Special guest blog by Yolande Charest, VP, Finance at Staebler Insurance It was early spring of 2020 when my sump pump started making a very loud noise and I could smell burning oil. At first I thought it was because the sump pump had been working overtime draining the snow that was melting around the house. I immediately called a plumbing service to come out and take a look at the problem. They determined that the floatation ball on the sump pump was not working...
Police in Waterloo Region and throughout southern Ontario are warning car owners of new techniques that thieves are using to steal vehicles from driveways. These techniques are taking advantage of technologies that are installed in cars to make it more convenient for drivers but at the same time easier for thieves to get away with theft. The first uses the keyless entry feature to "relay” the signal from the car’s fob to open the door and start the car....
With Ontario's "Slip & Fall" Claims Period Reduced, Here's What You Need To Do The cold weather is here - bringing with it snow and ice, meaning that potentially dangerous walking conditions could be lurking around every corner. Responsible commercial property occupiers need to think ahead of these hazards as they are required to ensure the safety of their parking lots and sidewalks around their building. Proper maintenance and safety isn’t just the...
Michelle Mortensen has been an insurance broker for more than four years and has helped many of her clients through claims. She knows the processes each company has and how to advocate for clients should something go wrong. So when it came time to put in a claim after her daughter’s car was rear-ended on the Queen Elizabeth Way in Toronto, Michelle didn’t have much worry. That changed along the way as days became weeks and there began to be some uncertainty. ...
Consumers are constantly exposed to the latest and greatest in technology. From the faster, flashier, and smarter smartphones to the thinner but larger storage laptops, it’s easily tempting to upgrade our seemingly obsolete devices every year. But before you accept that trade in offer or list your old device online, it’s important to stop and think about all the personal information that is stored on phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics. What Experts Are...
Earlier this month the provincial government introduced steeper penalties for speeding and stunt driving offences . The new laws are targeting the most dangerous of drivers on the road, including those drivers who are caught driving too much over the speed limit. One of the common questions our brokers get is: how long does a speeding ticket show on my driving record? In Ontario, your driving record (or driver’s abstract) is maintained by the Ministry of...
The provincial government introduced new laws on July 1 to help slow down speeders and make Ontario roads safer. The Moving Ontario More Safely Act begins by targeting aggressive driving, stunt driving, and street racing. They are lowering the threshold for tickets and increasing the penalties if caught. Many municipalities, including Waterloo Region, are reporting more stunt driving and street racing incidents over the past year . The trend has forced the Ontario...
It’s almost time to make waves again! The short wake of boating season typically begins in May and goes until September when the water temperatures dip too low to bear. Many recreational boaters in southern Ontario get started around Victoria Day long weekend (May 22-24) when the weather is more consistent and lake waters rise to acceptable Canadian levels. Whether you’re hitting one of the Great Lakes or smaller inland options in Ontario, we’re here to help you get the...
The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) have partnered together to address insurance availability issues within the commercial trucking industry. For years, truck drivers with limited years’ experience, and their carriers, have struggled securing the proper insurance coverage they need. At the same time, insurance companies have been paying out an unsustainable amount of earned premiums (105%!) through claims and related...
During these strange times of increased isolation and use of digital communication technologies, there’s increased activity of cyber threats to watch out for. We’ve put together some of the top phishing schemes and personal security concerns throughout Waterloo Region: Fraudulent Shipping Notifications The convenience of shopping online is undeniable. It’s been especially true during the pandemic when online shopping is seen as a safer alternative than going to the...