Western General Insurance
160-340 Midpark Way SE T2X1P1 Calgary, AB, Canada

Further to yesterday’s post on how to prepare prior to a wildfire, keep these tips in mind when you’re aware that wildfires have begun and are approaching your town or neighbourhood: Monitor the local news and obey the authorities. Evacuation notices and other directions from your local authorities should be announced on your local news station. Always obey directions given by your local or provincial government. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. If an evacuat...ion notice is issued, you might not have much time to get ready to leave your home. It’s a good idea to pack a bag of items you couldn’t live without (don’t forget medications and important documents), and leave your vehicle parked in a position that will make it easy to drive away quickly. Keep your windows and doors closed to limit your exposure to smoke and dust. If you have time, consider covering vents, windows, and other openings with duct tape and plywood. Wet your roof and property. Unless local authorities have asked you to limit your water use, consider using a sprinkler to soak your roof and property. Save receipts for additional living expenses. If a government authority orders you to evacuate, your home insurance policy could cover out-of-pocket expenses like food and a place to stay. Keep receipts for any costs you wouldn’t normally face while living in your own home. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #economicalinsurance #blog #tips #homeinsurance #insurance #broker #wildfireprevention #forestfire #britishcolumbia #alberta #yyc #yeg #edmonton #calgary #okotoks #chestermere #airdrie #reddeer #lethbridge #fortmac #medicinehat

What causes a sewer backup? A sewer backup occurs when something blocks the normal flow of wastewater from your house to the citys sanitary sewer, and the sewage starts to back up into your home. There are several factors that can contribute to a sewer backup, including: Aging sewer systems Too much rainwater or melted snow entering the sewer system at once Broken or collapsed sewer lines... A cracked or deteriorated sewer lateral (the pipeline between the citys sanitary sewer main and your home) Tree roots entering sewer lines Blockages in city sanitary mains Blockages in plumbing inside a building Sump pump failure Check out the full blog with video https://www.economical.com//april-2019/how-to-prevent-a-se|blog|p|1|en-CA #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #broker #albertainsurance #sewerbackup #waterdamage #prevention #causes #protectyourself #claims #propertyinsurance #home #tenant #condo #farm #rental #business #auto #travel #callus

Water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims in Canada and there are many ways unwanted water can end up in your home. One common cause of water damage is sewer backup, which happens when water begins to flow backwards into your home. Yes, this is just as unpleasant as it sounds. Not only does exposure to sewage pose a health hazard, but the clean-up process is extensive and costly. Over the next few days well be focused on sewer backup. How to recognize it,... what causes it and how to help prevent it. How do you recognize a sewer backup? You may not always recognize signs of a potential sewer backup until its too late but contact a plumber right away if you notice: Seepage at basement floor drains A foul smell coming from your drains Toilets arent flushing like they should, and plunging doesnt help More than one drain in your house is clogged When you use one piece of plumbing (like a toilet), water backs up somewhere else Bubbling after you flush a toilet or when a sink is trying to drain (and it happens more than once) #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #broker #albertainsurance #sewerbackup #waterdamage #prevention #causes #protectyourself #claims #propertyinsurance #home #tenant #condo #farm #rental #business #auto #travel #callus

We have covered what to do before and during a wildfire (see our last two posts to catch up). When local authorities say its safe to return to your home, follow these steps to make the transition as smooth as possible: Pack some supplies. Before you head home, try to gather these basic supplies: o Gloves o Goggles o Closed-toe shoes... o A cell phone (with a camera) and a charger o A flashlight o Bottled water o Garbage bags o A first aid kit Walk around the perimeter of your home before you go inside. Look for out-of-place electrical wiring, gas smells, or loose debris. If you notice downed power lines or a gas smell, call your hydro or gas company before entering your house. Enter your house carefully and turn off the main power breaker before you make your way through the rest of the house. If you have to use a generator, a charcoal grill, or another fuel-burning device, make sure you keep it outdoors, and in a well-ventilated area. Dont drink the water. Stick to bottled water until your local officials have confirmed your tap water is safe to drink, and avoid flushing the toilet until you know that your sewer or septic system is in good working order. When in doubt, throw it out. Food and drinks inside your fridge or freezer should likely be tossed if your house lost power for an extended period of time or was exposed to heat, ash, smoke, or any of the chemicals used to put out fires. Canned items that are sealed and dont appear damaged should be wiped clean in case theyve been exposed to any harmful chemicals. Bonus tip: Take pictures of anything youre throwing out. Your home insurance policy could help pay to replace the foods you have to throw away. Take photographs of any damage before you begin cleaning up. This can make it easier for your insurance company to process your claim. Contact your home insurance broker. If your home has sustained damage, your broker can coordinate with your insurance company to help you get repairs underway. Be prepared to provide some important details about the damage to your broker or the claims representative from your insurance company Full article, visit https://www.economical.com//before-during-and-after-a-wild #wgiyyc #oigyyc #economicalinsurance #blog #tips #homeinsurance #insurance #broker #wildfireprevention #forestfire #britishcolumbia #alberta #yyc #yeg #edmonton #calgary #okotoks #chestermere #airdrie #reddeer #lethbridge #fortmac #medicinehat

Further to yesterdays post on how to prepare prior to a wildfire, keep these tips in mind when youre aware that wildfires have begun and are approaching your town or neighbourhood: Monitor the local news and obey the authorities. Evacuation notices and other directions from your local authorities should be announced on your local news station. Always obey directions given by your local or provincial government. Be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. If an evacuat...ion notice is issued, you might not have much time to get ready to leave your home. Its a good idea to pack a bag of items you couldnt live without (dont forget medications and important documents), and leave your vehicle parked in a position that will make it easy to drive away quickly. Keep your windows and doors closed to limit your exposure to smoke and dust. If you have time, consider covering vents, windows, and other openings with duct tape and plywood. Wet your roof and property. Unless local authorities have asked you to limit your water use, consider using a sprinkler to soak your roof and property. Save receipts for additional living expenses. If a government authority orders you to evacuate, your home insurance policy could cover out-of-pocket expenses like food and a place to stay. Keep receipts for any costs you wouldnt normally face while living in your own home. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #economicalinsurance #blog #tips #homeinsurance #insurance #broker #wildfireprevention #forestfire #britishcolumbia #alberta #yyc #yeg #edmonton #calgary #okotoks #chestermere #airdrie #reddeer #lethbridge #fortmac #medicinehat

Wildfires (or forest fires) can cause extensive damage to our homes, harm our environment, and put our lives at risk. We will be offering tips care of @EconomicalInsurance over the next few days. Take a little time to familiarize yourself with some steps you can take before, during, and after a wildfire to keep your home and family safe and sound. Consider these tips to prepare for a wildfire before one arrives: Keep an eye on the local news. Pay attention to local media du...ring wildfire season and listen for warnings about wildfires that could affect you. Learn how to prevent wildfires. While most wildfires occur naturally, many are caused by people especially during the hot, dry summer months. Learn seven simple things you can do to help prevent a wildfire. Map out your escape routes. Create a map of your home and mark an emergency exit from each room (if a window is the best option, make sure everyone knows how to open it from the inside). If you live in an apartment or condo, learn the best ways to get out (including at least one emergency exit that doesnt require the elevator). Keep flammable items away from your homes perimeter. This means removing flammable curtains and other materials, as well as removing garden debris like dry branches and leaves (dont forget to clean your gutters regularly, too). Practice fire safety techniques. Make sure the whole family knows how to stop, drop, and roll in case anyones clothing catches fire. Make sure your home and belongings are properly insured. If its been a while since youve updated your home inventory or reviewed your home insurance policy, contact your licensed broker to make sure you have the protection you need. You should also consider asking your broker what kind of coverage for additional living expenses (like food and shelter) is included in your policy in case you need to evacuate. Prepare your emergency kit. It should be portable and include at least three days worth of supplies for each member of your household (including pets). #wgiyyc #oigyyc #economicalinsurance #blog #tips #homeinsurance #insurance #broker #wildfireprevention #forestfire #britishcolumbia #alberta #yyc #yeg #edmonton #calgary #okotoks #chestermere #airdrie #reddeer #lethbridge #fortmac #medicinehat

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has estimated the average cost of a flooded basement to repair- $43,000. Flood insurance can help cover that cost however most traditional flood insurance plans only cover flooding from sewer backup and do not apply when the water comes in through a basement wall or window- commonly known as overland flooding. This is why homeowners need to ensure their policy includes this coverage as well as the cap for damage. Severe weather caused $1.9 billi...on in insured damage last year, according to IBCstatistics. It was the fourth-most expensive year on record, even without a single catastrophic disaster like the 2013 Calgary flood or the 2016 wildfire in Fort McMurray. Summer storms caused more than $240 million in insured damage across the Prairies last year, IBC says. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #economicalinsurance #blog #tips #homeinsurance #insurance #broker #flood #basement #alberta #yyc #yeg #edmonton #calgary #okotoks #chestermere #airdrie #reddeer #lethbridge #fortmac #medicinehat

Oversharing on social media might be overrated. A study conducted with 50 ex-burglars in the UK found that 78% of them used social media to identify houses whose owners were absent. Troubling? Heres a little guide of the top mistakes to avoid to help protect you care of @IntactInsurance 1. Revealing your address- Never post photos of the front of your home or any detail that could give a clear indication of where you live (like the house number). 2. Showing where... you are 3. Sharing your vacation photos while youre still on vacation 4. Displaying your riches on social media For all the details, check out the full blog #wgiyyc #oigyyc #intactinsurance #homeinsurance #insurance #broker #socialmedia #theft #kimkardashian #alberta #yyc #yeg #edmonton #calgary #okotoks #chestermere #airdrie #reddeer #lethbridge #fortmac #medicinehat

Wildfires are natural threats to any forested area or grassland region across the country. Not only do they do a number on our environment, but they can displace thousands of people and do significant damage to their homes. While many wildfires occur naturally (often due to hot, dry weather and lightning strikes), many are caused by people and can be easily prevented. Here are a few simple things you can do to help reduce the risk of wildfires at home, on the road, at the cot...tage, or on the campsite: 1. Take fire bans and local laws seriously. 2. Keep candles covered. 3. Contain your campfire. If youre planning on having a campfire in an area where its permitted, keep these tips in mind to prevent it from turning into a wildfire: Pick a spot thats close to a water source and sheltered from the wind, at least three metres away from logs, stumps, trees, branches, or other debris, and 15 metres away from buildings or tents. Build your campfire on bare dirt or a rock surface and surround it with a ring of rocks to help keep it contained; remove any debris like pine needles, grass, leaves, or twigs from the area. Keep it small fires smaller than one metre high and one metre wide are easiest to control and put out. Before you light your fire, make sure you have a bucket of at least eight litres of water and a shovel on hand to help contain or put out the fire in an emergency. Never leave your campfire unattended (not even for a few minutes). Before you leave the area or when youre finished enjoying your campfire, pour lots of water on it, then stir it with a stick or shovel. Then, pour more water on it to make sure its out (the ashes should be soaking wet and cool to the touch). 4. Dunk your cigarette butts in water. 5. Steer clear of tall grass. 6. Be careful with fireworks. 7. Skip the yard waste bonfire. Read the full article #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #business #needtoknow #protectyourself #campfiresafety #wildfires #firesafety #fireban #economical

Its terminology Tuesday, todays term is comprehensive coverage COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE Comprehensive insurance reimburses you for damage to your own car from causes other than collision or overturning. The comprehensive portion of your policy pays for loss due to perils like hail, flood, theft, fire, glass breakage, falling objects, missiles, explosions, earthquakes, windstorms, vandalism or malicious mischief, riot or civil commotion, and collision with a bird or an anim...al. When you look at a policys comprehensive coverage, check for exclusions or limitations. If you have a special audio system installed in your car, for example, you should make sure your policy would cover the cost of the equipment if it were damaged or stolen. Its also important to know if the policy pays for the actual cash value of damaged or stolen property (its current value after depreciation has been subtracted or the full amount required to replace it today.) #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #business #needtoknow #protectyourself #terminologytuesday #comprehensive #comp #definition #term

Its terminology Tuesday, todays term is collision coverage COLLISION COVERAGE An optional coverage designed to provide protection for your vehicle when damage occurs as a result of a collision with another object. This coverage is optional and may be purchased in addition to the mandatory coverages required by law, and it is subject to a deductible. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #business #needtoknow #protectyourself #terminologytuesday #collision #definition #term

There is a lot of information about home insurance out there, but not all of it is necessarily true. Dont worry, Intact Insurance has you covered: read on they debunk five common myths about home insurance. For the full explanations of each myth, check out the article Myth #1: You may not need home insurance You may not technically need home insurance unless it comes as a condition from your bank or mortgage holder. Nevertheless, given the sizeable investment, it makes sense... to obtain coverage and make sure that it suits your specific needs. Myth #2: Renovations do not impact coverage Homes evolve over time. Throughout the years, you and your family will make yours your own. Renovations are almost inevitable and these will increase the value of your property. As physical aspects change, so should your insurance. Thats why its in your best interest as a customer to inform your insurance broker of any changes so you can update your policy accordingly and ensure youre always adequately covered. Additionally, if you have work done, you may want to consider increasing your coverage, especially when hiring contractors. So, before tackling home renovations, talk to your broker. Myth #3: Whats inside doesnt really count In short: yes, it does. The effectiveness of your contents coverage depends on what you have in your home and whether it is accounted for. Myth #4: Protection is about things, not people While you must take care to cover your home and its contents, it is equally important to consider the people you live with when you structure your coverage; personal liability applies to them.l Myth #5: When you go away, your coverage stays home Certain policies require homeowners to be on site for regular intervals or, at the very least, to have someone look in on the property. #wgiyyc #insurancewizards #oigyyc #intactinsurance #homemaintenance #myths #insurance #insurancenews #homeinsurance #canada #alberta #calgary #yyc #yeg #edmonton #fortmac #stalbert #okotoks #cochrane #airdrie #chestermere #reddeer #lethbridge #broker #familyowned #customerservice

The sun has stuck around long enough that it might be safe to say that spring is officially here! Unfortunately that means it is spring cleaning time but the good thing about home maintenance this time of year, is that you actually get to do most of it while enjoying the sun! @IntactInsurance put together a checklist to help you get started and avoid unexpected events the season might bring to your home, so that you can focus on what matters most to you. Here is a sample but ...for the full list check out the article. Outside your home Clean out and repair gutters and downspouts Disconnect any downspouts connected directly to the weeping tiles Install a frost-free hose bib that is intended to prevent pipes from splitting when water freezes in the winter season Repair driveways, walkways, patio deterioration and seal cracks Paint or stain exterior trim, fences and decks as needed Repair damage on the outside of your home, including cracks or storm damage Find and seal any foundation, crawlspace, or basement crack, seepage or leaks Wash and repair holes in window and door screens If you have a masonry chimney, check the joints between the bricks or stones for vegetation growth or mortar deterioration; re-seal if necessary with a water-resistant barrier material available at your local hardware store Make sure air conditioning units are in good working orderchange the filter, check hose connections for leaks, and make sure the drain pans are draining freely Inside your home Inspect the attic for signs of roof leaks, mould, or critters Arrange for an annual flue cleaning for your chimney Clean out lint from dryer exhaust ducts Inspect the washing machine and dishwasher hoses and clean the filters Consider replacing the hot water tank if its over 10 years old Change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to be sure they work properly Check your multi-purpose fire extinguishers to ensure they work and are readily accessible Inspect sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, tubs and your hot water tank for leaks Consider replacing old appliance hoses with stainless steel braided hoses #wgiyyc #insurancewizards #oigyyc #intactinsurance #spring #springcleaning #outside #sun #homemaintenance #insurance #insurancenews #homeinsurance #canada #alberta #calgary #yyc #yeg #edmonton #fortmac #stalbert #okotoks #cochrane #airdrie #chestermere #reddeer #lethbridge #broker #familyowned #customerservice

You may have heard on the news recently about the potential increase on your auto renewal premium. Albertas introduction of a cap on the cost of liability-only vehicle insurance has insurance companies mitigating their financial risk by increasing other rates and pricing some drivers out of coverage. The cost of claims is rising, it has been estimated that for every $1 they collect in premiums, Insurance companies are paying out every year up to $1.70. Times like this highli...ght the advantage of using a licensed, knowledgeable broker. Brokers work for you, not the insurance company, to a principle of utmost good faith. We have access to a wide selection of the best insurers in the country and can do the shopping for you to find the best coverage and most competitive price. Please contract one of our wizards for more information and allow us to help you find the best policy for your needs! Here are a few examples of ways you can consider to help reduce your premiums: Consider higher deductibles Maintain great driving habits as there can be significant discounts for no claims and no convictions Park vehicles safely away to prevent hail damage, vandalism and burglaries #wgiyyc #insurancewizards #oigyyc #insurance #insurancenews #reduceyourpremium #savemoney #bestcoverage #licensedbroker #broker #familyowned #customerservice #autoinsurance #canada #alberta #calgary #yyc #yeg #edmonton #fortmac #okotoks #cochrane #airdrie #chestermere #reddeer #lethbridge

Did you know there are driving apps that can help keep you safe and save you some money? Check out Economical Insurances blog for more on these apps. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #albertainsurance #auto #driving #apps #safetyfirst #savemoney #tips #vehiclesafety #drivesmart #smartphones #maps #fuel #economicalinsurance

Insurance Bureau of Canada officials are hoping a $145-million commitment by the federal government towards cyber security will help the industry better understand how much a cyber incident could cost. In the 2019-20 budget document tabled Tuesday, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau proposed to spend $144.9 million over five years critical cyber systems, including those in the finance, telecommunications, energy and transport sectors. The industry needs to get a better und...erstanding of how much money could be lost as a result of a cyber security disaster in Canada, suggested Craig Stewart, IBCs vice president of federal affairs, in an interview Wednesday. In a separate report released Jan. 29 by Lloyds, the Cyber Risk Management (CyRiM) project modelled the loss from a hypothetical ransomware attack affecting multiple corporate victims. Global economic losses were estimated at US$85 billion to US$193 billion. #wgiyyc #insurancewizards #oigyyc #canadianunderwriter #cybersecurity #insurance #insurancenews #federalbudget2019 #canada #alberta #calgary #yyc #yeg #okotoks #cochrane #airdrie #chestermere #reddeer #lethbridge #broker #familyowned #customerservice

Whether you live in a rural area with lots of gravel roads or a city filled with construction zones, youre bound to experience a chipped or cracked windshield at some point in your driving career. So what should you do about that chip or crack? And will your car insurance cover it? Economical has the answers to your questions! #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #windshield #fortmcmurray #yyc #yeg #strathmore #okotoks #highriver #blackdiamond #cochrane #elbowvalley #balzac #turnervalley #medicinehat #reddeer

Its Terminology Tuesday! Todays term is Accident Benefits. Accident Benefits are automatically included with your liability premium and are payable to injured insured parties for medical treatment and income replacement in case of a covered accident. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker #terminologytuesday #accidentbenefits #autoinsurance #liability #plpd #injury #treatment #incomereplacement #caraccident

Researchers and forest managers are turning to artificial intelligence in the hope it can help them predict the risk of catastrophic wildfires as climate change continues to rewrite the rule book.Its been the subject of more than 150 recent academic studies and one insurance company says it has already developed an artificial intelligence program that can assess fire risk well in advance. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #fire #forestfires #artificialintelligence #prevention #fortmcmurray #yyc #yeg #strathmore #okotoks #highriver #blackdiamond #cochrane #elbowvalley #balzac #turnervalley #medicinehat #reddeer

Happy St Patricks Day! Here are some fun facts about this lucky day: 1. St. Patricks Day is an Irish national holiday with banks, stores, and businesses closing for the day. 2. The first St. Patricks Day celebration in the United States was held in Boston (1737). 3. Shamrocks are the national flower/emblem of Ireland. 4. The color of St. Patricks Day was originally blue. Wearing green has become a staple of St. Patricks Day, but the holiday was originally associated wi...th the color blue. Its thought that the shift to green happened because of Irelands nickname The Emerald Isle, the green in the Irish flag and the shamrock, or clover. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn as early as the 17th century. 5. Beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages on St. Patricks Day. 6.Legend says that each leaf of the clover has a meaning: Hope, Faith, Love and Luck. 7. 1962 marked the first time Chicago dyed their river green for St Patricks Day. 8. Guiness is one of the most popular drinks on St. Patricks Day. 9. Shamrock shakes are also very popular. 10. There are 34.7 million U.S. residents with Irish ancestry. This number is more than seven times the population of Ireland itself. 11. The real St. Patrick wasnt Irish. He was born in Britain around A.D. 390 to an aristocratic Christian family. 12. Your odds of finding a four-leaf clover are about 1 in 10,000. 13. The worlds shortest St. Patricks Day parade is held in an Irish village. It lasts only 100 yards, between the villages two pubs. 14. To celebrate St. Patricks Day, Chicago dyes the river green for a few hours. 15. St. Patrick never got canonized by a pope, making his saintly status somewhat questionable. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #stpatircksday #march17 #greenday #irish #guiness #funfacts #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker

On May 07, Insurance Business Canada is hosting Women in Insurance Toronto, a premier conference designed to celebrate, inspire and boost the careers of women in insurance. The event will feature the industrys foremost women of influence and emerging leaders, encouraging others to eliminate self-doubt, take a deep breath and just do it! Heather Matthews, senior vice president, National Claims Management Centre, Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. is one of the featured speake...rs in a panel called: Lessons learned: The imposter syndrome & the value of mentorship. Three years ago, Matthews set up a womens leadership lab, with the aim of providing female employees with a mentorship platform and support network. The results, she said, have been astounding. The lab has attracted a very diverse group of women as far as ages and where they are in their stages of life and their careers, Matthews told Insurance Business. The feedback weve had from the group is that they love having a forum where they can get together, share their experiences, and help each other out. After three years, Im still astounded at how personal it gets and how willing people are to open up, share their struggles and help each other. Weve covered a lot of different topics. For the full article, check out: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com//insurance-leader-ast #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #business #womenininsurance #womeninbusiness #leadershiplab #insurancebusinessmag #insurancebureau #canada #yyc #yeg #alberta

Airdrie RCMP have gotten creative when it comes to catching drivers using their smartphones behind the wheel. In an effort to reduce distracted driving the RCMP are using and unmarked van and taking photos while radioing ahead to a marked vehicle to pull over the distracted driver. For more check out the blog https://www.shopinsurancecanada.ca/rcmp-are-using-an-unmar/ ... #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #business #driving #distracteddriving #rcmp #crackdown #safetyfirst #airdrie #yyc #yeg #strathmore #langdon #okotoks #highriver #blackdiamond #cochrane #medicinehat #reddeer #stalbert #leduc #sylvanlake See more

Its #TerminologyTuesday. Today were are breaking down a term you will see in almost every policy- deductible: Deductible: The portion of a loss that you are required to pay before your insurance coverage will respond. For example, if you owned a policy with a $200 deductible and you suffered a covered loss totalling $1,000, you would pay the first $200 and the insurance company would pay the remaining $800. If the loss were only $200, you would pay the entire amount and the i...nsurance company would pay nothing. Call us for details on how deductibles can be used to reduce your physical damage premiums & home insurance premiums! #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #broker #terminologytuesday #insurance #yyc #yeg #okotoks #airdrie #cochrane #chestermere #alberta #deductible #loss #claim

Appliance repairs can be very costly but can sometime be avoided. Here are a list of maintenance items you should preform on your appliances to maintain efficiency and longevity while saving money. Clothes washer clean detergent or bleach spills immediately to avoid possible damage to the finish. Most units have a filter of some type on the clothes washer plumbing supply inlets. Clean or replace it at least annually. Also inspect supply hoses to ensure they are tight, wi...th no leaks or kinks. Use non toxic or detergents recommended by your manufacturer. Clothes dryer -clean the lint trap after each use; a clogged lint trap can reduce air flow and compromise dryer efficiency. Be sure the dryer is properly vented to the outside of your home. Clean and hose the vent yearly to prevent lint build up and avoid a fire hazard Cooktop/gas stove/electric stove clean spills immediately once stove top has cooled; for electric or gas stoves, clean drip bowls under the burners immediately after they have cooled. Use non toxic cleaners or those recommended by the manufacturer. When it comes to a gas range, the color flame on the pilot light can give an indication of gas efficiency; when the flame is blue its properly adjusted, if its yellow its poorly adjusted. Clean and de-grease the hood and exhaust fan every 3 to 4 months. Refrigerator use a vacuum with brush attachment to clean coils on the back of the unit monthly; this can increase efficiency and avoid overheating. For refrigerators with and automatic ice maker or water purifier, replace the water filter at least twice each year or as indicated on your unit. Use only manufacturer recommended replacement filters. Dishwasher clean the dishwasher interior and remove debris; de-scale by running a wash cycle with at least one cup white vinegar every 3 to 4 months. Clean the strainer using warm water and detergent every 6 months. Annually inspect the water supply hoses to ensure they are tight, with no kinks or leaks. Use non toxic detergents or those recommended by the manufacturer. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker #maintenancemonday #stove #oven #dishwasher #washer #dryer #refridgerator #clean #safetyfirst #savemoney #repairs

With more and more enticing opportunities like uber, uber eats, lyft and skip the dishes popping up, its important to know whats covered under your auto insurance and what is not. The general rule of thumb is pretty straightforward: you can use your vehicle to get yourself to and from work or a meeting, but you cant use your vehicle to do your work. If any aspect of your job requires you to drive (and couldnt be done by someone who takes the bus to work, for example), t...hen youre probably using your vehicle to do your job and that wouldnt typically be covered by a personal car insurance policy. Remember to always contact your insurance wizard if you are using or are going to use your vehicle for work or have any questions about your insurance policy. Remember a material change in risk can void your insurance policy. To find out more about vehicle use and what your insurance company needs to know, check out Economicals blog #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #business #needtoknow #protectyourself #businessuse #pleasure #work #covered #claims #courier #contractor #realestateagent #uber #fooddelivery #maildelivery #toandfromwork #liability

Did you get or give something sparkly for Valentines Day? Its important to make sure youre properly covered. Check out these tips from Aviva and dont forget to check your policy limits on jewelry and contact your insurance wizard to schedule expensive items. https://www.aviva.ca//insurance-at-the-heart-of-valentine/ #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker #auto #home #business #valentinesday #jewelry #appraisal #rider #limits #protectyourself

If you are like most people you may know the size and make of your TV but do you know the model number? How about for your kitchen appliances? Its recommended to have a detailed inventory in case of a property insurance claim. Check out Economicals blog about making a home inventory. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #auto #home #business #insurance #callus #broker #insurancebroker #property #inventory #claim #makeandmodel #lists

Zurich is considering re-entering the Canadian market after selling to ING, now Intact Insurance, 17 years ago. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurancr #albertainsurance #insurancebroker #zurich #ING #intactinsurance

Not only are rear-view (or back-up) cameras a convenience many drivers have grown to love, but theyre also a safe and effective way to prevent accidents while backing up and parking so much so that Transport Canada now requires every new car and small truck to have a rear visibility system (like a rear-view camera), as of May 2018. Learn how rear-view cameras work and what you should consider if youre installing an aftermarket version in your vehicle. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #autoinsurance #emergency #yyc #yeg #okotoks #airdrie #cochrane #chestermere #alberta #economicalinsurance #claims #backupcamera #collision

The insurance industry in Canada is in rough shape with a loss ratio of more than 100%. Forgeron warns that Alberta is headed for a cliff if conditions remain as they are, and everyone the government, the industry, and the consumers will lose. He adds that the IBC will continue to uncover cost pressures and identify potential reform scenarios for the province. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #industrynews #lossratio #ibc

Its Terminology Tuesday! Today we cover third party liability and liability insurance: THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE Protection of the insured against liability for damage to or destruction of the bodies or property of others. LIABILITY INSURANCE In an accident where you are charged with injuring another person or damaging his or her property, liability insurance pays the cost of your legal defence, as well as the cost of any damages for which you are found legally res...ponsible. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #terminologytuesday #insurance #yyc #yeg #okotoks #airdrie #cochrane #chestermere #alberta #liability #thirdparty #oneway #accident #atfault

Experts say the tragic fire that took the lives of seven children last week in Halifax could lead to new fire safety measures and changes to Canadas building code. According the article below, Phil Rizcallah, director for construction research and development with the National Research Council of Canada, says the country will learn from the tragedy. He says the federal research organization plans to study the fire marshals report, and that the house fire could lead to changes to the national building code. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #homeinsurance #home #fire #housefire #firesafety #claims #halifax #novascotia #canada #safety #tragedy #buildingcode #change

With the continuing cold weather its good to know how to protect your largest investment, your home! Here are 10 ways to protect against the cold from Chubb Insurance, check out the article for full details 1. Arrange for a home energy audit 2. Feel for under door drafts 3. Seal around your windows... 4. Add insulation 5. Update your appliances 6. Change the direction of your ceiling fan 7. Instal a programable thermostat 8. Lower your water heater temperature 9. Keep your home temperature no lower than 13 degrees Celsius 10. Clean your gutters regularly #wgiyyc #oigyyc #insurancewizards #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #cold #protectyourself #Chubb #home #investment #winter

Canadian Underwriter posted an article on one of the reasons it is important to have a broker; One strong challenge to the broker channel, is consumer self-education about their insurance needs and options. Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of business interruption (BI) insurance, a very specialized coverage that is rife with opportunity for client misunderstandings. You really need to consult with your broker and try and tailor your BI insurance to the approp...riate exposures you may have in order to mitigate your loss, should one occur. Please give us a call and we would be happy to review the right coverage for your situation - not only for BI, but for all auto, home or commercial insurance you may require! #wgiyyc #insurancewizards #insurance #businessinteruption #propercoverage #heretohelp #customerservice #broker #commercialinsurance #callus

With the recent surge in winter fires we thought now is a good time to share some important safety tips from Chubb. #wgiyyc #oigyyc #yycinsurance #albertainsurance #insurancewizards #yyc #yeg #okotoks #airdrie #highriver #blackdiamond #banff #canmore #cochrane #balzac #strathmore #langdon #reddeer #leduc #olds #lethbridge #medicinehat #stalbert #slavelake #fortmac #fortsaskatchewan #beaumont #jasper #firesafety #winterfires