The Property Casualty Underwriters Club (PCUC) was founded in 1963 in Toronto. Derek Bloomfield, the PCUC’s second president, describes the club’s beginnings: Shortly after starting at Federated Hardware and Implement Mutual in Toronto in the early 1960s, Derek’s casualty manager mentioned that there was an underwriters’ club in his city and suggested to Derek that he establish a similar club in Toronto to share industry experiences and market news with fellow underwriters. 

This suggestion spurred the first PCUC meetings, informal gatherings held after work at the Dell Tavern near University Avenue and Dundas Street in downtown Toronto. Eight founders, representing both insurers and reinsurers, were involved in the initial creation of the PCUC. After several months, the founding group elected Bob Carter from Federated Hardware and Implement Mutual in Toronto as its first president. Those founding eight members could not have foreseen the strength and longevity of the PCUC they were creating. 

The purpose of the PCUC has remained unchanged from its very beginnings. Property and casualty underwriters from both insurers and reinsurers' side gather to study and discuss the theory and practice of our industry. As well-educated professionals we strive to stay abreast of insurance trends and emerging exposures while understanding how insurance interconnects with the economy at large. The club provides a medium for learning, exchanging views and fostering goodwill and understanding among our colleagues. The result has been a stronger insurance industry and the formation of many lifelong friendships along the way. 

Today, the PCUC has in excess of 250 members from all sectors of the Property and Casualty Insurance Professionals community in the Greater Toronto Area. In addition to our annual events such as PCUC Springthaw Cocktail Party, Curling Bonspiel and Golf Tournament, we hold regular luncheon and panel luncheon meetings where influential guest speakers address a wide array of topics ranging from changing weather patterns to the impact of terrorism on our P & C industry. Our events have received favourable reviews by Canadian Insurance and Canadian Underwriters magazines. Besides our professional responsibilities, we make every effort to give back to our community, as demonstrated by the PCUC’s donation to the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC). 

The PCUC is keeping pace with our industry’s evolution by launching this website. As in the past, we welcome everyone’s feedback and encourage new members to see what they’re missing. Please feel free to contact one of your PCUC executive members with any comments or suggestions – after all, this is your club.