Eavestroughs and WaterFlow
Over the winter, debris such as leaves and other natural matter can build up, blocking the eavestroughs and inhibiting the flow of water away from your cottage– this may cause water to enter your cottage if not dealt with. Clear any obstructions from the gutter, and if you are able to do so safely, from the entire roof as well. Soil erosion may also have occurred over the off-season. Take a walk around your property to ensure that there are no new pathways for water to flow towards your cottage and that no water is pooling near the foundation or supports.

Natural Debris and Pests
The cold season will have likely left branches, leaves and other debris scattered around your property; this should be cleared away when reopening your cottage. After a particularly stormy winter, you may return to your cottage to find trees that have fallen or appear to be susceptible to falling. If this is the case it may be wise to have an arborist visit your property to inspect and advise you on how to safely remove the tree. Small animals and insects may have taken refuge inside your home while you were away–keep an eye out for signs of unwelcome guests such as droppings, evidence of chewing, or burrows that lead underneath your house. If you continue to observe these signs and common solutions such as traps and pesticides have not yielded any results, call call a local exterminator for professional assistance.

Septic Systems
Though a septic system presents a minimal risk of backing up into your cottage when compared to a municipal system, it is still important to have your system inspected and pumped every 2-3 years. This regular maintenance of your septic systems prevents potential damage to your property and is also critical to reducing the chance of polluting the local ecosystems and impacting the quality of your lake water. For more information on septic systems, visit FOCA’s website.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves
May long weekends in Ontario don’t always feel like summer, and we might have to make use of our woodstove or fireplace to get us through the first few weekends at the cottage. Before you ignite any sparks, ensure that your home is equipped with a full fire extinguisher and fire handing tools, such as pokers and fireproof gloves. Check the stovepipe for any damage such as rust or shifting. Remove all coverings from your stove/ fireplace and check the chimney and flue for blockages. Lighting a small test fire will reveal any additional obstructions in the chimney. Remember that even at the cottage, regular chimney cleanings are a critical safety measure. Visit our Woodstove Safety post to learn more.

Boats
Spring boating requires extra caution as certain hazards, such as floating debris in the water or even ice, if the weather is still on the colder side, may be unexpected obstacles in your path. Be wary of these before you take your boat out, especially if it is relatively early in the season. Perform an inspection on your tanks and fuel lines, and ensure that your craft is supplied with all the necessary safety equipment (see the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide, page 16). Finally, make sure that you have a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card on your person or in the boat every time you use it.

The Drive
As you prepare for your first weekend away at the cottage, remember that a higher level of patience may be required for the trek. The excitement of ‘getting away’ for the long weekend is often challenged by the considerable traffic jams as thousands of people head to and from their holiday destinations. Plan for longer travel times, pack the car with your belongings beforehand and avoid overloading. Ensure that any roof or trunk racks, as well as the items attached to them, are properly secured. If you are towing a trailer, be aware of your blind spots and test its lights before you leave. Always drive as safely and distraction-free as possible and avoid texting while behind the wheel. On arrival, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy your piece of paradise!

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Canoe trips on the lake, late-night card games lit by the moon, and sunbathing on the deck– cottaging is synonymous with good times and relaxation. But those good times disappear quickly if you find yourself needing to make an insurance claim and being informed that your cottage coverage isn’t what you thought.

There are many assets and potential risks unique to cottages. This makes it crucial for you as a cottage owner to be comfortable with the wording and coverage of your policy–as well as confident that your insurer understands how to manage your cottage property claim.

Types of Coverage

Some cottage policies offer extremely broad coverage, comparable to your home insurance! Others are written on a “Named Perils” form, which means your insurance will respond only to a claim caused by one of the perils specifically listed in the wordings. If your cottage policy is insured by this type of policy, make sure you are covered for damage caused by those perils that often impact cottage properties, like falling objects (trees), collapse of the roof due to snow/ice load, bears, theft/vandalism, and septic backup.

Water

Sudden water damage occurs in many forms. Many policies will cover the damage caused by a pipe bursting while your cottage is open during the summer. But, you should check to ensure that your policy will cover damage caused by the backup of your septic system or holding tank, or water entering your cottage through ground-level doors or windows (surface water or overland water). Damage caused to docks, boathouses and other structures on the water by ice flow or freezing is excluded from most insurance policies. Also, damage from frozen water pipes that burst is typically excluded. If you are not draining your pipes and turning off your water supply for the cold months, you should speak with your broker about how your policy responds to these freezing losses.

Watercraft

Small powered watercraft are automatically covered by some cottage insurance policies. However, larger boats and more powerful craft are generally omitted and will need to be specifically insured, either with an insurer that specializes in watercraft, or by additions to your current policy. If your motor is over 25HP or the hull is over 21’, be sure to check to ensure your watercraft is properly covered.

Renovations and New Builds

Coverage for renovation projects and ‘new builds’ of cottages (and homes) needs specialized insurance. Speak with your broker before anyone picks up a hammer! Your policy likely has exclusions and limitations triggered by structural work and significant renovations. These should all be reviewed with your broker before work begins. Where possible, hiring an insured General Contractor is preferable to most Insurers. Any subcontractors hired by either you or your General Contractor should always be required to provide you with proof of insurance before beginning work.

How do I make sure I’m protected? 

The most important thing is to talk to your insurance broker. Make sure they have a thorough understanding of your assets, and that you discuss the unique aspects of your property including power sources, woodstoves and fire places, boathouses and other detached structures, how you access your cottage (i.e. island or water access, year round road, seasonal road, etc.), and even the family of bears living nearby.

Ideally, your broker should have a strong background insuring this type of property, so they know the right questions to ask you to ensure your coverage is as fool-proof as possible. If you haven’t already purchased your cottage insurance, strongly consider a broker with this kind of specific expertise.

We’ve got you covered.

Our CottageFirst insurance is designed specifically for cottagers. Based on first-hand experience of cottage ownership, and a thorough understanding of what potential risks your property is exposed to, we offer one of the broadest forms of insurance available to Ontario cottagers. 

For more information on insuring your cottage by those who understand it, visit our page at cottagefirst.com.

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When constructing or renovating a property, insurance is an important piece of the puzzle that requires attention before the work begins to ensure your construction investment is properly insured. Designing a new building, or renovating an existing structure involves many different aspects of construction. You may be considering custom designed plans or a pre-designed package, but, regardless of which approach you choose, it is essential that you contact your insurance broker or agent before starting your project for guidance on the implications to your own insurance coverage. Many home and cottage insurance providers remove or significantly limit coverage on a dwelling that is under renovation or major construction. Specific insurance products are designed to fill the gap.

Builder’s Risk Insurance – New Builds and Renovations

A Builder’s Risk insurance policy insures the value of the completed construction project, offering coverage for insured property loss to your structure during a new build or significant renovation. This policy also insures building materials located on site that will be used in the construction, and may include coverage for soft costs such as architectural designs and permits. As the owner of the building under construction, it makes good sense that you own the Builder’s Risk insurance policy. Then, in the event of a claim, you work together with the Insurer to settle your loss. However, certain General Contractors may also offer to arrange this on your behalf as part of their contract with you. This insurance must be arranged before construction begins.

Depending on the scope of renovation, it may be possible to request an extension of your existing insurance policy during the course of construction. You should be sure to discuss both options with your insurance broker or agent to determine which coverage is the best and most cost-effective solution for your particular construction project.

 Personal Liability While Building or Renovating

A construction project brings with it additional personal liability exposures to the property owner. Liability claims may arise from injuries or property damage to others allegedly resulting from your construction project. Be sure to speak with your insurance broker to ensure your existing personal liability coverage is extended to your construction site.

 General Contractors

While there is excitement and a personal challenge in building or renovating your cottage or home, the value of a qualified, experienced General Contractor should be seriously considered. The expertise of a qualified general contractor is valuable and brings better accessibility and pricing with respect to Builder’s Risk insurance. Some policies will be unable to extend coverage without an insured General Contractor.

Proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance – It is important that the contract you sign with the General Contractor contains a clause that requires the General Contractor to provide you with a Certificate of Insurance, providing evidence of their Commercial General Liability insurance coverage.

Additional Insured Status – As Owner of the project and property, your name should be shown as “Additional Insured” on the General Contractor’s insurance policy. This request is typically satisfied at no additional cost to the General Contractor and is shown directly on the Certificate of Insurance.

WSIB – The General Contractor should provide a Clearance Certificate confirming they are registered with WSIB. This insurance, if in place, prevents them from suing you for their own injuries sustained while on your construction site. It is recommended that you visit www.wsib.on.ca to learn what is required of your General Contractor.

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ACCIDENT BENEFITS

Following this change, certain benefits on your policy will now have lower limits.  For our clients, we will be maintaining on renewal the closest comparable benefits available in the new structure. However, it is important that all Ontario Auto policyholders take a few minutes to review the new schedule of optional benefits/increased limits and consider the potential need for changes to your policy.

In particular, we would call to your attention the changes related to the Medical Rehabilitation and Attendant Care Benefit. Prior to June 1^st, these were considered two separate benefits; one for Medical & Rehabilitation with a standard limit of $55,000 and another for Attendant Care with a standard limit of $36,000. These benefits have now been combined into one, with a single, lower standard limit of $65,000.  This limit is available to pay those expenses associated with medical, rehabilitation and attendant care costs if you or your passengers suffer non-catastrophic injuries in an auto accident. We recommend you consider purchasing increased limits, with up to $1,000,000 available in the new model.

Prior to June 1^st, each of the separate benefits also carried a $1,000,000 limit for catastrophic injuries. Following the merger into one benefit, there is now a single $1,000,000 limit for catastrophic injuries. We strongly recommend you consider purchasing the increased limits, raising this limit to $2,000,000.

We strongly recommend that you speak with your broker to understand these changes and to consider requesting these increased limits.

THIRD PARTY LIMITS:

With the reduction in Accident Benefits available to injured parties from their own automobile insurance policy, there is a growing reality that the injured party may now more readily sue the ‘at-fault’ driver for additional funds once their own accident benefits are exhausted.  We encourage you to consider the following to enhance your ability to respond to these legal actions:

• Increase the liability limits available under your Automobile Insurance policy and/or;
• Purchase a Personal Umbrella Liability policy, which expands coverage and increases limit of insurance.

Over the past several years, insurance companies have worked with the provincial government to reduce fraud and abuse of the benefits provided under the Ontario Automobile Insurance policy. As you have likely heard in the media, local organized crime and amateurs alike are fraudulently claiming over a billion dollars each year in accident benefits! The reduction in benefits has made little if any change to the Ontario Auto premiums. The Ontario government must make changes with respect to prevention, detection, enforcement and judicial enforcement in order to lower premiums and assist in the stabilizing of rates over the long term.

If you have any questions with respect to these changes, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (416) 234-9980 or at clientservices@cadeinsurance.com.

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These changes impact every auto policy in Ontario on their first renewal after June 1st, 2016. 

Accident Benefits are an important part of your insurance portfolio and should be carefully thought out by all auto insurance policyholders. While full details are available in the links below, we will be also be contacting you before your policy is affected by these changes in order to outline the specific impact on your policy and present options for your consideration.

DETAILS OF 2016 CHANGES TO AUTO INSURANCE POLICY

• 2015 Ontario Budget – Auto Reforms (Insurance Bureau of Canada)
• Amendments to Automobile Insurance Legislation and Regulations (Financial Securities Commission of Ontario)

Please keep an eye out for our mailing about these changes to your policy. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to give us a call at (416) 234-9980.

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In order for a private passenger vehicle to carry passengers for a fee (eg. Taxis, UberX, etc.), current legislation requires that the vehicle be licensed appropriately for that use. This does not apply to typical carpooling, where a driver carries fellow employees to or from work for compensation in the normal course of their commute.

If your vehicle does not have a special license to carry passengers for compensation (other than carpooling), then doing so constitutes a use of the vehicle that is not considered legal under Ontario auto legislation. Auto insurance policies do not respond to ‘illegal’ use of a vehicle, therefore, until legislation offers a licensing alternative for UberX, personal auto insurance policies are unable to accommodate UberX operations. If a vehicle has a special license to carry passengers for hire, then the vehicle may be insured for this operation under a commercial auto insurance policy.

Uber has confirmed that they carry an insurance policy, but the exact protection it provides is not clear and Uber does not make the coverage wording available to the public. While commenting that their policy provides contingent coverage for claims of bodily injury or property damage to third parties, Ian Black, General Manager of Uber Toronto, states: “Your personal insurance is primary coverage when driving uberX.” As noted above, a personal auto insurance policy is not applicable to UberX drivers, presenting potential coverage gaps when the Uber policy is based on the operator’s insurance as primary coverage.

We cannot emphasize enough that the use of your personal vehicle for UberX activity may lead to serious financial distress should an accident occur. Because your personal automobile insurance policy will not respond, any costs associated with vehicle damage, injury to yourself or passengers, or injury or damage to the property of a third party will likely be entirely the responsibility of the UberX vehicle owner or driver.

Passengers of UberX vehicles should also be aware – if the automobile they enter does not carry appropriate insurance, it is unclear what Accident Benefits coverage they can call upon if they are injured in the vehicle.

Despite its controversy, UberX and comparable services are here to stay. At least one major Insurer has already committed to working with Uber to create coverage to meet the needs of its drivers. However, until the government provides clarity with respect to licensing and insurance, please do not operate your vehicle as an UberX driver.
Fore more, click here for a notice from FSCO

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1. Combination of Medical/Rehab and Attendant Care Benefit Limits
   1. The maximum benefit level for medical/rehabilitation and attendant care services has been combined with a $65,000 limit. Previously, limits were $50,000 for medical/rehabilitation and $36,000 for attendant care. While this combined $65,000 limit represents a reduction in the overall limit, it remains the richest accident benefits product in Canada.
   2. Policyholders will have the option to upgrade these benefits, up to a total limit of $1,000,000.
2. Reducing the Maximum Duration of Medical & Rehabilitation Benefits from 10 years to 5 years
   1. A five year limit will apply to all medical & rehabilitation benefits with the exception of children claimants, who will have 10 years.
   2. This five year limit remains longer than the claim duration available in other provinces.
   3. Policyholders will have the option to increase this coverage.
3. Catastrophic Injury Definition Update and Change to Catastrophic Benefit Limits
   1. Updating the definition of a ‘catastrophic impairment’, which triggers a new maximum limit of $1,000,0000 for Medical/Rehabilitation and Attendant Care services. Previously, the limit was $1M for Medical/Rehab and $1M for Attendant Care.
   2. The government’s expert panel and the Superintendent of Insurance sought to change the definition to reflect updated medical knowledge and to provide a clear definition to apply in the case of serious injuries. In recent years, an unclear definition allowed many less serious injuries to be designated catastrophic, triggering these high benefit payouts and increasing the overall cost of auto insurance for all users.
   3. Policyholders will have the option of increasing their catastrophic benefit limit from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
4. Non-Earner Benefits
   1. The current six-month waiting period for non-earner benefits will be eliminated, with the duration of these benefits being limited to two years from the date of the accident.

There are other changes to the Ontario Auto product arising out of this budget, including the introduction of a “Winter Tire” discount in January 2016 for all Insurers. As more details on the premium implications of the optional benefits above and other changes to the policy become available, we will keep you informed.

For more details, visit:

• 2015 Ontario Budget – Auto Reforms (Insurance Bureau of Canada)
• Amendments to Automobile Insurance Legislation and Regulations (Financial Securities Commission of Ontario)

The post Changes to Ontario Auto Insurance appeared first on Cade Associates Insurance Brokers Limited.

For your reference, we’ve compiled a list of some watercraft safety tips so that you and your family can be sure to have a fun and safe time on the water this summer!

• Pack the Right Gear:
  Always be sure to have the proper equipment on board your boat prior to leaving the dock in order to be prepared for any emergencies that might occur. At a minimum, all pleasure crafts should be equipped with a first-aid kit, a bailer or bilge pump, a pea-less whistle, a magnetic compass, paddles, a watertight flashlight, a buoyant heaving line that measures at least 15 metres, and one lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for each person on board.
• Be Weather-wise:
  Make sure you check local weather conditions and forecasts prior to departure. If you notice the signs of bad weather approaching, it’s best to play it safe and make for shore.
• Common Sense is a Boater’s Best Friend:
  One of the most important aspects of boating safety is also one of the easiest! Use your common sense and be sure to operate your craft at safe speeds at all times, especially in crowded areas or when participating in water sports. Watch for and be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids – they are there to ensure boating safety for everyone on the water.
• Alcohol and Boating do not mix:
  Just like driving under the influence, operating your watercraft under the influence of alcohol is an offense under the Criminal Code of Canada. Enjoy that boating while you’re out on the water but save your drink for when you’re safely on the dock.
• PFDs are a Life Saver:
  Before leaving the shore, be sure to fit each member of your onboard team with an appropriately sized Personal Floatation Device. They aren’t called lifejackets for nothing! They are the best way to be sure that you and your crew remain safe while out on the lake this summer.
• Don’t forget your Pleasure Craft Operator Card!
  Make sure your PCOC is on board with you when you are operating your watercraft – it’s the law.

For further information regarding boating safety and pleasure craft operating requirements, please visit the following link for Transportation Canada’s Safe Boating Guide:

https://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/marinesafety/TP-511e.pdf

Whether you’re new to boating or have been zipping around your lake for years, it is always a good idea to review boating safety rules at the beginning of the season in order to be sure that you and your friends and family are prepared for a safe summer on the water.

Stay safe, boaters!

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