Bundle up your peace of mind with these winter insurance check-up tips.

The Creston Valley enjoys some of the most dramatic and lovely changes of the season. Now, as the golden hues of autumn fade to the stark monochrome of winter, we look forward to cozy evenings by the fire, exhilarating winter sports, and holiday cheer. We encourage you to also consider your home and commercial coverage; a pre-winter insurance check-in is essential.

Yes, the arrival of winter brings a delicious coziness and a new outdoor recreation season. But, it also brings a host of potential hazards, from icy roads and sidewalks to heavy snowfalls and sudden melts that can lead to property damage.

Given the time of year, we want to remind you that now is the perfect time to review your insurance policies – personal and commercial. Ensure that you’re fully protected against the unexpected that the cold can bring.

Pre-winter insurance review

Our winters are beautiful! But, along with the breathtaking beauty, winter weather is often responsible for some of the most common and costly insurance claims.

Ice damage, snowmelt flooding, and other winter-related incidents can impact your home, business, automobile, and, most importantly, your peace of mind. Before the snow really flies and icicles hang from the roof, we want you to know what your current insurance policy covers and where you might need additional protection. The essentials:

Homeowners insurance: What to check

Winter-related damages: Ensure that your policy covers common winter issues like frozen pipes, ice dams on the roof, and damage due to the weight of snow or ice.

Flood insurance: In only one season, temperatures here can range from sub-zero to well above freezing – in only a few days! Standard homeowners policies typically do not cover flooding, which can occur from snowmelt. Consider adding flood insurance to your policy for comprehensive coverage.

Personal property coverage: Winter storms can cause power outages that lead to personal property damage, such as spoiled food in freezers or refrigerators. Check if your policy covers these losses.

Liability protection: Slippery sidewalks and driveways can lead to injuries. Liability coverage is a must-have to protect you if someone has an accident on your property.

Review your commercial insurance

Winter can be harsh on businesses, too. Ensure your commercial insurance policies cover winter-related damages, such as roof collapse from heavy snowfall, burst pipes, and business interruption due to severe weather events. Keep your business operations warm and toasty by updating your coverage before the winter freeze sets in.

Not surprisingly, winter increases slip-and-fall risks on your property. It’s essential to confirm that your business liability insurance is robust enough to cover accidents that icy conditions might cause. Not only does this protect patrons and employees, but it also safeguards your business from potential claims that could freeze your finances. Ensure your liability coverage is as solid as ice before winter’s chill arrives!

Auto insurance

Comprehensive coverage: This covers damage to your car that’s not caused by a collision, such as falling ice or hitting a deer, common during winter months.

Collision coverage: Slick roads lead to more accidents. Ensure your collision coverage is sufficient to cover accidents due to winter conditions.

Roadside assistance: Do you have adequate roadside assistance? Winter increases the chances of car trouble. Roadside assistance coverage can be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded.

Tips for your insurance check-up

• List any concerns: Note any changes in your life that might affect your insurance needs, such as property improvements, wood heat, or a new car.
• Document your belongings: Update your home inventory to reflect any new purchases.
• Consult with Professionals: Reach out to your Creston Valley Insurance agent to discuss your current coverage and any recommended changes.
• Understand your policy: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about terms and conditions you’re unsure about.

We understand that insurance can sometimes seem complex, especially when preparing for something as unpredictable as winter weather. Our team is dedicated to providing you with personalized service to ensure that your coverage meets your unique needs – no matter the time of year.

Do you think you need a pre-winter insurance check-in? TALK TO US!

Learn how to seamlessly initiate changes to a homeowner’s insurance polic. Protect your home with updated adjustments.

For most of us, there is no bigger investment than owning a home. Insuring it properly is vital to securing your safety and peace of mind. Keeping your homeowner’s insurance policy current and up-to-date is the security net that protects you in the event of the unexpected – and potentially catastrophic.

Things inevitably change over time, so it’s not unusual to make adjustments to your home insurance coverage. Working closely with your broker, you can make changes to your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need – when you need it!

Changing needs

If there’s one thing we can all count on is that nothing stays the same. We experience transitions big and small all the time. So, whether you are renovating your home, making a big asset purchase, or even expanding your family, there are changes that may impact the homeowner’s coverage you need.

Every so often, take the time to evaluate your needs and how they have evolved (or will evolve) and pinpoint the areas where your policy might fall short. Being proactive helps your broker tailor coverage to ensure that you always have optimal protection.

Once you’ve identified changes, reach out to your insurance agent. When you can, we recommend that you initiate contact in advance of changes, upgrades, and transitions so that you have time to discuss your options and make informed decisions. We want you to avoid gaps in coverage as much as possible.

Changes to your home that may require adjustments

Renovation and upgrades

When you’re planning home renovations or upgrades, you should inform your broker. If you change the structure or value of your property, it can impact your coverage requirements.

How much are you doing to your home; What kind of upgrades are you including? Depending on the scope of the renovations, chances are that you should adjust your policy to reflect your home’s increased value.

Additions to valuable assets

If you have purchased or expect to purchase high-end electronics, jewellery, or precious artwork, this is a good time to review your policy. Your existing insurance may not cover these newly acquired items adequately. 

If you have new valuables, ask about adding a floater or endorsement to your policy. This will provide additional coverage specifically for these assets, ensuring they’re appropriately protected.

Change in occupancy or usage

Do you want to use your home for business purposes? Perhaps you are thinking about renting out a portion of your house? 

We suggest you review your policy as it’s likely that adjustments to your homeowner’s coverage will  be necessary. Different usage scenarios and occupancies can require changes in liability and property protection requirements. 

New or upcoming changes? It might be time to discuss your home insurance coverage – TALK TO US!

Review liability coverage

If you haven’t done a recent review of your liability coverage, there’s no time like the present. Now, with the change of season, is a good time – Thanksgiving, Christmas and winter are just around the corner!

Liability coverage is a crucial component of your homeowner’s insurance policy. It protects you financially if someone is injured on your property. Liability also covers you if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property.

If you’ve experienced changes in lifestyle, such as having more frequent guests or starting a home-based business, you may need to increase your liability coverage to better safeguard your interests.

Evaluate deductibles

Your policy’s deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying before your insurance coverage kicks in. Higher deductibles typically offer lower premium payments, while lower deductibles result in paying more in premiums.

If your financial situation has changed and you’re comfortable taking on a higher deductible, it could be a strategic move to reduce your insurance costs.

Bundling and discounts

It might be possible to bundle your homeowner’s insurance policy with other insurance products, such as auto or umbrella insurance. There can be discounts, too, that you aren’t aware of. Discounts can include safety features in your home, alarm systems, or even loyalty discounts for long-term customers.

ASK US about bundling and potential discounts and take advantage of them to optimize your coverage at a reduced cost.

Regular policy reviews

Life can move very fast, and your homeowner’s insurance needs to keep up! Schedule regular policy reviews on your own and with your broker to assess whether your coverage still aligns with your needs. Being proactive about these reviews ensures that your coverage remains up-to-date and effective.

Remember, we’re here to guide you through these changes and help you navigate the intricacies of homeowner’s insurance.

Are you thinking about, or have you made, changes to your home? You may need to also make changes to your existing homeowner’s policy – TALK TO US!

Prompt reporting and documentation – what BC drivers need to do after an auto accident.

Getting involved in an accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. As a responsible driver in British Columbia, it’s crucial to know the steps to take immediately after an accident occurs. When you follow the correct procedures, you can protect yourself and your passengers and ensure a smoother claims process. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on what to do after an accident, helping BC drivers navigate through this challenging situation.

1. Ensure safety first:

   The safety of everyone involved should be your top priority after an accident. Move your vehicle to a safe location, preferably away from traffic if possible. Activate your hazard lights and use warning triangles or flares to alert oncoming traffic. Check for injuries and call emergency services if necessary. By prioritizing safety, you can minimize the risk of further accidents and injuries.

2. Exchange information:

   After ensuring everyone’s safety, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Obtain their full name, contact number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Similarly, provide your own information to the other party. Additionally, collect details of any witnesses present, as their statements might be valuable during the claims process.

3. Document the accident:

   To support your insurance claim, document the accident scene thoroughly. Take clear pictures of the vehicles involved, including the damage caused. Capture images of the surrounding area, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs. Note the date, time, and location of the accident. If possible, sketch a diagram illustrating the positions of the vehicles before and after the collision. All these details will serve as crucial evidence when filing your claim.

4. Report the accident:

   Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will guide you through the claims process, providing the necessary information and documentation requirements. Remember to provide accurate and detailed information while explaining the incident. Cooperate fully with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process.

5. Seek legal advice:

   In some cases, consulting with a legal professional specializing in motor vehicle accidents can be beneficial. They can help protect your rights and navigate the legal complexities of your case. If you sustained injuries or significant property damage, an attorney can assist in filing a personal injury claim or negotiating with insurance companies.

An automobile accident is always an unfortunate event. However, when you’re prepared and know the correct steps to take, you can minimize stress and ensure a smoother process for both your safety and insurance claims.

Remember, always prioritize safety, document the accident, report it to your insurance company promptly, and consider seeking legal advice when necessary. By following this guide, BC drivers can navigate post-accident procedures with confidence.

Changes occur in everyone’s life. Be sure to update your home insurance broker to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage.

There’s a great deal that can happen and change in a year – the length of a typical home insurance policy. Yes, your coverage will return seamlessly every year. But, when you make any changes to your home or your life, you want to have the proper coverage.

Update your home insurance broker of any changes you’ve made, or that have occurred in the past year. When you signed your policy initially your coverage reflected your needs at the time. At the time the policy renews, you should take the time to reflect on how those needs may have changed. Changes that might impact your home insurance coverage.

You may not know what the changes are that can affect your coverage. Here’s a little help. Update your home insurance broker when:

1. You make changes to your home

Insuring your home initially, your home insurance broker based the value of your coverage on a thorough assessment of your home. The assessment explored every detail of your home – the size, the number of bathrooms, the kind of heating, the style of plumbing and electrical, the type of roofing material, etc. These components influence how much it will cost to rebuild in the event of a complete loss.

Your coverage is based on components and systems at the time your insurance policy was created. Renovations and upgrades add value to your home so it’s critical that you update your home insurance broker and your policy to be fully covered.  Another reason to update your broker is that some upgrades to the core systems (heat, electrical, plumbing) can save you money in lower premiums.

2. You operate a business at home

More common than ever, thanks to the pandemic, people are operating businesses big and small from their homes. This is something you should definitely discuss with your home insurance broker. Depending on the business, your existing policy may cover some, or even all, aspects of your home-based operations. In other cases, it may not. And, it can happen that unreported business activity could leave certain parts of your home insurance invalid.

Don’t risk operating a home-based business without the right coverage. In doubt? Talk to your broker.

3. Update your home insurance broker about a marriage or divorce

It isn’t only about changes you make to the structure of your home that can impact your insurance coverage. Changes within it make a difference, too. Changing your relationship status can also require an update to your policy. If you’ve moved from tenant insurance to a homeowner’s policy (or vice versa) your home insurance broker needs to know. Similarly, if you are adding another homeowner. Talk to your broker if your relationship changes and they can ensure that you avoid inadequate coverage.

4. Acquisition of valuables

Insurance for your belongings helps replace all you own if they’re lost or damaged by an insured event. If you purchase something of particular value after you signed your policy, contact your broker to see if you ought to reassess your insurance coverage. Curious about the value of your belongings? Here’s a good tool to help you calculate.

5. People moving in – and out of your home

When your broker designs your homeowner’s policy, the number of people who live in your home will be a factor. Particularly, when you have tenants or operate a short-term rental. To be certain, when someone moves in or out of your home, you should inform your home insurance broker to ensure that you continue with the right coverage.

Life changes happen to everyone and they can be very exciting. And certainly, we understand that your home insurance may not be front of mind as they’re happening. But, your home insurance broker is here for you to answer any questions and help to ensure you always have proper coverage. Talk to us!

 

Losses caused by hot work are among the leading reasons mid-size commercial or industrial properties make insurance claims.

One of the leading causes of fire in Canada, and one of the top three reasons for mid-size commercial or industrial property losses is from hot work operations. Hot work is any occupation that involves working with ignition sources near flammable materials – soldering, welding, grinding, and cutting, for example. If these activities are conducted near combustible dust or flammable gases, liquids, or materials, there’s an increased risk of fire or even explosion.

Hot work accounts for considerable property losses each year. However, safety procedures implemented effectively and a permit system for hot work can help to significantly reduce these fire hazards.

Significant damage and losses… from only one small spark

It’s not unusual for commercial and light manufacturing operations to have a designated area specifically used for frequent hot work.

It only takes a very small spark to have a devastating impact. The destruction of property and equipment, the interruption of business and even the loss of jobs for employees. Worse yet, it has the potential to put lives at risk. And, in the aftermath, as a business recovers, they can lose valued customers to the competition. The losses caused by hot work can seem endlessly ongoing.

One little welding spark amidst the wrong conditions can cause overwhelming damage and destruction.

Losses caused by hot work – mitigate the risks

You may not consider this, but it’s possible for a loose spark to sit in a pile of dust and smoulder, only to come to life in the middle of the night. With no one around to stop it, the potential damage could be devastating.

To mitigate the risks associated with hot work, best practices for hot work are as follows:

• Ensure all equipment functions properly before any work begins.
• Ensure that fire extinguishers are in working order, are readily available and easy to access.
• Utilize all appropriate personal protective devices. They should always be available onsite. Train each worker on their use. They should also be cleaned and stored appropriately.
• Thoroughly inspect the work area before work begins. Check for combustible and flammable surfaces nearby (walls, ceilings, partitions, etc.). Cover them with a fire resistant and heat insulating material to prevent accumulation of heat and possible ignition.

Look for combustibles in and around the hot work zone

• As much as possible, move all combustibles away from the hot work area.
• If combustibles can’t be cleared away, you can cover them with fire resistant shields or blankets. Be sure to protect any exposed or nearby equipment and gas lines from flying or stray sparks or hot items.
• Tidy any combustible and flammable materials on the floors of the work zone and surrounding area. If the floors are at risk of combusting, keep them wet or cover them with damp sand or fire resistant blankets. NOTE: Only use water if you know electrical circuits have been de-energized to prevent electrical shock.
• Remove and clean up spilled oil, grease, or other combustible liquid.
• To prevent ignition, vacuum any debris that is flammable or combustible from duct openings, inside the ventilation or other ductwork. If there are cracks in ducts, seal them. Ensure sparks cannot enter the ducting. Use fire resistant barrier to cover any duct openings.
• Keep first-aid kits well stocked and easy to find and access.
• Find out more best practices  CLICK HERE.

Conduct a regular fire watch

Once you have a properly prepared hot work area, it’s also important to conduct a fire watch following any welding, soldering, grinding, or any other work that produces sparks and heat.

Someone should ensure that there is no hidden spark or fire that will smoulder or ignite in the hours after the hot work is complete. Skip or miss the inspection afterwards and risk potentially catastrophic consequences. It may mean paying a employee trained in the proper use of fire suppression equipment to stay longer to keep an eye on the area. It’s an expense that is well worth it, as many victims of hot work disasters will confirm.

There is an alternative, if you don’t have the budget or trained staff to keep fire watch. As best you can, limit hot work to early in the day. There will be time for any stray sparks or smoulders can be caught during the workday. The recommendation is from approximately one to four hours after the completion of hot work to monitor the area.

Permits for hot work

Reducing the hazards is possible through a specific hot work permit system. A two-part tag system, the hot work permit requires that a welder complete a safety checklist before they perform hot work beyond designated hot work areas. Affix one portion of the two-part tag near the work area until completion of the fire watch. The other portion will be on file, audited by management.

The permit system ensures the individual performing the hot work follows the appropriate safety protocols. It requires they sign off on a checklist before working and after the fire watch is complete. A hot work permit is available for purchase from most retailers of safety supplies.

Fire safety program specific to hot work

In any overall industrial or commercial safety program, the hot work safety policy should include hot work permits. It should be a policy that incorporates all hot work activities, on-site, whether performed by staff or third-party contractors.

The hot work component of a safety policy shouldn’t be complicated. It does not. It’s simply a page or two that outlines the specific safety procedures required to conduct hot work.

Questions about your hot work environment and your commercial insurance? Talk to us!