Co-operators posts strong Q3 2022 results

“Hurricane Fiona had a devastating impact on our clients and we are working diligently to support them,” commented Co-operators CEO Rob Wesseling. “The affordability of insurance and access to adequate protection will continue to be an issue as climate change impacts increase in frequency and severity. As this gap widens, we need to focus on prevention as well as protection.”

Co-operators’ direct written premium (DWP) for Q3 2022 increased by 6.8% or $75.0 million, compared to Q3 2021. This has been attributed to increases in policies in force in both the insurer’s auto and commercial lines of business, together with higher average premiums in the commercial, home, and farm lines of business. It was also noted that travel DWP rebounded during the three months ended September 30, 2022, thanks to easing pandemic restrictions worldwide.

The insurer’s undiscounted net claims and adjustment expenses for Q3 2022 increased by $70.5 million compared to the same quarter of 2021. This has resulted in a deterioration of the company’s loss ratio excluding market yield adjustment of 4.3 percentage points to 64.8%. The increase in undiscounted net claims and the adjustment expense was mainly attributed to the impact of Hurricane Fiona, which struck the Atlantic provinces on September 24, 2022.

Co-operators’ combined ratio for the quarter (excluding market yield adjustment) increased to 97.9%, an increase of 4.2 percentage points.

Wesseling added that even as insured losses continue to increase, and rising insurance rates negatively impact the company’s investment portfolio, Co-operators is confident of its “strong capital position.” The CEO believes the resilience of the insurance cooperative will allow it to work towards its long-term vision to “invest in resilient, sustainable communities and provide financial security for Canadians.”