staggering 538%. Even more troubling is how residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – where the vast majority of vehicles are stolen – view the auto theft crisis. According to a new Pollara Strategic Insights poll commissioned by IBC, 63% of GTA residents live in fear of their vehicle being stolen and more than half (56%) reporting that the crisis is affecting their community. "We still have a long way to go to effectively curb auto theft in the province," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, IBC. "The Ontario and federal government's efforts to tackle auto theft are both commendable and were reflected in the decline in claims costs in 2024. But the crisis persists and requires continued leadership and focus." Over the past eight years, auto theft has disrupted thousands of lives and families across Ontario and placed an unprecedented strain on law enforcement, court resources and insurance costs. According to the recent auto theft survey commissioned by IBC, the emotional toll this crisis is having on residents is alarming: 76% believe Ontario is facing an auto theft crisis. 63% of GTA residents are concerned that a vehicle they own, co-own or lease might be stolen in the future. Younger Ontarians express more concern; 75% of those aged 18–34 and 67% of those aged 35–54 are worried about their vehicle being stolen, compared to 52% of those aged 55+. 56% say the crisis is affecting their own community. Auto theft in Ontario Insurance Claims and Costs for Auto Theft, 2017 to 2024Claims Count Total Cost 2017 7,693 $113,627,636 2018 9,470 $165,474,435 2019 10,426 $211,783,676 2020 10,547 $242,929,120 2021 13,632 $406,390,578 2022 20,497 $760,035,984 2023 25,805 $1,036,937,925 2024 20,418 $724,598,945 IBC analysis based on industry data from GISA systems. "Ontario's insurers have taken steps to address the crisis and we look forward to supporting the federal government's recently announced Strong Borders Act as it follows through with its recent commitments to add 1,000 new Canada Border Services Agency officers to manage additional border scanners, drones and new canine teams for Canada's land borders, ports and railyards," added Dean. "Last week's announcement will help to close a gap in the transportation network and prevent stolen vehicles from leaving Canada. We need a whole-of-society approach coordinated through continued federal government leadership and a commitment from all stakeholders to put an end to auto theft." About the Pollara survey Pollara Strategic Insights conducted the online survey from April 23 to April 29, 2025, among N=1,126 adult (18+) GTA residents. The data set has been weighted by age, gender and region to ensure it accurately represents the demographic and geographic distribution of this population. As a guideline, a probability sample of N=1,126 carries a margin of error of ±2.9% 19 times out of 20. Sub-samples carry higher margins of error. About Insurance Bureau of Canada Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow. IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For media releases, IN Focus articles, or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help. SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
