Posts Tagged ‘insurance’

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Fall maintenance tips to keep your home (and your insurance policy) in great shape!

Monday, September 17th, 2012

Summer isn’t officially over yet, but the cooler days (and much cooler nights) have definitely arrived.  And with them comes the grand display many of us have been waiting for: the fall parade of colours! 

I recently journeyed out with some friends to endeavor upon a 19km hike in beautiful Algonquin Park.  After trekking many hours, tripping over many roots, stumbling over all the rocks and boulders, and climbing a whopping 310 foot promontory, we were finally blessed with a magnificent view that included all that nature could throw at us. 

This got me thinking about seasonal home maintenance and what could happen if I hesitate to perform some simple upkeep on the eaves troughs and gutters before the inevitable cold snap rears its head. 

For example, the last time I checked my rain barrel (yes, I’m an eco freak), I noticed a buildup of pine needles that had been flushed down the downspout and gathered atop the mesh screen keeping debris out of my precious reclaimed water.  I was surprised at the accumulation.  Add to these needles the leaves that are soon to give way to gravity’s pull, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a water backup.  Add another element – sub-zero temperatures – and you’ve got much worse; potential water infiltration and water damage. 

So, here are a few simple tips on preparing your home for the season and weather ahead, borrowed from the CMHC website.  If you’re not able to perform these maintenance duties yourself, consider hiring a professional to do it for you.  Make safety your number one priority!

  • Have furnace or heating system serviced by a qualified service company every two years for a gas furnace, and every year for an oil furnace, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • If you have central air conditioning, make sure the drain pan under the cooling coil mounted in the furnace plenum is draining properly and is clean.
  • Lubricate circulating pump on hot water heating system.
  • Bleed air from hot water radiators.
  • Disconnect the power to the furnace and examine the forced-air furnace fan belt, if installed, for wear, looseness or noise; clean fan blades of any dirt buildup.
  • Check chimneys for obstructions such as nests.
  • Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove dust.
  • Remove the grilles on forced-air systems and vacuum inside the ducts.
  • Turn ON gas furnace pilot light (if your furnace has one), set the thermostat to “heat” and test the furnace for proper operation by raising the thermostat setting until the furnace starts to operate. Once you have confirmed proper operation, return the thermostat to the desired setting.
  • Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system, such as heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months.
  • Check to see that the ductwork leading to and from the heat recovery ventilator is in good shape, the joints are tightly sealed (aluminum tape or mastic) and any duct insulation and plastic duct wrap is free of tears and holes.
  • If the heat recovery ventilator has been shut off for the summer, clean the filters and the core, and pour water down the condensate drain to test it.
  • Check to see that bathroom exhaust fans and range hoods are operating properly. If possible, confirm that you are getting good airflow by observing the outside vent hood (the exterior damper should be held open by the airflow). See the About Your House fact sheet CMHC Garbage Bag Airflow Test for a simple way to estimate the airflow.
  • Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries.
  • Clean portable humidifier, if one is used.
  • Check sump pump and line to ensure proper operation, and to ascertain that there are no line obstructions or visible leaks.
  • Replace window screens with storm windows.
  • Remove interior insect screens from windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass and to allow more free solar energy into your home.
  • Ensure windows and skylights close tightly; repair or replace weatherstripping, as needed.
  • Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly, and check other doors for ease of use. Replace door weatherstripping if required.
  • If there is a door between your house and the garage, check the adjustment of the self-closing device to ensure it closes the door completely.
  • Cover outside of air-conditioning units and shut off power.
  • Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall, so that water does not drain into your basement.
  • Clean leaves from eaves troughs and roof, and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof.
  • Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close interior valve to outdoor hose connection and drain the hose bib (exterior faucet), unless your house has frost-proof hose bibs.
  • Have well water tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria every six months.
  • If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before the spring. Tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years.
  • Winterize landscaping.  For example, store outdoor furniture, prepare gardens and, if necessary, protect young trees or bushes for winter.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

By Shannon Donnelly, Marketing and Communications, Moore-McLean Insurance Group

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Thinking of buying a pool? Don’t jump in just yet…

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

This exceptionally hot summer has had a lot of us toying with the idea of investing in permanent refreshment and summer enjoyment – a pool!  What could be better than slipping into the cool blue waters in your own backyard?  Add in the BBQ, a few friends and some music and it’s an instant party any time you want! 

But pools can bring with them more responsibility than most are willing to take on.  They can sometimes even lower the resale value of your home as many prospective buyers simply aren’t interested in the added work and cost of maintaining a pool…

  • weekly chlorine treatments
  • time spent scrubbing the pool
  • the cost of heating the water
  • the electricity to pump and circulate
  • repairs to ripped liners and cracked concrete… 

The list goes on and it all adds up to time and money. 

But that’s not the only area of responsibility.  Because of their inherent danger and associated risks, pools bring about a new level of liability, and several municipalities even require that you have a permit and special fencing, gates and locks to keep out unwanted waders.  As a general rule of thumb, any pool or body of water deeper than 36″ requires a security perimeter fence and permit.  Check with your local bylaw office for rules specific to your neighbourhood.

Then, of course, there’s the insurance.  In addition to adding to the overall replacement cost of your home, a pool will increase the chances that the liability portion of your insurance may be needed if someone is hurt while using your pool.  The added costs for pool coverage vary from insurer to insurer, but all will require that you report the installation of a pool as it represents a change in the material risk of your policy.  Speak to your broker about shopping around for the best coverage.

So what if your pool suffers damage over the winter?  Say, for example, a cracked foundation or damage to the pumping system…?  These damages are generally not covered by an insurance policy as they are deemed wear-and-tear problems.  Typically, only when and if damage is caused by a peril that your policy covers will the insurance policy be activated.

So, before you pick up your shovel and start digging a hole for your new pool, consider digging through your insurance policy, your municipal bylaws and your chequebook.  And, of course, speak to your broker to ensure you’ve got a policy in place that protects you and your property.

Article by: Shannon Donnelly, Marketing & Communications
Moore-McLean Insurance Group Ltd.

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NOW HIRING – Technical Assistant – Commercial Insurance

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

 

TECHNICAL ASSISTANT – COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

________________________________________

 

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

Prime Directive: Internal Customer Support Processing Commercial Insurance transactions

Processing new, renewal and change documents and their corresponding documents

Updating Agency Manager system with client policy data

Invoicing as directed by Account Manager

Updating claims information on the Agency Manager system, including open and closed claim notices

Scan and attach documents as directed

Other duties as assigned

________________________________________

 

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Professional, friendly and courteous in all interactions, whether with co-workers or customers

Team player adaptable to a changing environment

Perform well in a busy operation, remain calm under pressure

Good organization skills, ability to prioritize

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Detail oriented

Ambitious

________________________________________

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum college diploma,

Successful completion of Business Administration an asset

Excellent keyboarding and data entry skills

Familiarity with MS suite of products

Insurance related experience would be an asset

________________________________________

 JOB IS LOCATED IN BRAMPTON

Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume by email to: insurance@mooremclean.com

 

We thank all those interested, but only those meeting our criteria will be contacted.

 

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Are you headed for Cottage Country?

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Well, it’s pretty much official; the 2012 cottage season has begun!

The recent Victoria Day long weekend marked the start of what promises to be a hot, dry summer.  All the better for boating and hanging out on the dock. 

But the lack of rain can be a curse as much as a blessing, and brings concern to Cottage Country Fire Departments throughout Ontario. 

Muskoka’s fire danger rating has just been escalated to ‘Extreme’, meaning that an all-out fire ban is in effect.  This means that NO fires of any type are permitted, including fires for cooking or warmth, and NO fireworks allowed. 

Cottagers are reminded that the Muskoka Fire Season runs from April 1st to October 31st each year.  The rating is verified daily and updated whenever the rating changes. 

Even when the rating and danger level are reduced, Municipal By-laws remain in place to limit the type and size of fires permitted.  For example, the Bracebridge Open Air (Outdoor) Burning By-law is as follows:

ALL FIRES:
Must not be larger than 2 metres (6.5 ft) in diamater or height.
Must not be closer than 2 metres (6.5 ft) to flammable materials.
Must not be closer than 5 metres (16.5 ft) to any forest, woodlot or structure.

Setting or permitting a fire of any type during periods of dry conditions, drought or high winds or when prohibition agains open burning has been declared by the Chief Fire Official or his designate is stricgly prohibited.

Setting or permitting a fire to burn that causes (through sparks, smoke or unpleasant odour) discomfort, irritation, nuisance or danger to any person residing in the general area of the fire is strictly prohibited.

CAMPFIRES:
Campfires for cooking or warmth purposes are permitted throughout the year in all four fire zones at any time of the day or night.  Under no circumstances may camp fires be used as a method of burning yard waste (leaves, pine needles, grass or green wood).
Campfires must be fuelled by dry wood only and must be supervised at all times.
There must be an adequate supply of both tools and water for all campfires.
The tools and water must not be removed until such time as the fire has been completely extinguished.
Campfires for warmth and cooking are NOT PERMITTED WHEN A FIRE BAN HAS BEEN DECLARED.

SLASH PILE FIRES:
A slash pile involves the burning of natural materials such as brush, trees, yard waste and vegetation (other than grass) including leaves.
Slash pile fires are only permitted in fire zones 2, 3 and 4 (rural areas) between the period of November 1st and March 31st only.
No slash piles are permitted between the period of April 1st to October 31st.
As with campfires, slash pile fires must be supervised at all times and there must be an immediate accessible and adequate supply of tools and water available to extinguish the fire if necessary.

The information above is only a summary of the Open Air Burning By-law.  The full text of the By-law is available at the Town of Bracebridge website,  By-law 2008-039 or you can obtain more information by contacting Bracebridge Municipal Law Enforcement Department at 705-645-5264.

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Moore-McLean Achieves ‘All Star’ status again for 2012

Monday, March 26th, 2012

TORONTO, ON — March 15, 2012 – Moore-McLean Insurance Group, an Independent Insurance Brokerage providing commercial and personal insurance products to consumers and businesses alike, has received the 2011 All Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc., the trusted marketing advisor to more than half a million small organizations worldwide. Each year, a select group of Constant Contact customers are honored with the All Star Award for their exemplary marketing results. Moore-McLean Insurance Group’s results ranked among the top 10% of Constant Contact’s customer base.

See the press release.

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March: In like a lion, out like a lamb.

Thursday, March 1st, 2012


If this old expression holds true - and judging by the sudden onslaught of snow in certain regions across the province, it does indeed seem to be accurate – then March could well close out with warmer, milder days characterized by rainstorms and… lots of flooding.

Tips to keep you warm and dry:

Prevent basement flooding - and reduce the negative effects of flood damage - with a few simple changes around the home:

  • Slope ground away from the foundation to allow rainwater and melting snow runoff to flow away from the home.
  • Seal window wells and cracks in floors, walls and the foundation.
  • Downspouts, long forgotten over the cold dry winter, should be directed away from the structure and foundation by at least 1.2 metres.  Downspouts should never be embedded in the ground, or connected to the sewer system or footing drains.
  • Ensure footing drains direct water to a storm sewer or sump pump, away from the foundation. Footing drains should not be connected to the sanitary sewer system.
  • Ensure the sump pump is connected to the storm sewer system or empties onto the lawn at least 1.2 metres from the foundation wall.
  • Ensure water run-off on the property is flowing to the ground surface or storm drainage system, not the sanitary system.
  • Install protective plumbing devices (such as backwater valves) that protect against sewer backups, and inspect them regularly.
  • Seal and tighten cleanout caps and backwater valve caps.
  • Ensure service pipes between the municipal sewer line and the house are in good operating condition.
  • Do not keep valuables or important documents in the basement; otherwise protect them in water tight or water resistant containers.
  • Prepare an emergency survival kitthat includes food, water and medical supplies in an easy-to-carry container. Pack a battery-powered radio and spare batteries, as well as the following items:
    • Flashlight with spare batteries
    • Warm clothing, including waterproof outer garments and footwear
    • Blankets
    • All necessary medications
    • Infant care items
    • Personal toiletries
    • Identification for each member of the household
    • Important personal and family documents

 

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Sweater Day Ugly Sweater Contest Results

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Huge thanks to everyone who participated in Sweater Day on February 9th and turned down the heat to take action on climate change.

The Moore-McLean Insurance Group was thrilled with the overwhelming response to our ‘Ugly Sweater’ contest.  We challenged our partners, friends and clients to a battle of repulsiveness, and encouraged you to pull your most hideous sweater out of the back of your closet for this great cause.

Our poor judges’ eyes were bleeding through the process of reviewing and deliberating on a winner, but they persevered, and the $50 Swiss Chalet gift certificate goes to Faical Cheblaoui of Encon for supporting the cause and donning what is undoubtedly one of the ugliest garments we’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing.

Here’s a glimpse of what Faical’s poor colleagues and peers were subjected to on Sweater Day.  WARNING:  Once you’ve  seen it, it cannot be unseen.  Just sayin’…

Once again, our sincere thanks to everyone for joining us, and congratulations to Faical Cheblaoui on winning the gift certificate.  We hope you put it to good use and treat your colleagues to a free lunch – they’ve earned it!  (Or maybe trade it in for some gasoline and matches and put that sweater out of its misery…)

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Who’s monitoring the homestead while you’re away?

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Who’s Monitoring The Homestead While You’re Away?

There is no doubt always a part of you that wonders what could be happening in your home while you are away on vacation.  If you are fortunate enough to have a trusted friend or neighbour look in on things on a daily basis, then you’re likely to rest assured that any incidental issues will be handled promptly and with care in your absence.

But even a devoted and caring neighbour can’t be on hand 24/7 to ensure the safety of your home.  What if a burglar targets your house?  What if a break-in occurs?  What if there’s a fire or a water pipe break?  How can you protect yourself from unexpected dangers such as these?

The obvious solution would be a monitored alarm system.  Pay-per-month security systems have gained tremendous popularity in the last 10 years, and have become quite affordable.  Generally, monitoring companies will install the hardware for free and provide you with live monitoring on a contract basis.  Expect to pay anywhere from $30-$50 per month for a 3-year contract.  Service features typically include reporting to authorities any suspect behaviour that the monitoring system detects, and some insurers will even provide a discount on your insurance premium for a professionally installed and monitored alarm.

Another option is to install a surveillance system capable of sending a live feed to wherever you are, empowering you to take action immediately and address the situation without delay.  Here is a brief guide as to how you can set up this vacation camera and software recording while sitting in your favorite massage chair

The right software

Several versions of video capture software are available, and each has its pros and cons.  It’s best to get insight and advice from satisfied users.  Another option is to trawl the many online forums for information posted by users and experts on the subject.  Look for software that’s easy to use and fits your specific need.  Some software is activated by movement, recording and relaying footage if a physical change in the environment is sensed.  Other systems operate continuously, and provide an ongoing stream of video footage.  Budget may ultimately dictate which software is best for you.

Camera positioning

Cameras should be placed so that they best capture the most critical areas of your home.  These include doorways and entries, ground floor windows and areas that need to be monitored for changes such as water accumulation (basement, hot water tank).

Be careful not to place your camera facing a sunny window or the opening to a brightly lit room since the light may make it difficult to see properly.

If your goal is to be notified of any unwanted visitors to your home, then the camera should be angled to capture a good face shot.  You want to be sure you can see who has entered your home so that you can take appropriate action.  You’d hate to call in the authorities only to find out the so-called intruder was actually your cleaning lady, who was there for a legitimate purpose!  Be sure to inform anyone who has approved access to your home that you have installed a video monitoring system.  Consider also placing decals on your windows and doors that announce to all that your home is monitored by a video surveillance system.  These alone often serve as powerful deterrents to would-be thieves.

If you’ve selected the right combination of cameras and software, you’ll be able to log in fully and watch the happenings in your home whether you’re across the street or on the other site of the world, and take action immediately if required.

Concerns

Because of the many privacy laws and regulations in effect, it is strongly recommended that you inform all visitors to your home that you have a video surveillance system in place.  If you are unsure about the regulations or laws in place where you live, get in touch with a loss-prevention or community safety league that specializes in informing homeowners how to secure their homes and reduce the risk of loss.  Police departments may also be able to advise on the topic.  Whatever the situation, it’s common courtesy to let visitors to your abode know that they may be filmed by your system.

Whatever software and recording equipment you use, it is better to have the facility than not, but don’t spend your entire vacation watching your home online – remember to have fun, too!

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I need to buy car insurance. What will my broker ask me?

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Whether you’re buying auto insurance for the first time, shopping around for the best rate and coverage, or seeking a policy for an additional vehicle, your broker will need some information about you and your driving record, and that of all other members of your household.  It’s a good idea to have the following information on hand to speed up the process and secure the most accurate rate.  (Remember, any deliberate misinformation or omission of information aimed at securing a cheaper rate constitutes fraud, so be honest and upfront about your driving history.)

 

Licencing dates:

Ontario’s graduated licencing program, which takes at least 20 months to complete, is designed to allow drivers to gradually acquire the skills and experience needed to become safe and responsible drivers.  The licencing stage you are at and the date you achieved that level tells insurers what your level of skill is, and is used to calculate your insurance rate.  To learn more about Ontario’s graduated licencing program, visit the Ministry of Transportation site.

 

Driver training course:

Many insurers offer discounts to those who have successfully completed a driver training course.  Be sure to have your certificate of completion available, and provide a copy to your broker if requested.

 

Primary Driver date:

If you are the principle or primary driver on an insurance policy, be sure to let your broker know when this designation took place.

 

Lengthy of time insured:

If you are already insured, the amount of time you have had uninterrupted continuous coverage will play a part in the calculation of your premium.  The longer the coverage, the better.  Your broker will ask about your policy and insurer.

Past accidents and claims:

Operating on the assumption that your previous actions are a good predictor of future actions, your broker and insurer will need to know about any claims or accidents you’ve had.  Some insurers only require your claim history for the previous 3 years, while others will want to know about anything that has happened in the past 10 years.  Be sure you have this information available, and be prepared to indicate whether the incidents were ‘at fault’, and/or your degree of fault.  NOTE: Be honest.  Any attempt at falsifying information could result in denial or cancellation of coverage.

 

Licence suspensions:

If you have had any licence suspensions, you’ll need to share this information with your broker.  Don’t lie or omit anything – your broker can and will run a driver’s abstract that will reveal any suspensions.

 

Tickets/traffic violations:

You will need to provide your broker with information about any moving violations, such as speed tickets, not wearing a seatbelt, or careless driving.  Again, your broker has ways to get this information, so be upfront and honest for the best chance at an accurate quote.

 

Vehicle(s) to be insured:

Obviously, the make, model and year of the car you are insuring are critical in calculating an insurance rate.  Other details your broker will need include whether your vehicle is leased or purchased, whether there is a loan in place, where your vehicle will be driven, how far (estimated daily mileage to work and back), and for what purpose (pleasure vs. business).  All of these factors will have a direct impact on your coverage and rate.

 

Lastly, your coverage:

Liability coverage is mandatory in the province of Ontario.  Other forms of coverage as well as additional increased liability are optional, and should be discussed at length with your broker.  Don’t be afraid to ask your broker for a few difference pricing/coverage scenarios and rate schedules.  Your broker is your greatest asset when it comes to finding the coverage you need at the right price.  They have several insurers ready to compete for your business.

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Extreme cold can be damaging to a car’s battery.

Friday, January 13th, 2012
January 7, 2012 — Winter is here and for motorists, that can mean slippery roads, poor visibility and dead car batteries.

When extreme weather hits, roadside assistance programs tend to see a spike in calls

Earlier this month the City of Toronto issued an extreme cold weather alert, when a low of -15°C felt closer to -30°C, courtesy of strong northwesterly winds.

The CAA was inundated with dead battery calls that day – and that isn’t out of the norm. When extreme weather hits, it’s common for roadside assistance programs to see a substantial spike in calls.

Car batteries typically last between 3 and 5 years. While there’s no way to prolong them indefinitely, Paul Datzkiw, supervisor of approved auto repair services for CAA South Central Ontario, says there are things that can be done to maximize a battery’s lifespan.

“It’s a good idea to be aware of how your machine operates,” he says. “People tend to think that the larger the battery the better, but that isn’t necessarily the case. It’s best to determine how much amperage your car requires, and choose a battery of that size. If you choose one that has a larger amperage than your car needs, it might not last as long.”

A car’s battery will drain naturally over time. Certain accessories, like the clock and alarm, require constant power. This is called a “parastic drain” and it is normal, in moderation. “Add-on” accessories, like heavy-duty speakers, can cause excessive drain and lead to a dead battery. Leaving a car’s headlights on overnight or a door ajar for a few hours can have a similar effect.

In fact, car accessories may be one of the main reasons why batteries drain in extreme weather. “If you’re stuck in stop and go traffic, try to turn off as many accessories as you can, while still feeling comfortable,” Datzkiw says.“You don’t want to leave your heater, seat warmers and rearview defrosters on all the time.”

Here are some other ways to prolong a car’s battery, courtesy of CAA:

Extreme heat can also lead to battery drain

1. Check for corrosion. Corrosion can prevent a car from starting, and it’s caused by a faulty connection between the battery case and post. It can be aggravated by loose battery terminals, cracks in the battery casing, debris, and extreme heat and cold, as well as over-charging. Regular battery inspection and cleaning can help prevent this.

2. Turn your accessories off before you turn off your car. Starting a car with the heater and radio set to full power can drastically reduce a battery’s life.

3. Disconnect your battery if you’re parking your car for the winter. If you plan on keeping your car in the garage during the colder months, disconnect your battery. This will prevent erroneous drain.

4. Car accessories should be minimized all year round. Dead batteries don’t just happen during the winter. In addition to the corrosion that can arise from extreme summer heat, air conditioners are a huge source of battery drain.

And remember – the better you take care of your car’s battery, the longer it will last. “I’ve seen car batteries last as long as 7 years, with proper care,” Datzkiw says. “While this isn’t typical, it’s certainly possible.”

Before you head out on the road, be sure to check the local highway conditions in your area.

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