• The auto insurance industry is changing. How a particular vehicle holds up in a collision, the cost to repair, the frequency of thefts of that vehicle all go into the calculation of premium. Vehicle safety features seem to be the key focus at the present time. People are sometimes surprised at how one vehicle will price out against another. That’s one of the services I can provide for you.…. Contacting me ahead of time can avoid the shock when the bill arrives. Check out your prospective new car at the following website to see how it holds up.
  
  http://www.ibc.ca/en/Car_Insurance/documents/brochure/How_Cars_Msr_Up-1993-2005.pdf
  
  

• CELL PHONES & TEXT MESSAGING – Please Read This is going to be huge so READ CAREFULLY. The fine for being caught using your cell or text messaging is nominal, - HOWEVER….. in most cases it will be your DRIVING BEHAVIOUR that gives you away and therefore the charge is more likely to be Using a hand held device + CARELESS DRIVING. It seems harsh but the statistics show there is a huge increase in the number and severity of collisions due to these devices. $$$$$$$$ once you are charged and convicted of Careless Driving you are no longer eligible for regular market insurance i.e. Westminster Mutual. You have to be insured from a Facility Insurance Carrier for 3 years, which I can do for you; however, the average cost PER MONTH for insurance with a Careless Charge is approx $350. That would be for someone over 25 who otherwise had a perfect driving record.
   
  Blue Tooth it or PULL OVER – it could save you thousands per year.
  
  
• It’s no surprise things are changing as the rates for auto insurance are HUGE. Ontario has the most “generous” insurance benefits in Canada but there are going to be options to help you design an auto policy that meets your specific needs. It could translate to cost savings …. “Could”.
  
  
• DID YOU KNOW – the standard weekly benefit allowance for Insureds off work due to an accident and who have no sick plan from their employer is $400 per week? You can increase this to $600 / $800 or $1000 per week based on your taxable employment. Contact me if you would like to increase this amount.
  
  
  
• DID YOU KNOW – any illegal or criminal activity involving your vehicle makes the coverage for THE VEHICLE null and void. Impaired Driving, Street Racing (50kmh over any posted speed limit) are two such charges that would mean any damage to your vehicle would be NOT COVERED.
  
  
• OUT OF SIGHT – Please hide your belongings while in your car. Never leave things of any value in your car while it is parked overnight or for extended periods of time where possible. Cover items with a blanket or put them in the trunk. Items taken from your car are covered under your home insurance while damage to the car is covered under your car insurance. Both are subject to deductible pay-outs by the insured.
  
  
• DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASSES are held here at the office in Belmont the third Saturday of January annually. It is a six hour course and there is very pertinent information about driving, improving your driving and how it connects to the insurance industry. Call the office to book a spot NOW.
  
  
• WEATHER CHANGES - Keep focused to the changes in weather. Rain, snow, fog, or darkness means you need to adjust your driving for these conditions. Watch for DEER.
  

• When disposing of gift boxes, remember to break up the cardboard into small unidentifiable pieces or turn them inside out. Throwing out boxes from DVD players, stereo components, computers etc attracts a lot of attention at the curb…. Attention you may not want or that may leave you vulnerable.

• It is actually in your insuring agreement that Insureds must mitigate their loss. What this means is that if you have a loss, a burglary, water damage, fire etc. The Insured is responsible for doing what is reasonably possible to prevent further damage to the property. The same would apply to an automobile. If a window was broken out of your car it would be your responsibility to cover the window with plastic etc to avoid any further damage to the car. If you are ever faced with a loss please do everything you can to minimize it.

ATVs

• ATVs have been the source of much debate over the years. The short and sweet truth is…. ATVs must be insured under an Auto Policy in Ontario. They are required to be registered by MTO regardless of whether they are used on or off your property. If someone is injured while engaged in an activity with an ATV, you could be sued and there are no provisions anywhere in an insurance policy (property or farm) for coverages or defense costs against a lawsuit. This is why it is important to have them insured. We must be made aware if you own an ATV.
  

• Please inform me of changes. Home improvements, additions, implements, tools, additional persons living with you or driving your car. Changes in the use of a building or structure on your property is as important as notifying us of a new car purchase. It may or may not matter, but I can let you know when you call.
  
  
• Timers for lights – Anytime is a good time to have a couple of different timers in your home, with lights and/or stereos coming on at various times. This is a good deterrent for anyone who may be watching.
  
  
• While away make arrangements for someone to pick up mail and flyers. It may also be necessary to have grass cut or snow shoveled to appear as though someone is home. Outdoor motion detector lights are a good preventative measure. Remember it is mandatory in order to keep your insurance valid to have someone checking on your home while you are gone for extended periods of time. Turn off your water at the main shut off @ water meter. Make sure basement drains are not covered.
  
  
• If you have any WATER in your basement, it is crucial you follow the proper steps to avoid further damage. Pump out water immediately. Shovel out any mud or silt and remove any water logged items, wash down and disinfect walls. Get fans running and heat in the area affected.
  
  
• Fire extinguishers in garages and kitchens are great. They tend to prevent physical damage. Keeping a fire extinguisher in your bedside table is a great way to save lives. Fires in the night cause more fatalities.
  
  
• Always remember to replace your smoke alarm batteries. Know and rehearse your family's escape routes from your home. – Especially at night.
  
  
• Christmas trees, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and other power demanding sources require heavy duty extension cords.