Billyard Insurance Group
15105 Yonge Street, Unit 204 L4G 1M3 Aurora, ON, Canada

Fire is a leading cause of home insurance claims but it’s also preventable. Whether you rent or own your property, you should have a fire extinguisher onsite. Here are some tips on what to look for when you buy one. https://youtu.be/QGnf4rL3ddo #thinkBIG #homeinsurance #firesafety

The pandemic has shown how important it is to support small and local businesses and, with the constant changing of COVID-19 restrictions, online avenues have become the bread and butter of many small beauty businesses to stay afloat and serve clients. If you haven’t already transitioned elements of your business online, here are some great ways to expand your business to online services: Create at-home kits and offer online consultations. This can include products for skin... care, hair-dye, nail kits, or other self-care options. It’s a great way to continue serving your clients by providing the products and tailored formulae they love and trust while teaching them how to use the products in the interim. Start an online subscription or membership for online tutorials, masterclasses and other digital content. A membership could also offer product samples or monthly subscription boxes. The subscription model is a great way to maintain some guaranteed income and engage your clients with valuable services from a distance. E-Commerce. If you do not yet display your products online for purchase, now is the time to do it! Showcasing the products you offer will make it easier for customers to support your business and can easily be done through web-hosting platforms such as Shopify and Squarespace. Remember that when you make change your products and services, the risks change along with it. You may need increased liability for your products when you begin selling online, or cyber liability if you deal with sensitive client information online. Our business insurance brokers can help tailor a policy specifically to your business’ needs to protect you from lawsuits that could threaten your livelihood. Contact us today to learn more! #thinkBIG #businessinsurance

Maybe you’ve heard the myth that insurance companies have an exclusion for Acts of God (or natural disasters), but the truth is that type of exclusion isn’t something used in the Canadian insurance industry and you can get coverage for natural disasters. So, does this mean you are covered for ALL natural disasters? It’s not that simple; a lot of it depends on the coverage you decide to purchase with your insurer. A typical home insurance policy may cover you for natural d...isasters such as wildfires or hailstorms, but your broker will offer you extra coverage that does not come with a base home insurance policy such as flooding, sewer backup and earthquake coverage. Consider carefully when you shop for insurance and weigh the risks to your home because without these endorsements on your policy, you will have to pay out of pocket for any damage to your property. It’s usually better to be safe than sorry. Purchasing the additional coverage for natural disasters will provide the peace of mind and financial stability you need in the middle of a crisis. The winter is a time of extreme weather changes that may put your home at risk. Take the time to review your home insurance policy with your BIG broker today and be prepared for any adverse weather that may impact your home. #thinkBIG #homeinsurance

When you rent a vehicle, you should have insurance in case of an accident, injury or theft. While rental companies offer insurance packages at the time of booking or pick-up, it’s possible that your current auto policy or credit card provides all the coverage you need. Read our latest blog about rental car insurance coverage and speak with your broker to learn more about your personal policy details. https://www.thebig.ca/b/title/rental-car-insurance-coverage #thinkBIG #carinsurance

Does applying for a credit card affect your credit score? When you apply for a new credit card the financial institution or provider will do a hard credit check to see your track record as a borrower. A hard credit check does negatively impact your score because it implies that you are in financial need. Luckily, the dip in your credit score is usually only be a temporary, granted you manage your credit responsibly. In the long term, using your credit card wisely will posi...tively impact your credit score when you meet payment deadlines, pay off balances and use below 35% of your overall credit available to you. Receiving additional credit and increasing your overall credit limit will also improve your utilization ratio (the amount the of credit you use vs. how much credit is available to you). The less credit you use overall, the better your score will be. On the other hand, applying for multiple credit cards or loans in a short period of time will have a more detrimental effect on your score. If you plan to apply for a loan or mortgage in the coming months, hold off on applying for a new card so that your credit score is unaffected by multiple hard checks. As you build your credit and get on track with your finances in the new year, contact one of our financial advisors at BIG, we would happy to help you reach your financial goals for 2021 and beyond! #thinkBIG #goalsfor2021

The holiday season has arrived, and your holiday office party is coming up quickly! Your team has worked exceptionally hard, adapting to changes this year, so they deserve a little holiday party fun, even if it looks different. In this blog, we’ve combined some COVID-friendly holiday office party ideas for both in-person and virtual gatherings.https://www.thebig.ca/blog/title/holiday-office-party #thinkBIG #businessinsurance #holidayparty

Business owners greatly influence the culture of their business. Maybe you’ve started up a new business, or you’ve stepped into a senior leadership role and there are some things you’d change. Navigating a culture change at work takes time and patience. As you spearhead a culture shift at your business, remember employees usually need more time and support to get there because of the uncertainty it brings. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to adjust your wor...kplace culture. 1. Understand the current culture from the perspective of the employee BEFORE you change things. Be a listener and learner, build trust with your employee base before assessing and implementing changes. 2. Envision your new work culture. Write down specific details of your vision whether behavioural, environmental or physical. 3. Clearly communicate your vision and expectations. People will especially resist change when they do not understand why. Cast the vision so that your staff can see it will be worth it. 4. Accept the phases of changes. You will get pushback, so do your best to be compassionate and understanding in your approach. Leadership must be united in response to hold firm to the changes while being kind. 5. Celebrate the small successes, motivating your team to see the process through. 6. Talk to your insurance broker about changes you make (company size, changes in products, property renovations, etc.) While you envision change, think through the whole process before you begin. It can be draining and confusing to manage through a culture shift, so being prepared will keep you motivated to continue moving toward your vision. #thinkBIG #businessowners #cultureshift

Your first experience on a big highway can be intimidating and scary, but with this little guide to highway driving, you’ll be confident in no time! Do you remember your first time on the highway? Share your stories with us in the comments. For your first experience, pick a quieter time of day and low-traffic location. Also avoid poor weather conditions. Start off in the right lane to help maintain your speed and interact with traffic entering the highway.... Leave enough space for lane changes approximately 4 to 6 seconds of space around you. Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and use your turn signals. Keep a wide viewpoint looking further down the road and in your rear-view mirror to continually observe what’s around you. Keep calm and stay focused by putting all distractions away. Make sure you are properly insured on the vehicle you drive Keep practicing and with these tips and you’ll be on your way to being a confident highway driver! Stay safe on the roads and give us a call to talk about your insurance coverage. #thinkBIG #newdriver #gotmylicense

If the instability of our current situation has taught us anything, it’s that we must be prepared for financial emergencies. We have no idea how long COVID-19 will continue to impact our jobs, our economy, and our lives, but no matter where you’re at, you CAN be financially prepared! Here are some goals to help you become financially secure in the days ahead. Pay off high-interest consumer debt ASAP. Talk to your bank about debt relief programs or look for a low-interest c...redit option that offers a balance transfer, making your debt more manageable. Find a low-interest option for borrowing such as a low-interest credit card or line of credit. Use this ONLY as an emergency safety net. Plan a crisis budget to know where you can cut back in hard times. You may have to adjust your lifestyle by prioritizing fixed expenses, savings second, and extra indulgences last. Get back on track with your savings ASAP. With the magic of compound interest, even saving a tiny amount of $25 per week can help soften the blow of unplanned expenses in the future. Remember your long-term plan for investments. The markets took a hit, but they will recover, so keep investing if it’s within your means to do so. You may also consider adjusting your risk tolerance. If you have questions about budgeting or investments, our financial team at BIG would be happy to help you get back on track with your financial plan! Visit our website or give us a call for more details. #financialadvice #financialliteracymonth #thinkBIG

The truth is, no one really knows what the future may bring, which is why it’s better to get life insurance earlier in life. There is no better time than the present to look into it! It makes so much more sense to purchase life insurance now rather than putting it off and here are the reasons why: The younger you are, the better the rates. Since you are statistically less likely to develop health issues at a younger age, it means you are lower risk, making life insurance v...ery affordable. Do it now while you are healthy. We can’t know the future, but we do know that if you are diagnosed with an unexpected illness, it’s more challenging and expensive to get a life insurance policy. Your loved ones (spouse, children, etc.) are the most important reason to get life insurance. You want to make sure that your family would be able to survive financially in the event of your unexpected death. With a life insurance policy, it can be used to cover the final expenses at death, this way your family is not burdened with the costs after you pass away. If you are ready to secure your future and your loved ones, contact a BIG life insurance broker to learn more about how little the cost truly is. #thinkBIG #lifeinsurance #lifeinsurancepolicy

The leaves are falling, and the evenings are chillier, which means winter is on its way. This autumn make sure you follow these home maintenance tips to take good care of your home and to avoid damage to your property through the fall and winter months. Clean and possible replace your gutters Check for drafts in your home and have them rectified to save on heating energy costs Drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing and bursting pipes... Bring your outdoor furniture inside to avoid damage Seal cracks in your driveway to avoid freezing and expanding from winter Change your air filters to improve heating efficiency Fertilize your lawn to prevent winter damage to the roots Test out your winter equipment you don’t want a broker snow blower on the first snowfall Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Most of these tasks won’t take too long, and they can go a long way to save you money and avoid a claim on your home insurance. If you do ever need to make a claim, our claims line is available 24/7 and can also be accessed through our app. #thinkBIG #autumnvibes #autumnfeels

BIG is wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali! #happydiwali #celebratediwali

Without a budget, it can feel like money just falls through the cracks and at the end of the month and you have no idea where it went. Have you ever added up how much you spend on takeout or coffee in a month? You might think that your monthly expenses are just inevitable, but with a little intentionality, you could be saving even hundreds of dollars each month. Check out our latest blog to learn how to save more money on your monthly expenses. https://www.thebig.ca/blog/title/how-to-save-more-money #budgetingtips #budget #thinkBIG

If you've seen National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation or Home Alone, you likely have a sense of what could go wrong during the holiday season. While you put up your twinkly lights, decorate your Christmas tree, find the perfect gifts, and plan your (safe) holiday parties, enjoy the season worry-free by reviewing your property insurance policy and following these holiday decorating home safety tips on our latest blog. https://www.thebig.ca/blog/title/home-safety-tips #thinkBIG #holidayseason #holidaydecorations

General contractors often hire subcontractors with expertise to complete part of a project. But what happens if a subcontractor gets injured or causes property damage? Unless your subcontractor has their own insurance, these claims would fall on your own business liability. You should consider requiring that your subcontractors have their own coverage, to protect yourself from additional and unnecessary claims on your own business insurance. If you have questions about your... business policy or need to update your coverage, our commercial brokers are simply a click or call away! Always make sure you have the right coverage and keep your broker updated with any changes to your business. #businessinsurance #newbusiness #thinkBIG

Do you know who needs tenants insurance? Whether you’re moving into an apartment or leasing a home, you should consider getting a tenant insurance policy. Even though it’s not required by law in Ontario, it is strongly recommended to protect yourself and your belongings. #thinkBIG #tenantsinsurance https://youtu.be/HZaXHgz1EjM

There are many factors to take into consideration when you are purchasing a new car including the price, fuel-economy, reliability, and safety ratings. You should also think about how the new vehicle can affect your auto insurance premium. Based on both insurance premiums, and top sales, these are the 5 best-selling cars that are the cheapest to insure in Ontario. 1. Kia Sorento 2. Mazda CX-5 3. Hyundai Tucson... 4. Hyundai Kona 5. Toyota Corolla If you’ve found the perfect vehicle and you’re ready to buy it, get in contact with a BIG broker to get a no-obligation insurance quote! You could save BIG on your insurance premium with us. #thinkBIG #saveBIG #BIGsavings

If you’re a high-achieving and driven business owner, you’ve dedicated countless hours to make your dream business come true. But maybe you’re feeling exhausted, unmotivated and disconnected from your business and vision. Entrepreneur burnout doesn’t happen overnight, but many factors build up leading to chronic stress, fatigue, irritability, and depression, as well as physical symptoms like headaches and gastrointestinal issues and insomnia. So, what causes entrepreneur burn...out? Being online all the time, the demand of unrelated skills, the invisible workload that goes unacknowledged, being an over-achiever, always saying yes, commuting time. If this is you, you are NOT alone. These approaches can help you safeguard against burnout and also benefit you and your business in the long term: Create clear, healthy boundaries. Set an end-of-workday time, take effective breaks to refresh, delegate tasks to others, say no to things you cannot do (or don’t want to do!), minimize interaction with toxic people. Take care of your body, mind and soul. Get the right nutrition, drink enough water, be physically active, get enough sleep, practice mindfulness, meditation or prayer, connect with healthy relationships, find a creative outlet. Change your work mindset. Give yourself permission to slow down. Have reasonable work expectations. Set realistic goals and focus on your top 3 each day or week. Celebrate the small accomplishments. Take a vacation and REALLY unplug. Get help from a mental health professional if you need more help to identify triggers and strategies to recover. Share this post with your friends, family and business friends. So many people are unaware of the tolls work can take on our well-being. Let’s spread awareness before it’s too late. #businessinsurance #smallbusiness #thinkBIG

It’s a beautiful thing to look back on your life and see the legacy you will leave behind. With life insurance, the positive impact doesn’t have to end when you pass away, you can leave a legacy through charitable donations. If you have a charity in mind, you may consider donating over the course of your lifetime (say $25,000/yr) for the tax break, but it might not be the most beneficial. There are a few ways that life insurance makes it possible to donate much more! It’s mo...re valuable to use that money towards a $1M permanent life insurance policy and select the charity as the beneficiary. This ensures the charity will receive the full death benefit of $1M, which, for most, will be higher than lifetime donations. Your estate will subsequently receive a donation receipt for the death benefit amount. Alternatively, you could purchase a $1M permanent life insurance policy that is ‘owned’ by the charity. You contribute during your lifetime (ie. $25,000/yr), receiving the donation receipts and tax benefits while living, but at the time of your passing, the charity receives the full death benefits of $1M. The final option is to donate your RRSP or RRIF to charity. If you had $1M in RRSPs, your beneficiaries will receive less than half after tax. However, if given to a charity, the full amount can be given tax-free. If you then purchase a joint-last-to-die life insurance policy for $1M, your heirs can receive your policy death benefits tax-free. If you are interested in learning more about how you can leave a legacy behind to a charity and your beneficiaries through life insurance, contact a life insurance broker at BIG. We would love to connect with you and find the best solutions for leaving a lasting impact. #thinkBIG #saveBIG #retirementplanning

With winter comes wonderful things like snow, cozy socks and hot chocolate, but it also comes with severe weather and dangerous driving conditions. Here are some tips on preparing your car for winter to keep you and your family safe. Winter tires, while optional, can help you have better traction on the road and can also save you money on your car insurance! #thinkBIG #autoinsurance #carinsurance https://youtu.be/pDzoUSzT-WA

Most often power outages only happen for a few moments, but occasionally they can last hours, days or longer. Longer power outages may be caused by severe weather and can leave you without heating, lighting, cooking abilities, running water, and communication abilities, among other major challenges. 1. Know the Risks when you research the potential risks ahead of time specific to your own home and area, you’ll be better prepared for a power outage. 2. Make an Emergency Pl...an discuss with your family what to do if you are not all at home when a power outage strikes. Keep important documents including your insurance documents in a safe, waterproof location and have an out-of-town contact and meeting point. 3. Have an Emergency Kit a weather radio, flashlights and batteries, a water purification system, a food thermometer, non-perishable food and water, a non-electric cooking appliance, a first aid kit, portable generator, tools, fuel, and the list goes on. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, so if you are thinking now is a good time to prepare your home for a power failure or other emergency, visit getprepared.ca for more details. If the severe weather or power failure causes damage to your home or personal property, contact our claims line available 24/7 at 1-866-670-0905. #thinkBIG #powerfailure #emergency

At BIG, our goal is to make insurance understandable for clients so they can be confident in the coverage they have. When you purchase an insurance policy, you'll come across industry jargon and insurance terminology that may not be so self-explanatory when you read it, which can become confusing or overwhelming. Our latest blog explains many of these insurance terms so that you can better understand your business insurance coverage. https://www.thebig.ca/blog/title/insurance-terminology #businessinsurance #insurance #thinkBIG

Billyard Insurance Group is honoured to have been nominated for the The Burns & Wilcox Canada Award for Big Brokerage of the Year by Insurance Business Canada. Thanks to all the sponsors and a huge congratulations to all of the other finalists! See you on November 19! #thinkBIG #IBC #award #bigbrokerageoftheyear #insurancebrokerage #awardwinning

What’s one of your most valuable assets? Your ability to earn a living is worth far more than a home or car with the average earnings in Canada over a 30-year career around $2.5 million. Your income represents your ability to provide for your family and maintain your preferred lifestyle. Statistics show that 1 in 3 people will experience a disability for 90 days or more before the age of 65. Have you ever considered what might happen financially if you were no longer able to ...work due to serious injury, illness or disability? There are many places you may find some financial relief, but it’s important to honestly evaluate whether you could maintain your current lifestyle as well as additional medical costs with what’s available to you. Many options such as using up your RRSPs or savings or racking up consumer debt to stay afloat is never an ideal option. Even government and workplace options have stipulations and limits. So, to be prepared to get through the financial crisis of losing consistent income while you recover from an injury or adjust to a disability, there is an insurance option! Disability insurance will give you a guaranteed monthly income for ongoing expenses to help replace your earnings over short or long term, depending on what type of policy your purchase. A life insurance broker at BIG will be able to help you evaluate what coverage you might need. Get in contact with a broker today for a free consultation and quote! #thinkBIG #saveBIG #disabilityinsurance

Someone may have asked to borrow your car in the past and you may not have known how it works with insurance if they drive it. Are they covered by your insurance? If they get into an accident, how does it affect you? Before you hand over the keys, learn who can drive under your car insurance. #thinkBIG #autoinsurance #carinsurance https://youtu.be/c2mh8-XqwUI

How good is your home first aid kit? Let us know how many items you have in yours in the comment section below! Protecting yourself and your loved ones in the home is crucial, so important to keep a first aid kit in your home and store it in a dry place. You’ll also need to go through it periodically to replace outdated or expired contents. Here are some items you do not want to forget if you’re ever in an emergency: First aid manual Emergency contact info: EMS, local p...oison control, family physicians or other trusted friends or family who can help. Bandages: Sterile gauze pads (dressings), adhesive bandages, triangular bandage, adhesive tape Tools: Scissors, tweezers, thermometer, safety pins Barrier devices: sterile, non-latex gloves, pocket mask or face shield. Antiseptic wipes or soap Emergency reflective blanket for shock victims It’s always an advantage to have someone in your household trained in first aid, too! For more information about training available, visit the Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance websites for more details! #firstaidtraining #firstaidkit #thinkBIG