Insurance Business Review: Specials Magazine

Handling high-frequency, low-complexity events like basement floods, small leaks or break-ins is often the norm for most insurance mitigation and restoration experts. But when disaster strikes—whether it’s a full-scale fire, widespread water damage or a catastrophe that brings operations to a grinding halt—it requires a level of expertise that far exceeds the norm. These situations demand precision, resilience, and the ability to respond decisively under pressure, especially when every second counts. That’s exactly the space CANBILT was built to serve. Founded with a clear vision and led by CEO Cameron Snoddon, CANBILT was created to meet the industry’s growing need for specialized large-loss mitigation and restoration services. From the outset, the company has handled some of the most demanding loss scenarios with a level of preparedness, professionalism, and technical depth that sets it apart. This service excellence is powered by a roster of seasoned experts with over a century of combined experience. Cameron Snoddon, along with CANBILT's vice president, Brent Looby and director of large loss, Steve Whittick, brings over 100 years and layers of specialized knowledge to every project and decision. These aren't just titles but credentials built through rigorous training, hands-on fieldwork and industry certifications that place them among North America's most qualified professionals. Cameron himself holds multiple distinctions, including certified restorer, master water restorer, fire loss specialist, water loss specialist and registered third-party evaluator. “With years of experience and a strong mentorship culture, our team is well-equipped to handle any challenge. Our knowledge and problem-solving skills enable us to deliver effective solutions, drawing from our vast expertise and strong track record of successes,” says CEO Cameron. Senior leaders like our Director of Large Loss play a hands-on role in mentoring junior and intermediate staff, transferring hard-earned insights that no textbook can offer. Backed by structured training programs, industry-recognized certifications, and a constant pulse on emerging tools and techniques, this culture of continuous learning keeps CANBILT's teams agile, well-trained and informed. CANBILT’s commitment to excellence extends beyond people to the tools they use. The team is perpetually on the hunt for cutting-edge tech—both within the industry and outside of it—attending conventions and conferences to stay informed. If a new tool or process shows potential, CANBILT assesses its usefulness and works to incorporate it into the operations. This ongoing commitment to staying ahead of current and emerging best practices ensures the company is always equipped to deliver the highest standard of service.

Insurance Risk Management Service in Canada 2025

Specialist insurers are pivotal to addressing the unique and complex risks businesses encounter. They hold expert knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the industry segments to offer customized services that generalist insurers may find challenging to deliver. Sovereign Insurance is a distinguished Canadian-based specialist insurer renowned for its expertise in offering tailored risk solutions and insurance products for construction, warehousing, wholesale, transportation, energy, utilities, resources and manufacturing businesses. By leveraging its extensive knowledge in underwriting, claims and risk engineering, it provides clients with comprehensive protection. In addition to its commercial solution offerings, Sovereign offers a range of specialty product lines, including management liability, professional liability and technology, cyber, and equipment breakdown solutions. “Our expert underwriters and broker partners closely collaborate to establish enduring relationships,” says Dave McKeen, vice president of commercial solutions, underwriting and risk engineering at Sovereign Insurance. “We are not a company that interacts with its brokers and clients through call centers or email queues. We’re your partner in resilience.” This approach enables Sovereign to understand client’s unique challenges and deliver solutions that address those pain points.

Surety Bond Service in Canada 2025

Guided by the principle We Care. We Help., Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (WMB) has carved out a unique space in the insurance landscape since its founding in 1981. Initially established as a specialist in construction, real estate, and surety/bonding, WMB has grown into a firm that consistently exceeds client expectations across various sectors. With a customer-centric philosophy embedded in its DNA, the company’s service-oriented approach extends beyond just its clients-it’s reflected in how WMB interacts with its partners, employees, and the wider communities it serves. “This mentality forms the foundation of everything we do, guiding how we serve our clients, work with partners, and interact with colleagues and the community,” says Robyn Wilson, Vice President of Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services. This unwavering dedication to service has been a key factor in WMB's growth and industry impact. As WMB has expanded, it established specialized offices across the country. This strategic diversification, combined with deep expertise across 10 Canadian offices, enables the firm to offer a broad range of insurance solutions, tailored to meet the unique needs of its diverse clientele. A Holistic Approach to Insurance With roots in construction and surety, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services has expanded its offerings to provide a full spectrum of insurance products. The firm serves not just as a broker but as a trusted advisor, committed to understanding each client's business and risk environment from a strategic perspective. This comprehensive, client-first approach has allowed WMB to build long-lasting relationships with clients and deliver effective risk mitigation strategies. A key element of WMB’s philosophy is client education. The company frequently hosts seminars, lunch-and-learn sessions, and industry-specific workshops, all led by their seasoned brokers. These educational initiatives empower clients to take a proactive role in managing their insurance needs and understanding the risks they face. WMB’s brokers are available around the clock, offering continuous support to ensure clients feel confident and informed when making decisions. "Clients know their businesses better than anyone," adds Wilson. "Our role is to be their co-pilot, providing the expertise that helps them see the full picture and make informed decisions." The team at WMB stays deeply involved in the industries they serve. By participating in industry events and maintaining board memberships, the firm keeps a pulse on emerging trends and regulatory changes. This ongoing engagement ensures that WMB remains a valuable partner to its clients year-round, not just during policy renewals.

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EDITORIAL

Reshaping Claims Management

Cutting-edge technologies are reimagining insurance claims services to accelerate resolution, enhance transparency and improve customer trust. The future of claims is faster, smarter and built for the digital age. Insurance companies are increasingly using AI to automate the initial review and assessment of claims, boosting processing speed and eliminating human error. AI-driven chatbots are handling routine claim inquiries, policy updates, and document collection, offering 24/7 support and freeing up human agents for complex issues. Virtual assistants also guide customers step-by-step through the claims process, enhancing user experience and satisfaction. Machine learning algorithms analyze claim data, detect inconsistencies and flag fraudulent submissions, improving accuracy and accelerating settlement timelines. Advanced computer vision is also gaining traction in the industry. It enables insurers to assess damage through user-uploaded images or drone footage, particularly in auto and property claims. Blockchain ensures secure, transparent and tamper-proof records of claim transactions and communications. It facilitates faster dispute resolution and increases trust by providing all stakeholders with real-time access to immutable claim data. This edition of Insurance Business Review Canada brings recent developments in the claims service arena and insights into how organizations can adopt these disruptive trends to deliver transformative customer experiences. It features thought leadership articles from industry experts, including Amy Sorrenti, director, insurance & risk at Infrastructure Ontario, who discusses strategies for navigating the future of construction insurance. Michele Adams, vice president, Walmart[NYSE: WMT], shares insights into building an expert team of insurance professionals. We hope this edition helps you build the partnership your organization needs to sharpen its competitive edge in the insurance industry.