2014 Annual Newsletter - Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance
Transcription
2014 Annual Newsletter - Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance
YEAR IN REVIEW CHAIR’S REPORT TO MEMBERS CONTINUED... 2014 was a very good year for Bay of Quinte Mutual. In fact, it turned out to be the best year in our history financially achieving an after tax profit of $3.494 million and third best year of underwriting results earning an underwriting profit of $1.836 million. A cross section of staff from underwriting, claims, loss prevention, finance, management and all board members spend significant time planning for the future.Topics such as industry trends, additional coverages, changing demographics, staff adequacy and operations during disasters, such as an ice storm are discussed at great length and plans are put in place. The insurance environment continued to be very competitive during the year with stock companies and even some farm mutual insurers aggressively seeking premium growth and new business. Bay of Quinte stayed the course and did not waiver from our philosophy regarding new business nor did we compromise our underwriting standards. Despite a competitive environment, our consistent approach to business was successful and we achieved a slight improvement in growth for 2014 compared to 2013. Our premium grew by 4.3 %, policy count increased by 1.4 %, new business increased both in terms of policy count and premium volume and our cancelled business decreased for the third year in a row.This year we experienced most of our growth in our commercial lines business. Net claims and adjusting expenses increased approximately $700 000 over 2013. Mother Nature was much kinder this year and there were no substantial weather events that impacted our policyholders compared to two storms in 2013. 513 claims were reported during the year, which was 35 fewer than 2013.There were fewer large losses in 2014 and the size of the losses was substantially lower than experienced last year.The reason for higher net claims and adjusting expenses in 2014 is the fact that most of the claims occurring during the year were smaller in size and Bay of Quinte received less money from our reinsurance program. Fire and water losses were the main causes of claims in 2014 with 45 fire losses producing claims of $4.3 million and 178 water losses resulting in claims of $3.3 million. The financial markets were less volatile in 2014 and we were able to recover the unrealized losses we suffered in 2013. The year ended with the unrealized change in the market value of the investment portfolio increasing the investment income by approximately $1.4 million, a vast improvement over the decrease of $642 000 in 2013. Despite a consistent approach to managing the investment portfolio, in just one year the impact of the market value of the investment portfolio on our investment income changed by $2 million. The annual report for 2005 was positive on the bottom line. I am very pleased to say that 2014 also ended with a plus sign. An underwriting profit of one million, eight hundred thousand dollars, coupled with a very strong investment income of two million, eight hundred thousand dollars created a total profit before income tax of four million, seven hundred thousand dollars. The above noted numbers related to premium growth, surplus increases, underwriting profit and investment returns are certainly not possible without the ongoing high level of performance and commitment of our staff and management. Your board is very appreciative of the effort put forth. We also recognize our broker business partners in many small towns and cities in eastern Ontario. Last but really the most important, we thank our loyal policyholders for past, present and future business. Mutually yours, ANNUAL REPORT & NEWSLETTER 2014 retrospective enter to WIN! Once again we are pleased to offer you a chance to WIN a discount certificate to be applied against your 2015 – 2016 insurance premiums. Please read the enclosed information and complete the “tear off ” section. Completed entry forms can be returned to us by mail or taken into your agent/broker’s office, and they will forward it to us. All entries received before Tuesday, April 14, 2015 will be entered into a draw for one of six discount certificates to be applied to your insurance premium with our company. 1st prize is a $400 discount certificate, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th prizes are $200 discount certificates. The draw will be made at the Board of Directors meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. INSURANCE TIPS FOR OUR AGRICULTURAL POLICYHOLDERS Our claims department has some suggestions for you to consider when you are reviewing your insurance policy with your broker. These suggestions are the result of claims activity that has taken place over the past year. H.R. (Harry) Scanlan It has been an honour for our company to provide you with your insurance protection. We recognize you have several options for your insurance and we appreciate the fact you have selected our company. Barns and outbuildings must be specifically insured and listed on your policy. The detached private structures coverage that is included in your homeowner package does not include buildings or structures that are designed or used for agricultural or commercial purposes. Box 6050, 13379 Loyalist Parkway Picton, Ontario, K0K 2T0 3426572 The winter we experienced in 2014 resulted in many barns and outbuildings collapsing. Collapse due to the weight of ice, snow or sleet can be purchased for your barns and outbuildings. Coverage is not automatically included with your fire and wind coverage and before you can add the coverage, your barns and outbuildings must be inspected by our loss prevention department. Livestock prices have increased substantially over the past few months. We would encourage you to review the limit of insurance to make sure that you have adequate coverage. If you are not insured to the appropriate level and a loss occurs you could end up not fully compensated for your loss. facebook.com/bayofquintemutualinsurance @bayofqmutual Coverage is available to indemnify you for loss or damage to your equipment and any loss of income that results in the event your equipment breaks down. Equipment break down coverage is designed to compliment and broaden your existing coverage. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING, GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2014 WINNERS. We are not responsible for lost entry forms, or entry forms that arrive after April 14, 2015. Winners will be notified by mail. PROTECTING YOUR HOME WHILE ON VACATION Ask a neighbour or friend for help. Prior to leaving for your vacation, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your home and make sure he or she has your contact information so you can be notified in the event something happens. Ask this person to bring in your mail and flyers as a build-up of mail is a visible sign to others that you are not home. Arrange to have your driveway and walkways kept clear of snow. If you normally park your car in your driveway, then you may want to ask a neighbour to park in your driveway so that it looks as though you are home. In order to maintain your insurance coverage for water related losses when you are away for more than four consecutive days, you need to either drain your pipes and shut off the water or ask someone to check your home daily to make sure the heat is maintained and your sump pump is working properly. Install and set automatic timers. Automatic timers on some lights in your home that go on and off at certain times during the morning and evening will give the appearance you are home. Complete a final check of your home. Walk around your home to make sure that all of your doors and windows are locked. If you have an entrance to the inside of your home from your garage, lock that door to prevent access to your home should someone gain access to your garage. Remember to make sure your vehicles are locked and if you have a garage door opener, place the unit inside your home to prevent access to your home should your vehicle be broken into Unplug your electronics and small appliances. If you take a few minutes to unplug your electronics and small appliances then they will be unharmed if a power surge occurs while you are on vacation. The board of Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. operates an annual rotation of directors assuming the role of Chair of the Board. During the business year of 2014, it has been my responsibility and honour to be Chair of the Board. I had acted in this capacity previously in 2005. As a demonstration of our growth I would like to show some comparisons from 2005 to 2014. In reporting for the year 2005, we announced the opening of our then new addition to our building. We also had achieved a milestone by reaching a one to one ratio of surplus to premium. That year passed without a catastrophic storm event and we avoided the need to use our reinsurer in that category. BALANCE SHEET ASSETS Cash Portfolio investments Accrued interest Accounts receivable Agents and policyholders Reinsurers Reinsurers' share of provision for unpaid claims and adjustment expenses Deferred policy acquisition expenses Prepaid expenses Property, plant and equipment Deferred income taxes 2014 2013 $ $ 2,287,756 2,105,352 40,498,775 37,799,490 205,920 238,175 6,223,720 15,810 3,156,661 2,233,218 9,387 872,547 108,000 5,808,373 124,794 5,187,623 2,122,132 2,483 968,440 113,000 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 PREMIUM INCOME Gross premiums written Less reinsurance premiums 2014 $ 22,878,121 (3,220,070) 2013 $ 21,938,928 (2,965,989) Net premiums written Increase in unearned premiums 19,658,051 (528,471) 18,972,939 (407,453) Net premiums earned Service charges 19,129,580 170,636 18,565,486 163,352 19,300,216 18,728,838 10,537,710 14,574,431 (534,670) (5,257,181) 10,003,040 9,317,250 9,297,176 Our keynote speaker at the meeting will be: 9,411,588 Chief Dario Cecchin DIRECT LOSSES INCURRED Gross claims and adjusting expenses Less reinsurers’ share of claims and adjustment expenses 55,611,794 54,469,862 Fast forward to 2014, the addition is more fully utilized as employees have been added to compliment our needs. Our surplus to premium ratio has increased to 1.4 :1. Good fortune in weather allowed us to once again pass a year without severe weather losses, therefore no catastrophic claim with our reinsurer. We did however sustain losses. Our claims staff dealt with some five hundred thirteen claims, totaling in excess of ten million dollars. A look back again to 2005 shows losses in the range of four and a half million dollars. Premium income in 2014 nears twenty three million compared to 2005 at thirteen and one half million. Water related losses, such as sump pump failures and ruptured pipes have become second only to fire in terms of total dollar value. This issue is of some concern to the insurance industry. A number of companies are now restricting or capping the amount payable on water losses. Damages to properties due to overland water flood in Alberta, specifically the High River area and here in Toronto were typically not insured. Some pressure is being felt to provide coverage for flood. Bay of Quinte has not yet made changes to respond to either of these issues. Your insurance company continues to act as a strong corporate citizen, making donations within our service area. Monies were presented to 4-H clubs, Almost Home, The County Marathon, Farmtown Park, Campbellford Memorial Hospital, area fire departments and others. Our provincial organization known as OMIA, the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association provides training for staff, management and directors at their facility in Cambridge, Ontario. As relevant courses or seminars become available we accept and encourage the opportunity to broaden insurance knowledge and hone the professional skills needed today. Meeting with our mutual insurance peers at these presentations is always viewed as very valuable in addition to the educational component. CONTINUED ON BACK LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Due to reinsurers Income taxes payable Provision for unpaid claims and adjustment expenses Unearned premiums POLICYHOLDERS’ SURPLUS Surplus and resources for protection of policyholders 712,695 114,527 412,083 685,948 97,547 245,199 9,513,041 11,934,706 12,604,325 11,406,235 22,687,052 25,039,254 32,924,742 29,430,608 APPROVED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD ______________________ Director ______________________ Director 55,611,794 54,469,862 EXPENSES Net premium acquisition costs Policy services Other Salaries and benefits Directors and professional fees Travel and education Loss prevention Advertising Office and communications Ontario premium taxes Licences and dues Miscellaneous Building occupancy costs Depreciation of property, plant and equipment STATEMENT OF SURPLUS AND RESOURCES FOR PROTECTION OF POLICYHOLDERS 318,041 3,838,524 1,395,524 166,102 208,190 435,521 82,555 474,267 89,412 70,490 86,439 84,761 103,147 134,830 7,460,772 7,384,656 UNDERWRITING INCOME 1,836,404 2,026,932 INVESTMENT INCOME 2,819,730 957,653 NIL 70,326 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BEFORE TAXES 4,656,134 3,054,911 INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY) Current Deferred 1,157,000 5,000 745,000 (12,000) 1,162,000 733,000 3,494,134 2,321,911 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR YEAR BALANCE - END OF YEAR Name: 2014 2013 $ $ 29,430,608 27,108,697 3,494,134 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR YEAR 2,321,911 32,924,742 29,430,608 Address: Phone: The 141st annual general meeting of the policyholders of the Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. will be held at: St. James The Minor RC Church Loogman Hall (in the basement) 236 Edward Street, Stirling , ON Thursday March 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. • To receive the financial statements and the auditors’ report for the year ending December 31, 2014 • To appoint auditors for the year 2015 • To elect directors • To transact any other business that may properly come before the meeting. of the Township of Stirling-Rawdon Police Service. 267,318 4,109,063 1,241,703 162,317 191,415 447,031 76,155 557,576 93,321 70,214 52,128 89,384 REFUND OF REINSURANCE PREMIUMS BALANCE - BEGINNING OF YEAR NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 VOID ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: The directors whose term of office will expire at the annual meeting are: Zone 2: Zone 5: Zone 6: Zone 8: Mr. Calvin Thomas Mr. Steve Raymond Mr. Harry Scanlan Mr. Fred Lang These gentlemen are all eligible for re-election. Application for directorship must be received according to By-Law One, article 23 by 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2015. One director is required for each of zones 2, 5, 6 and 8. CLARIFICATION OF ZONES: Zone 2: Wards of Bloomfield, Hallowell, Hillier, Picton and Wellington in the County of Prince Edward Zone 5: Cities of Belleville and Quinte West Zone 6: Cities of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes, Municipality of Trent Hills, Township of Stirling-Rawdon, County of Peterborough and points West and North Zone 8: Municipality of Tweed and Township of Tyendinaga All policyholders are cordially invited. This is the policyholder’s meeting and any suggestions that might be of benefit to the company will be welcomed. If you plan to attend this meeting, please call 1-800-267-2126 to reserve a seat by Monday March 02, 2015. ✁ CHAIR’S REPORT TO MEMBERS Your Policy # and Agent Comments or Questions: TO BE DRAWN APRIL 14, 2015 You can download the complete financial statements from our website at www.bayofquintemutual.com, you can email our company and request it at info@bayofquintemutual.com or you can call our office at 1-800-267-2126. We invite your comments and suggestions for improvement of our Company. We are not responsible for lost entry forms, or entry forms that arrive after April 14, 2015. Winners will be notified by mail. Please complete and return this portion. Either present this section to your broker to be forwarded to us or mail to: Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. P.O. Box 6050, Picton, Ontario K0K 2T0