Are you planning to build your dream home soon or thinking about adding an addition to your present home? For your protection, you must advise us about your plans before you start construction. You will be required to insure for the full replacement value of the project. This may take the form of an endorsement…
Why would you insure your home for more than you paid for it? Insist on Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage and always ‘Insure to Value’ Many people mistakenly believe the amount they paid for their home is the same as its replacement cost. Unfortunately this is not always true. Depending on where you live, the cost…
Thinking of converting your basement into a profitable legal basement apartment? Making some extra income from an unused space such as a basement seems like a no brainer, but before you hand over the keys to a new tenant, there’s a lot to be considered and researched in advance. Just remember: the more leg work…
Home insurance can be confusing. The following are some of the most common misconceptions about home insurance in Canada to help you weed through what’s fact and what’s fiction. All homeowner’s insurance policies are the same False. Policies can vary significantly from one provider to another. Carefully review or ask, what’s covered, what’s not and—this…
Home insurance is one of those things that everyone needs, but no one hopes to use. If you’ve experienced a property loss, whether by fire, water damage or theft, you know it can be stressful. As your Broker, it’s our job to guide you through the claims process; to help you achieve a fair settlement…
There’s nothing better than going on vacation. But before you leave on holiday, it’s important you take the necessary steps to protect your home while you’re away. Ten ways to protect your home The idea is to not advertise that you’re going away and to make your house look as normal and lived in as possible.…
For many of us our home is our most valuable asset. Before starting any home renovation, talk to us to and we’ll make sure you are protected against financial loss should an accident or an injury take place during the project. Even though your house is adequately insured, your risks change once your home becomes…
Mould is everywhere, indoors and outdoors – and is generally excluded on your homeowner’s policy. Depending on where it grows, it can be helpful or harmful. When mould grows inside homes or buildings, it may cause health problems and reduce the value of your home. Moulds release chemicals and spores that can cause irritation of…
The first step in dealing with basement flooding comes from minimizing the risk through a few precautions: Never pour fats, oils or grease down your drains. Reduce home water use during heavy rains. Keep the storm sewer grates on your street clear of yard waste, leaves, garbage, ice and snow. Clean and maintain your eaves…
As taxes and other expenses for cottages continue to increase many cottage owners are looking for creative ways to soften these costs. This has motivated some cottage owners to rent out the cottage on a weekly basis during peak season when the cottage is not in use. However, it is vital that your insurance provider…