Please click on the links below to view some handy insurance tips we have assembled. As always, our staff will be happy to provide you with all of the information you need about the coverage we provide.

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• Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or any medication that may cause drowsiness.
• Always wear your seatbelts as directed and ensure that all passengers do the same.
• While driving long distances you may become fatigued. Remember to pull over an take a break at least once every two hours.
• Aggressive driving habits cause accidents. Always try to remain calm and composed.
• Practice defensive driving, always be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to other drivers.
• Always obey the legal speed limit and do follow the rules of the road.
• When leaving your vehicle, always lock all doors and remove the car keys.
• During the winter months it is a good idea to warm up your vehicle and remove any snow or ice from your windshield, hood and the roof of your vehicle prior to moving your vehicle.
• Performing regular check ups and maintenance will minimize the chance that your vehicle will malfunction.

• Always lock your vehicle
• Never leave your keys in the vehicle
• Turn off your ignition whenever you leave your car
• Avoid parking on the street
• Conceal items left in your car, keep things in the trunk and never leave money or compact discs in the open
• Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit, well-guarded, highly visible area
• Ask your neighbours to watch out for your vehicle and do the same for them
• Install an anti-theft deterrent such as car alarms or an ignition disabler.

For tips and more information to help you avoid having your car broken into or stolen please contact the appropriate industry organization in your area.

• Read your vehicle owner's manual to understand its maintenance needs.
• Maintaining your vehicle according to the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule will go a long way in extending the life of your vehicle and spotting minor problems before they become major repairs.
• Have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic whenever you notice a change in braking or handling.
• Consider taking a recognized driver safety course.

• The brakes squeal, grind or bang when applied. If this occurs you should immediately have your brakes checked
• The car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes
• The brakes stick or a loss of engine power when you are driving . Your brakes may not be releasing properly which can lead to total brake loss.
• The brakes grab when lightly applied. This could be caused by loose or broken brake parts
• The brakes need a lot of pressure to work or the pedal needs to be near the floor before it works. This may be a sign that your brakes are worn and replacement is necessary
• The brake pedal, steering wheel or entire car vibrates when you step on the brakes

• It is important to install a child's restraint seat properly in order for it to be effective.
• Read the manufacturer's installation instructions thoroughly
• Many police departments have programs to help with proper installation

• Transport Canada
• Canada Safety Council

• Transport Canada
• Canada Safety Council
• Insurance Bureau of Canada

• Transport Canada
• Canada Safety Council

• Transport Canada
• Canada Safety Council
• Insurance Bureau of Canada

• Canada Safety Council
• Transport Canada

• Call the police immediately, and an ambulance if necessary.
• Do not admit liability.
• Record details of the accident including date, time, location, a description of the accident, any injuries, and any charges laid.
• Record details concerning the other party and vehicle such as owner's name and address, phone number, and vehicle year, make and model.
• It is very important to obtain the insurance information of the other driver. This includes the name of the insurance company and the policy number and the name of the broker or agent.
• Obtain a copy of the police report from the attending officer as this will have the accident report number for future reference.

• Ensure that all exterior doors have deadbolt locks with a minimum one inch bolt into the strike plate.
• Secure exposed exterior door hinge pins to prevent their removal.
• Protect all grade floor glass through the use of bars, metal screens or burglary resistant glazing materials.
• Install a burglar alarm system which is monitored offsite. We recommend that the system be certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
• Continually check for unsafe work conditions and practices, and take prompt corrective action.
• Provide a complement of serviced, multi-purpose fire extinguishers in your premises and instruct all staff in their use.

• Clamp or lock PCs to desks/work stations. Security kits are available at nominal cost.
• Backup data and programs on a regular basis and store them offsite in a secure location.
• Laptop computers are portable and easy targets for theft. Do not leave them unsecured or unattended.
• Maintain records of serial numbers for all of your computer equipment.

• Employ the services of a professional accountant to:
  • Prepare financial statements.
  • Perform an annual audit of your books.
• Maintain a list of secondary suppliers of materials in the event your primary supplier suffers a loss.
• Be prepared with a plan of action as to how you will continue to service your customers while your premises are being repaired after a loss. This will help you to avoid losing your customer base. Consider availability of temporary premises where you can resume operations immediately.
• Reduce the physical and moral hazards of your business.
• Duplicate your business records and store them off-site; in the event that your premises are damaged, you will have documents to substantiate any business interruption loss

• Focus on pre-job and pre-task planning. The principle of planning the work and working the plan should be followed.
• All tools and equipment should be kept in a locked area at all times when not in use.
• All tools should be stamped with an identification number to assist in recovery. Tools should be painted with bright, easily recognizable colours to ease in their identification.
• Any onsite storage of materials should be in a secure storage area. Where the materials are considered a high target, they should be kept inside a building in a locked area or brought to the site only when they are needed.
• Warning signs should be posted limiting access and indicating the safety equipment required to gain entry.
• All electrical cords that pass through pedestrian areas should be secured so that tripping is avoided.
• All mud or water on public traffic areas should be cleaned regularly.
• The local utilities should be contacted to locate underground services in the event that any excavations are to be performed.
• All flammable liquids used should be stored in approved safety containers.
• All hotwork should be controlled. Combustibles should be removed at least 11 metres from the hotwork. If this is not possible non-combustible shields should be used. A fire watch should be provided for at least a half-hour after the hotwork is completed. All hotwork permit regulations must be followed.
• All combustible refuse created during the work should be cleaned up regularly. Oily rags should be separated and stored in metal containers with tight fitting lids.
• Fire extinguishers of the appropriate type should be available at all times.
• Certificates of liability should be obtained from all subcontractors to ensure they are maintaining adequate liability coverage.
• All new equipment should be tested and inspected when the work is completed. Customers should signoff the job once complete.
• Ensure that the project complies with all applicable codes and standards.
• Records of all jobs including plans, testing documents and approvals should be maintained.

• Avoid overloading of electrical outlets, particularly in older buildings equipped with fuses instead of circuit breakers.
• If existing electrical service is inadequate, ensure that any required electrical modifications are done by a professional electrician.
• Ensure that life and safety features such as fire alarms, exit signs and emergency lights are operational and serviced as per applicable fire code specifications.
• Clean all spills or wet floors immediately, post signs warning of wet or damp floors and check floor surfaces for potential hazards on a regular basis. Non-slip rugs should be used during the winter months.

• Be SELECTIVE when hiring drivers for your vehicles by obtaining pre-employment checks on all employees. Your vehicles should be suitable for the type of work you do and the relative experience of your drivers. A safety conscious driver, with a clean driving and operating record, is the key to reducing the risk of personal injury to the driver and passengers as well as any damage or injury to others.
• Drivers should NEVER pick up hitchhikers or allow anyone who is not authorized by the OWNER, to ride in the vehicle.
• Proper MAINTENANCE improves road safety and should be completed by experienced and qualified mechanics. Regular maintenance schedules and records should be kept to prevent accidents caused by unexpected mechanical failures.
• Inspect your vehicle every day against a standardized checklist. Keep your vehicle equipped with a flashlight, good spare tire, jack and flares in case of emergencies.
• Proper USE of vehicles extends the life of your vehicle as well as preventing damage to the property of others. Drive on well-maintained and well-travelled roads. Travel at speeds that are not in excess of the posted speed limit. Properly secured loads prevent your load from spilling on the roadways causing damage to others. Improper loading or overloading leads to load shift and/or upset or rollover. Vehicles should only be used for their intended purpose.
• Always lock your vehicle and take the keys with you, even if it is only for a few minutes.
• Never leave the engine running while your vehicle is unattended.
• Safeguard your keys - NEVER keep your vehicle keys or business keys on the same key ring and NEVER attach identification tags to them.
• Valuable items exposed to view are an invitation to thieves, e.g. log books, delivery schedules, cash, cheques. Drivers should NEVER reveal the contents of their vehicles, their loads, their destination or leave their loads unattended.
• Deliveries should not be made unless the receiving party signs them for.
• Parking in well-lit areas is important for personal safety and for the protection of your vehicle and cargo. Keep your vehicle in a locked garage or protected location when not in use.
• Choose your anti-theft devices carefully. There are many types of anti-theft devices available to protect your vehicle and cargo. Choose the mechanical device, alarm or electronic immobilizer that is best suited to protect your vehicle and cargo.

• Establish, post and strictly enforce a rule forbidding customers from entering the service bay area. By establishing a clean, safe waiting area for customers, you will significantly reduce the possibility of "slip and fall" types of losses. An added benefit is that customers will not disturb your mechanics while they are working on vehicles.
• Ensure that you always get signed customer work orders that outline the authorized repairs. This will eliminate any disputes as to the work that was authorized by the customer.
• When preparing a customer's work order, all completed repairs should be listed along with all recommended repairs declined by the customer; the customer should sign-off the work order. Including declined recommendations in the work order could protect you from a potential liability loss.
• Make sure that the front, rear and interior of your business premises are well lit, particularly when closed for business.
• When overnight storage of customers' vehicles is necessary, they should be stored inside if possible. If outside storage of vehicles is required on a regular basis, the area should be well lit, adequately fenced and padlocked overnight.
• Establish a key control procedure with employees to limit access to customers' keys. Keys should be kept under lock and key, within your office premises. This will reduce the accessibility of keys to potential thieves and vandals, reducing the possibility of customers' vehicles being stolen or vandalized.
• Limit the amount of cash in the till by using a safe or money-limiting device. Make regular bank deposits, varying the time of deposits and the route taken.
• Ensure that you maintain accurate inventory records for all stock, including tools, automobile parts and miscellaneous retail items. In the event of a theft loss, accurate records will make it easier for the insurance adjuster to settle your claim fairly, quickly and equitably.
• Obtain driver abstracts for all employees on a regular basis. This will help you to determine which employees should be test-driving customers' vehicles.
• Establish guidelines for employees as to when and who is permitted to test drive customers' vehicles.
• Ensure that test drives follow a predetermined route, in areas that have relatively light vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This can significantly reduce your chance of suffering a loss with a customer's vehicle.

• Never store combustible material, such as cardboard or paper, near heaters or electrical equipment and remove combustible waste on a regular basis.
• In sprinklered buildings, keep stock more than 18 inches below the sprinkler heads, so as not to interfere with the system's effectiveness in the event of a fire.
• Avoid overloading of electrical outlets, particularly in older buildings equipped with fuses instead of circuit breakers.
• Keep all of your stock off the floor, stored on skids, shelves, or racks.
• Make sure the front, rear and interior of your business premises are well lit, particularly when closed for business.
• Arrange the interior layout of the store so that the till area is clearly visible from the exterior of the building.
• Limit the amount of cash in the till by using a safe or money-limiting device.
• If your store is open long hours, consider the installation of closed circuit television cameras and hold-up alarms.
• Make regular bank deposits, but vary the timing of the deposits and the route taken.
• Install anti-shoplifting devices and surveillance equipment or keep high priced merchandise under lock and key in display cases.
• Ensure that life and safety features such as fire alarms, exit signs and emergency lights are operational and serviced as per applicable fire code specifications.
• Do not block exits with stock or equipment. Ensure that all exit doors are unlocked during store hours.

• Inspect the interior of your premises on a regular basis for unsafe conditions that could lead to a slip & fall loss. Maintain a daily log of when the inspection was done, what conditions were noted and what corrective action was taken.
• Floors should be kept clean and in good repair at all times, with loose or defective flooring being replaced immediately.
• Ensure that aisles are kept clear and free of fallen merchandise or stock. (e.g. fruit, vegetables, clothes etc.)
• During periods of inclement weather, all entrances should have mats or rugs to help keep the floor clean and dry. Damaged mats should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Non-slip wax should be used on floor surfaces, where required.
• Water and other spills should be mopped up immediately and a Caution-Wet Floor sign should be posted.
• For surfaces that are consistently slippery, specialized non-slip epoxy coatings or non-skid flooring materials may be used.
• For spills involving oil or other industrial materials, absorbent non-combustible cleaning materials should be used.
• Ensure that all entranceways and aisles are clear of obstructions and/or promotional displays.
• Inspect the exterior of your premises on a regular basis for unsafe conditions that could lead to a slip & fall loss. Maintain a daily log of when the inspection was done, what conditions were noted and what corrective action was taken.
• Any damage to stairs, sidewalks and pavement should be repaired as soon as possible, with signs and barriers posted, until such time as repairs are completed.
• A snow and ice removal program should be implemented and adhered to, with a single individual having responsibility for the program.
• Have the appropriate equipment, tools and materials available for use by your staff, in the case of a weather related emergency. e.g. shovels, salt, sand etc.
• Professional snow removal contractors should be contracted to plow, sand and salt your parking and walkway facilities. Ensure that the contractor keeps a comprehensive log of the work performed.
• Clean gutters and downspouts and ensure that melt water is directed away from sidewalks and walkways. Check that exterior lighting is adequate and check on a regular basis for malfunctioning light fixtures.
• Establish and maintain a daily garbage removal program, whereby the walkways and sidewalks are swept and the debris removed on a regular basis.

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»What NOT to Do
»Going on Vacation
»What to Do if Your House is Broken Into
»Preparing Your Home for Winter
»Protecting Your Home From Water Damage
»Five Tips for Identifying Water Damage in Your Home

• Ensure that every floor in your home is equipped with at least one properly functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
• Install a ULC approved burglary alarm system and sign up for monitoring service. Not only would this prevent burglars from breaking into your home, in most instances it would qualify your home for a discount on your home insurance.
• When on vacation you should make arrangements for a responsible person to do the following:
  
  
  1. Pick up your mail daily.
  2. Enter your premises each day to ensure that heating is maintained.
  3. Shut off the water supply and drain all pipes and domestic water containers.
  
  
• Always keep all entry points to your home locked and secured.
• Compose an inventory list of all your belongings along with any related receipts and keep in a safe place outside your home.

• Studies show that most burglars attack during the daytime when dense bushes and trees protect them from view, and the building appears unoccupied
• One-third of burglars enter from the basement
• One-third of burglars force entry through a window or door
• One-third of burglars gain access from an unlocked/open door or window

• Secure your premises.
• Close blinds and curtains at night so that a burglar can't scope your belongings.
• Lock all doors and windows before leaving.
• Lock windows so that they can't be opened from the outside. If they can't be locked, you can pin them by drilling a hole through both window frames and inserting a bolt or metal pin. The pin must be easily removable for emergency situations.
• Home burglar alarm systems are a great deterrent. Even if you have an alarm system, don't neglect the other security measures available to you. An alarm provides an extra layer of security, but is no replacement for good common sense. Alarm owners should still do what they can to make sure their home is not an attractive target for thieves.
• Make your home look occupied at all times.
• Use timers to maintain normal lighting patterns.
• Leave a radio on when you are away from your home for short periods of time.
• Protect your valuables.
• Consider marking your valuables indelibly (engraved) with your drivers licence or social insurance number.
• Take an inventory of your home with a videotape and/or photographs.
• Keep jewellery and negotiables in a safety deposit box or an unlikely place (i.e. Not your bedroom).

• Keep your shrubbery cut back so that it doesn't block windows and doors.
• Secure window air conditioners from the inside.
• Illuminate as much of your property as possible.
• Exterior doors should be solid, not hollow. Metal doors provide the best protection against forced entry.
• Use a fencing style that would not conceal a burglar's activities. Remember if you can't see out, others can't see in.
• Secure any glass that is less than 40' from a door lock. Either coat exterior glass with an acrylic or polycarbonate to strengthen, or replace with laminated or tempered glass.
• Door hinges that are on the outside should have a non-removable center pin that can't be tampered with.
• Install deadbolt locks.
• Dogs are great deterrents to burglars. Even a strategically placed "Beware of Dog" sticker can make a burglar think twice. Of course, vicious dogs are never a good idea. If your dog bites someone, you might find yourself in court. A dog that barks is better than one that bites.
• Place hinged security bars over basement windows. Remember to keep the key nearby for emergency exits.
• Pin sliding patio doors together when closed. Another easy security step is to drill a hole in the upper track and insert a screw that extends out into the runner to prevent the door from being lifted up and out of its track.
• Ensure that a burglar cannot access the roof from high trees or a ladder left outside.

• Don't put up a nameplate outside of your house with your full name. A burglar can use this information to look up your number in the phone book and call to see if you are home.
• Don't leave a note on the door or in the mailbox telling a friend/family member that you aren't home.
• Don't leave spare keys in an obvious place such as the mailbox or under the front door mat. This makes it very easy for a burglar to rob your house quickly without forcing entry.
• Don't leave cash and handbags in view in your home.
• Don't leave any doors unlocked when you are at the other end of the house or in the yard.

• Stop all mail delivery.
• Arrange for a neighbour to cut the grass or shovel snow.
• Cancel all deliveries during the time you will be away.
• Maintain normal lighting patterns by using electronic timers.
• Ask a neighbour to put one of their garbage bags in front of your house on collection day.
• Leave a radio on, with a timer if necessary to simulate normal use.
• Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway.
• Arrange for neighbours to pick up flyers.
• Don't talk about your vacation plans with strangers or service people.
• Use your work address on your luggage tags so a potential burglar won't know where your empty house is.
• If practical, remove valuables from your home. Small valuables should be stored in a safety deposit box.
• Lock garage door.

• That you will be away
• How long you will be absent
• Whether or not you will have a house sitter
• The number where you can be reached

• Don't stay - Always think of your safety first
• Never confront a burglar or block the exit route
• Go immediately to a neighbour's home or nearby location and phone the police

• Avoid having a warm attic by properly insulating it. This will also help you save on your heating bills.
• Provide for continuous ventilation of attic air. Ideally, the attic air should be only five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air.
• Have a professional roofer remove as early as possible the build-up of ice and snow on your roof.
• Have electrical heating wires at the roof drain pipe(s) to prevent ice and water accumulation.

• Properly insulate unfinished rooms that have exposed pipes (such as garages). Consider snap-on insulation for pipes.
• Drain and shut off pipes flowing to the outside faucets.
• While away, leave faucets dripping and cabinets open to expose plumbing to warmer air. Also, have someone check your house regularly to minimize the damage if a pipe does burst.
• If you are away often, or have a vacation home, consider installing a low temperature alarm. The additional cost is approximately $150 plus monitoring fees, if applicable. These devices activate your alarm system if the home temperature falls below a pre-set level.

• Have furnaces, boilers and water heaters serviced at least once a year.
• Keep plenty of space between space heaters and household objects.
• Clean chimneys and flues at least once a year.

• A water leak and control system having a U.L.C. Master Label. The system must monitor all areas containing plumbing devices and outlets. In the event of a leak, this system must close the master plumbing valve and activate a central station or direct alarm.

• Check for plumbing fixtures located on exterior walls of the home. Plumbing that runs through an outside wall to supply a tub or sink is prone to freezing, and pipes may burst in cold climates.
• Make sure there are water-pans under washing machines, hot water heaters, air conditioning units and water-bearing appliances located in or above finished living areas.
• Conduct visual inspections to check for corrosion around pipe connections.
• Check under sinks for leaks and signs of water.

• Hot water heaters have a 10- to 13-year life span. The manufacturer’s date is located on a date stamp or by identifying the first four characters of the serial number (month and year).
• Look for a water pan under the hot water heater (especially if located in a finished area) that will prevent any leak from affecting finished areas.
• Sump pumps need regular maintenance and testing to ensure optimal operation. Test the sump pump by pouring five gallons of water in the sump hole.
• Look for battery backup for the sump pump to ensure that it will continue to operate in case of a power outage.
• Look for water stains on basement walls and floors.
• Look for pipe insulation in unheated areas.
• Conduct a visual inspection of the HVAC system. A tag or sticker should indicate dates of recent service performed.

• Inspect the caulking around bathroom fixtures. Missing or loose caulk can lead to water seepage.
• Assess the condition of grout in tile. Look for missing grout or signs of mold.
• Look for water stains on ceilings, walls and floors. Shining a bright light against walls will show imperfections that paint has covered.
• Check the heating system filter to see if it is present and clean.
• Look for cracks in drywall, especially around doors and windows.
• Look inside sinks for staining as a sign of leaky faucets.

• Visually inspect the roof for worn or curled shingles.
• Gutters/downspouts should be clear of debris. Water from downspouts should flow away from the foundation.
• Look for deterioration of sills and moldings around windows and doors.
• Look for rust and corrosion around the chimney cap.

• The house should be located on the highest point of the land with ground sloping away from the house.
• The soil directly against the house should slope away from the foundation.
• Look for open exposure on the wind-facing side of the house. Plumbing on this outside wall is most prone to freezing.
• Bushes and shrubs should be at least 18 to 24 inches away from the house to allow for adequate ventilation.