MARGINS IMPROVE AS DEFINITY CLOSES $3.3B DEAL
Definity Financial Corporation has closed its $3.3 billion acquisition of Travelers’ Canadian P&C operations, lifting combined annual gross written premiums to about $6.3 billion and placing it among Canada’s top five property and casualty insurers. The insurer reported a Q4 2025 combined ratio of 89.9%, improved from 90.3% a year earlier, with underwriting income rising to $111.5 million. Personal auto premiums increased 9.7% in the quarter, while full-year net investment income reached $215.7 million, up from $198.2 million in 2024.
collisionrepairmag.com/15817366
SEVERE WEATHER LOSSES DOWN IN 2025
Insured losses from severe weather in Canada totalled $2.4 billion in 2025, down from a record $9.4 billion in 2024, according to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc.. Despite the drop, 2025 ranks as the country’s 10th costliest year on record. Major events included an ice storm in Ontario and Quebec, Prairie wildfires and storms and flooding in British Columbia. Insurance Bureau of Canada noted annual insured losses now routinely exceed $1 billion, reflecting intensifying severe weather trends.
collisionrepairmag.com/15816773
CANADA’S COLLISION LOR TRENDS DOWNWARD IN Q4 2025
Enterprise Rent-A-Car reports Canada’s average collision-related length of rental fell to 14.7 days in Q4 2025, down 0.7 days year over year, signalling gradual stabilization. Newfoundland and Labrador recorded the highest LOR at 16.4 days, while Prince Edward Island was lowest at 13.3 days. Drivable claims averaged 12.2 days, while non-drivable claims reached 24.6 days. Total loss rentals dropped to 17.7 days. The report also noted newer vehicle model years and increased use of alternative parts in repairs.
collisionrepairmag.com/15816644
BRAND LOYALTY, PRICE CONCERNS GROWING IN INSURANCE
Claims satisfaction among Canadian auto insurance customers reached 81% in 2025, up eight points from 2023, according to the 2026 study from Rates.ca. The survey of 14,676 Ontario drivers found improving claims experiences even as 36% chose insurers primarily for price. CAA Insurance Company ranked first overall for the third year, followed by Intact Insurance, while Northbridge Insurance led in claims satisfaction. The report noted rising awareness but limited adoption of usage-based programs.
collisionrepairmag.com/15816019
