Cade Associates Insurance Brokers Limited https://cadeinsurance.com/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 19:04:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Accident Benefits – Understanding Auto Insurance https://cadeinsurance.com/2019/01/15/accident-benefits-understanding-auto-insurance/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 19:03:16 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1808 Accident Benefits The Ontario Automobile Insurance policy includes Accident Benefits coverage, which responds when you or your passengers are injured in an automobile accident. In 2016, reforms to the Accident Benefits portion of the policy were introduced by the provincial government and now affect all policies. Standard Accident Benefits are those provided by the basic policy, with optional increased or...

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]]> Accident Benefits

The Ontario Automobile Insurance policy includes Accident Benefits coverage, which responds when you or your passengers are injured in an automobile accident. In 2016, reforms to the Accident Benefits portion of the policy were introduced by the provincial government and now affect all policies. Standard Accident Benefits are those provided by the basic policy, with optional increased or additional benefits available for purchase.

We encourage you to review the Accident Benefits provided by your policy and consider additional benefits available for purchase.

Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant Care Benefit

Medical & Rehabilitation: Reimbursement for reasonable, necessary medical and rehab expenses not covered by OHIP.  If you have Employee Group benefits, the insurance provided by your employer responds first. Attendant Care: Reimbursement for an attendant to look after you at home or within a healthcare facility. As of June 1, 2016, payments are limited to 5 years for adults and 10 years for children (non-catastrophic).

Standard Benefits: $65,000 combined limit. Minor injuries are fixed at a maximum limit of $3,500

Optional Benefits: 

  • Increase limit for serious but non-catastrophic injures to $130,000 or $1,000,000.
  • Increase limit for catastrophic injuries from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.

Caregiver Benefit

Reimbursement to hire someone to care for your dependant(s).

Standard Benefits: Up to $250/week for first dependant, $50 for each additional dependant. Available in catastrophic injuries only.

Optional Benefits: Extend this benefit to respond to non-catastrophic injuries.

Housekeeping & Home Maintenance Expenses

Reimbursement for someone to carry out your household responsibilities. Standard benefits provide coverage only in the case of a catastrophic injury.

Standard Benefits: Up to $100/week. Available in catastrophic injuries only.

Optional Benefits: Extend this benefit to respond to non-catastrophic injuries.

Income Replacement Benefit

A weekly income of 70% of your gross income up to the weekly limit, beginning one week after the accident occurs which prevents you from working. If your annual income is higher than $30,000 you should consider purchasing the increased limits.

Standard Benefits: Up to $400 per week. Non-earners are eligible for up to $185/week limited to 2 years.

Optional Benefits: Increase the weekly maximum to $600, $800, or $1,000.

Dependant Care Benefit

Not provided in the Standard Benefits, this optional coverage provides limited reimbursement for additional expenses to care for your dependant(s) if you are employed and injured in a car accident.

Standard Benefits: No coverage.

Optional Benefits: Up t $75/week for first dependant and $25/week for each additional up to max $150/week.

Death & Funeral Benefit

A lump sum payout to your spouse and dependant(s) in the event of your death, with a separate lump sum for funeral expenses.

Standard Benefits: $25,000 to spouse, $10,000 to each dependant; up to $6,000 for funeral expenses.

Optional Benefits: $50,000 to spouse, $20,000 to each dependant; up to $8,000 for funeral expenses.

Indexation Benefit

Not provided in the Standard Benefits, this optional coverage adjusts the sum of Accident Benefit payments for which you are eligible annually as per the CPI of Canada over the course of time for which you receive benefits.

Standard Benefits: Not included.

Optional Benefits: Adjust annually to CPI.

Tort Deductible

The amount deducted from a settlement or court award for pain & suffering.

Standard Benefits: $36,500 deductible applies to any settlement.

Optional Benefits: Reduced $20,000 deductible is available.

Injuries – Minor Injury Guidelines, Non-Catastrophic & Catastrophic Injuries

Some benefits are activated only when an injury is ‘catastrophic’. While the revised legal definition for ‘catastrophic’ is complex, the criteria includes traumatic brain injury, loss of ambulatory mobility, loss of vision, etc., injuries requiring extensive care and medical attention. Minor injuries include sprains, strains, whiplash, abrasion, etc., insured to a maximum limit of $3,500. Non-Catastrophic injuries lie in the area between the Minor Injury guidelines and the Catastrophic definition.

Third Party Liability Insurance

Your policy also provides Third Party Liability coverage to respond to claims brought against you for bodily injury and/or damage to property of others caused by an auto accident arising out of the ownership or use of your vehicle. With the new changes and reductions in the Standard Accident Benefits, we strongly recommend you also consider purchasing increased limits of Third Party Liability coverage under your auto policy and/or purchasing a Personal Umbrella Liability policy.

Contact our office to discuss your existing limits of insurance or to purchase additional optional coverages.

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]]> Holiday Office Hours https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/12/19/holiday-office-hours/ Wed, 19 Dec 2018 18:05:35 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1786 Like many of us, the team at Cade Associates is excited to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. As such, we will be operating with the following Holiday Hours: December 24th: 8am – 12pm December 25th – 28th: Closed December 31st – 8am – 2pm January 1st: Closed Our regular office hours will resume on January...

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]]> Like many of us, the team at Cade Associates is excited to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. As such, we will be operating with the following Holiday Hours:

  • December 24th: 8am – 12pm
  • December 25th – 28th: Closed
  • December 31st – 8am – 2pm
  • January 1st: Closed

Our regular office hours will resume on January 2nd.

Throughout the holiday season, please email clientservices@cadeinsurance.com for any time sensitive matters that require attention. In the event of a claim, please call (416) 723-1159 to reach our after-hours number or take a moment now to visit www.cadeinsurance.com/claims for information about how best to respond at the time of a claim.
In the event of an emergency, your Insurer maintains a 24/7 claims service phone number:

  • Dominion of Canada, Chieftain Insurance, & Travelers Canada
    • 1-800-661-5522
  • Intact Insurance & Jevco
    • 1-866-464-2424
  • Aviva Insurance & Elite Insurance Company
    • 1-866-692-8482

On behalf of the Cade Associates team, we wish each of you and your families a warm, peaceful and restful holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

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]]> Winter Maintenance Tips https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/12/15/winter-maintenance-tips/ Sat, 15 Dec 2018 09:00:05 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1750 Preparing your home or cottage for winter is an important annual ritual. For instance, did you know that adding insulation in your attic before winter arrives can help prevent ice dams? And don’t forget that tuning up your heating system now can help prevent more costly emergency repairs at the height of a storm, when it can be difficult to...

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]]> Preparing your home or cottage for winter is an important annual ritual. For instance, did you know that adding insulation in your attic before winter arrives can help prevent ice dams? And don’t forget that tuning up your heating system now can help prevent more costly emergency repairs at the height of a storm, when it can be difficult to find supplies and licensed contractors. The following winter maintenance tips can help you prepare your home and cottage to withstand another cold season.

Your Heating System

Before you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance. It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems.
Before Winter:

  • Have your furnace and other heating systems checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins.
  • Clean or replace any filters on forced hot air systems.
  • Have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year, with particular attention to removing creosote buildup from woodstoves and fireplaces.

During Winter:

  • Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.
  • Set your heat no lower than 14 degrees, as the temperature inside the walls where water piping is located is colder than the living spaces; open doors to unoccupied rooms to keep an even temperature throughout the home.
  • Maintain your wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Your Insulation

If your cottage is winterized, insulation provides an important line of defense from winter’s gusty winds and freezing temperatures, it is worth taking time to inspect and upgrade insulation and weather stripping before the season starts.

  • Add extra insulation in the attic to help guard against ice dams. If too much heat escapes into the attic, it can warm the ice and snow on the roof. When it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, leading to water damage or even a roof collapse.
  • Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.

Your Utilities

Freezing temperatures can be especially damaging to your plumbing. If your pipes aren’t drained for the winter, be sure to prepare them to withstand the cold.

  • Check for water leaks and fix problems immediately; wrap water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulate if it is exposed in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces or attics. Use only thermostatically-controlled heat tape if your water piping is plastic, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Learn how to shut off your water and know where your pipes are. In a freeze, you may be able to prevent water damage.
  • If traveling, set your heat to ensure the home stays warm enough to avoid freezing, or drain all pipes and appliances.

Your Winter Safety Measures

  • Trim trees and remove dead branches so they do not damage structures or cause injury if they fall due to ice, snow or wind.
  • Clear gutters of leaves, sticks and other debris to ensure melting snow can drain properly. Direct downspouts away from the foundation.
  • Repair steps and handrails for safety in ice and snow.
  • Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries for proper operation.

Key Supplies & Equipment

  • Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting compound to melt ice on walkways.
  • Service your generator or snowblower and store their fuel in approved containers, away from sources of heat.

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]]> Social Host – Understanding Your Liability https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/12/04/social-host-understanding-your-liability/ Tue, 04 Dec 2018 17:40:01 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1754 With the holiday season upon us, will you be throwing a party or celebrating a special occasion? Do you plan on serving alcohol?  If yes, while we wait for our invitation to arrive, let the Cade team discuss the liability exposure that comes with these events, and how to take steps to prevent an incident. Serving alcohol or facilitating its...

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]]> With the holiday season upon us, will you be throwing a party or celebrating a special occasion? Do you plan on serving alcohol?  If yes, while we wait for our invitation to arrive, let the Cade team discuss the liability exposure that comes with these events, and how to take steps to prevent an incident. Serving alcohol or facilitating its consumption beyond intoxication might result in your being held responsible in a liability claim where alcohol is a contributing factor.

What’s the Liability?

As a personal Host, you do have potential liability for bodily injury or property damage to third parties which arises out of the negligent serving or distribution of alcohol at your party, be it a small backyard BBQ setting, or a holiday gathering. The insurance provided by most home/condo/tenants insurance policies may protect you from a liability claim arising from a private social gathering in your home, but you should confirm this with your broker/agent first.

As a business or non-profit organization, it is very important that you review your insurance protection first with your broker or agent if you have any plans to host such an event. While some commercial insurance policies are able to accommodate an event involving liquor, additional information may be required to endorse the policy accordingly. In some cases, host liquor liability is expressly excluded and must be arranged by your Broker for your function.

Liability for claims arising out of social hosting can arise from many different avenues, including:

  • Server – Serving people past the point of intoxication;
  • Occupier – Whether you own the space or are temporarily renting the venue, you have responsibility for protecting the people on premises from harm;
  • Employer – You have a responsibility for your employees at staff functions.

Special Occasion Permit

Functions with more attendees, ticketed events, or those involving the sale of alcohol may require the purchase of a Special Occasions Permit. SOPs allow for the sale and service of alcohol on special occasions, and are required any time alcohol is offered for sale or is served anywhere other than in a licensed establishment (eg. bar or restaurant), or in a private place (eg. office or home). Special Occasion Permits are available from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (link) and are reviewed and approved based on the nature of your function.

Party Alcohol Liability Insurance

Party Alcohol Liability insurance is a low-cost policy, designed to provide protection when lawsuits are brought against individuals, organizations, or companies who host events with alcohol service. This is typically provided when you are in a situation where an SOP is required, such as weddings, stag & does, banquets, dances, socials, cocktail/Holiday parties, etc. Contact your Broker to request a quote.

Risk Management & Avoiding Issues

Here’s some advice for curtailing over-consumption of alcohol:

  • Be aware of the designated drivers in attendance. If other guests are unable to drive safely, the DDs may be able to help
  • Provide non-alcoholic drink and food options to all guests throughout the party
  • Implement a cut-off time for alcohol service, even at private functions. For example: stop serving alcohol some time before you expect your guests will leave. You may also serve other drinks, like coffee or tea, and encourage guests to have water.
  • Be prepared with excess cash to offer to pay for guests’ cab rides if necessary. You may also have extra space set up in your home to house last-minute overnight guests.
  • Have no reservations about asking for someone’s keys if you suspect they are too intoxicated to drive.
  • If alcohol service is being provided at a larger function, or one involving an SOP, ensure that servers are Smart Serve certified.
  • The legalization of cannabis adds an additional layer of complexity, as guests may mix intoxicants. Keep a keen eye on your attendees to watch for over-consumption.

What To Do In A Claim

In the event of a claim, here’s what to do:

  • Contact your representative at Cade as soon as possible.
  • Make a note of all the relevant details of the incident, including the date, time, witnesses’ names and contact information.
  • Don’t confess liability; always direct any discussions with the claimant to your insurer for further comment.

Whatever the occasion, be wary of how much your attendees are drinking. It is your responsibility to ensure your guests are having a good time in a safe manner. Take the lead on educating yourself and your team about what you’re responsible for when holding a party. Be prepared with several methods of getting your guests home safely if they are too intoxicated to drive themselves and others.

Get in touch with us today at clientservices@cadeinsurance.ca to discuss how to prepare for your next event.

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]]> Bubblers – Important Safety Considerations https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/11/04/bubblers-important-safety-considerations/ Sun, 04 Nov 2018 04:15:37 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1734 Important Safety Considerations for Bubblers With the temperature dropping, our thoughts turn to preparing our cottages for the cold and snow to come. For some, this means closing up the cottage until the spring. For others, it is a time to prepare for life on the lake during the winter. Regardless, we all do our best to prepare our properties...

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]]> Important Safety Considerations for Bubblers

With the temperature dropping, our thoughts turn to preparing our cottages for the cold and snow to come. For some, this means closing up the cottage until the spring. For others, it is a time to prepare for life on the lake during the winter. Regardless, we all do our best to prepare our properties to withstand the toughest weather Canada can throw at us. Some property owners have opted to give their waterfront structures a helping hand, through the installation of bubblers.

What Are Bubblers?

For those who are unfamiliar, ‘bubblers’ are a type of de-icing system, intended to prevent the build-up of ice at or around waterfront structures like docks and boathouses. There are several different types of systems, but generally these devices use air or propellers to create zones of agitated and warmer water to prevent ice from forming. Protecting our cottage properties is understandable and an increasing number of cottagers in Ontario are turning to these devices as part of their winter preparation.

However, if you are a regular bubbler user, or if you are considering installing one at your property, it is important to plan carefully and be sure that you are not contributing to a significant hazard on the lake.

Creating a Hole in the Water

Bubblers are often turned on and left largely unattended by property owners throughout the winter. Without careful planning, management and consideration of the nature of your waterfront area, your bubbler can de-ice a significantly larger portion of the water than is necessary to protect your property. This is especially true in shallow or sheltered areas, or when several bubblers are active near one-another, with multiple property owners inadvertently creating a massive hole in the ice, hundreds of feet in size. These holes in the ice can pose a serious safety risk to winter users of our lakes, especially at night or during storms with poor visibility.

Legal Implications

Section 263 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada is very clear that those who make or cause to be made an opening in ice are under a legal duty to guard the opening in a manner adequate to prevent persons from falling in by accident, and adequate to warn them that the opening exists. If you fail to perform these duties, the Code states that you may be found guilty of serious offences, up to and including manslaughter.

Risk Management Considerations

If you chose to operate a bubbler to protect your property, please make sure you are taking all steps possible to ensure the safety of all lake users and consider taking these risk management steps:

  • Place and angle your devices with care to keep the impacted area as localized as possible;
  • Talk to your neighbours to avoid doubling up in an area. It is possible that one bubbler will do the trick.
  • Equip your system with a thermostat or timer control. Running 24/7 creates oversized openings.
  • Place clear signs near the bubbling area, visible from all directions noting “Danger Open Water”.
  • Run an amber light to mark the hazard at night and during storms. Do not use a red light, as this can be mistaken for the brake lights of a snomobile and draw people towards the risk, rather than turn them away.
  • Monitor your property. If you cannot be present, have someone check regularly to ensure the system is operating, the effected area is appropriate in size, and that the warning lights and markers remain in place.
  • Where possible, a knowledgeable and experienced contractor should be used to configure the system.

Summer or winter, safety on the water is a top priority!

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]]> Canada Post Strike 2018 https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/10/22/canada-post-strike-2018/ Mon, 22 Oct 2018 09:00:48 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1728 As you are aware, as of October 22nd, 2018, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have commenced rotating strikes across the country. Your insurance documentation may be sent to you by email in the case of longer strike action. To ensure ease of communication, please email clientservices@cadeinsurance.com or call us at (416) 234-9980 with your preferred contact email address. With...

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As you are aware, as of October 22nd, 2018, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have commenced rotating strikes across the country. Your insurance documentation may be sent to you by email in the case of longer strike action. To ensure ease of communication, please email clientservices@cadeinsurance.com or call us at (416) 234-9980 with your preferred contact email address.

With strike action potentially interrupting regular mail service, please note the following:

  • Regardless of a Canada Post strike, your insurance premiums remain due on their normal schedule. As such, please be sure to contact our office to discuss payment methods and options.
    • If you ordinarily pay premiums by cheque, please note that we are configured for online banking payments with the major Canadian banks. Simply follow your bank’s instructions to add a payee and search for “Cade” or “Cade Insurance”. When prompted for your account number, please enter your Customer Code, which is found on your invoice. You may switch from cheque to online banking without first notifying our office.
    • If you ordinarily receive mail-based reminder notices from the Insurer with respect to your payment plan, these may not be available during the strike action.
    • Monthly pre-authorized payment plans will continue without interruption.
    • Annual credit card payments may continue to be made by calling our office.
  • There are some circumstances in which the Insurer would ordinarily send a registered letter for correspondence. In these cases, where necessary, the Insurer may use couriers.

As always, should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call our office at (416) 234-9980 to discuss.

 

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]]> Cannabis Legalizaiton in Canada https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/10/17/cannabis-in-canada/ Wed, 17 Oct 2018 08:00:07 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1725 On October 17th, 2018 Canada became just the second country in the world to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. While the implications of this legalization will be wide-reaching and have yet to be fully realized, there are some important insurance implications that you should keep in mind. Driving Safety Impaired driving remains an illegal act, whether the impairment is...

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On October 17th, 2018 Canada became just the second country in the world to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. While the implications of this legalization will be wide-reaching and have yet to be fully realized, there are some important insurance implications that you should keep in mind.

Driving Safety

Impaired driving remains an illegal act, whether the impairment is caused by alcohol or drugs, and is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada. With the legalization of cannabis, families are encouraged to discuss the dangers of drug-impaired driving with the same seriousness as drinking and driving has been approached in the past. New legislation allows Police to use approved drug screening devices, similar to their response when dealing with a suspected drunk driver. Remember that there is a zero-tolerance policy with respect to young and novice drivers.

For Auto Insurances purposes, a conviction for drug-impaired driving is comparable to a conviction for alcohol impaired driving. Both are considered Criminal Code offences and will result in significant premium surcharging or even declination of coverage. In no uncertain terms, driving while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol is unacceptable.

At Home

The new legislation allows Canadians to legally grow up to four plants per residence. Please note that this is a per residence limit and not a per person limit. If you are considering growing plants under the new legislation, please read the rules carefully to ensure you are in compliance. From a risk management perspective, growing can involve the use of specialized lighting or other equipment and licensed electricians should be consulted or used where necessary. As with any plant, growing inside your home can attract pests, which can cause a significant nuisance or even damage to the rest of your home. Cannabis plants in your home can also represent an allurement for ‘smash and grab’ style burglaries, meaning they should be stored out of sight and in a secured location. A monitored burglary and fire alarm system should be considered.

Each Insurer has their own approach to home-based growing, and we may be in touch with any specific underwriting questions or requirements your Insurer may have.

Host Liability

With the legalization of cannabis, hosts should approach service and consumption in the same manner as alcohol. As you may already know, whether you are hosting friends in your home or a work social event, you have potential liability for bodily injury or property damage to others, arising out of the negligent serving or distribution of alcohol. Hosts have been found responsible by the courts for the actions of their guests who consumed past the point of intoxication. If alcohol or cannabis will be consumed at your event, consider asking participants if they have a designated driver, ensure non-alcoholic beverages and food options are available, have cash on hand for cabs to prevent impaired driving, and keep a watch for over consumption or signs of intoxication. Call our office if you have any questions, or if you would like a quote for separate Host Liability Coverage for your event.

Travel

Despite some states having different rules, cannabis possession is still illegal under U.S. federal law – do not attempt to enter the United States with any cannabis. While there is some allowance while flying within Canada, cannabis is not permitted aboard international flights.

 

Insurance policies contain exclusions that apply when Insureds engage in illegal activity, so it is up to all of us to ensure we fully understand and adhere to the new laws of the land. To help, visit the following links:

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]]> Fall Home Maintenance Tips https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/10/12/fall-home-maintenance-tips/ Fri, 12 Oct 2018 02:36:38 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1708 While spring is a common time for many homeowners to spend some extra attention on upkeep and maintenance, autumn is just as critical a season for preparing your home to withstand the potentially harsh winter weather and temperature conditions that may await you. By making maintenance part of your annual fall routine you can identify potential problems before they arise,...

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While spring is a common time for many homeowners to spend some extra attention on upkeep and maintenance, autumn is just as critical a season for preparing your home to withstand the potentially harsh winter weather and temperature conditions that may await you. By making maintenance part of your annual fall routine you can identify potential problems before they arise, and help prepare your home and property for what Mother Nature has to offer. These tips are provided by Travelers Canada, the underwriter of the CottageFirst Insurance program!

Following are some home maintenance tips from our Risk Control professionals to help you prepare for the coming winter:

  • Have your heating system cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
  • Replace your furnace filter in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to freezing temperatures.
  • Check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters.
  • Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
  • Have your chimney cleaned and maintained by a professional. If you use a wood stove, check for wear and tear, corrosion, etc. and store your wood in a dry, cool area away from the wood stove and potential sources of ignition or pests.
  • Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under and behind the dryer. Remove lint and dust that may have accumulated inside the dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
  • Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets.
  • Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Confirm that it is fully charged and ready for operation.
  • Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure you have a smoke detector in each bedroom or sleeping area and also, a smoke detector in the hallway outside each sleeping area. You should also make sure you have at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.

The steps you take during the fall can help protect your home and property from more potentially expensive damage and emergency repairs in the colder months to come.

Original Article

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]]> Cyber Insurance – Protecting your Business or Non-Profit https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/04/12/cyber-insurance-protecting-your-business-or-non-profit/ Thu, 12 Apr 2018 19:45:39 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1597 Our world is digital, and the collection of valuable data brings with it a new and frightening exposure to business owners and organizations of every size.  A security breach in your computer system might cause drastic financial distress, but it could also bring a reputational hit, shaking the confidence of your clients or members and resulting in a much longer-term...

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]]> Our world is digital, and the collection of valuable data brings with it a new and frightening exposure to business owners and organizations of every size.  A security breach in your computer system might cause drastic financial distress, but it could also bring a reputational hit, shaking the confidence of your clients or members and resulting in a much longer-term impact than you might anticipate.

With the wide media coverage of the security breaches that have happened at larger corporations over the past few years, including Wal Mart, Target and Sony, small business and not-for-profit organizations still have a tendency to believe they are not a target for cyber criminals. As a result, they are hesitant to spend the necessary time and money to improve the security of their computer systems.   However, cyber attacks against small organizations is significantly on the rise, with small business accounting for over 70% of cyber breaches in Canada!   With easier access to small business, the hacker is aware that their hack into the computer systems of the unprepared small business could easily provide a doorway to not only confidential customer information, but also the back door into larger partner supply chains.

Whether the breach of confidential data is a result of an attack conducted by a sole hacker, an organized cyber-crime group, or by the accidental loss or theft of an employee or volunteer’s laptop or smartphone, the result of the breach will be costly to the organization, unless Cyber insurance has been purchased!

Cyber Insurance

The Canadian insurance market offers many choices for Cyber Insurance.  Often, the coverages may be selected and customized to meet the specific needs of the organization. Most commonly, a Cyber policy will provide two areas of protection:

  • First party coverage expenses – to cover the costs incurred by the organization, following a security hack. Costs and expenses typically covered by a Cyber policy include:
    • Crisis Event management: the cost to hire a specialized public relations firm to mitigate negative publicity and restore confidence ins clients/members/public
    • Notification Expense: the cost to notify every client/customer/supplier/business partner regarding the breach and, where applicable, the cost to provide them with credit monitoring services.
    • Investigation and Remediation Expense – the costs to hire a Breach Response firm to assist and restore/replace/reproduce computer programs that were damaged or destroyed by the hack/virus/breach
    • E-commerce extortion – to replace money paid by a business to an extortioner, in response to a threat that confidential information will be disclosed to the public.
    • Loss of Earnings – to replace lost earnings if the business operations are interrupted as a result of the breach.
  • Third Party coverage – providing legal defence to the business if a law suit is brought by disgruntled clients, customers, suppliers, business partners etc. that allege they have suffered financially as a result of the breach of their confidential information.

Businesses and non-profits will benefit from a tailored cyber insurance policy, and the customizable nature of this product means organizations of all sizes may find their fit in coverage and pricing.

Consider the following when purchasing Cyber Insurance:

  • Data – What is the nature of the data you hold? Is it primarily client/member contact details, or do you have more privileged information, such as medical, payroll, or credit card information. How many records do you retain?
  • Protection – What protection measures do you have in place for your data? Is your organization using cloud-based services, like OneDrive or Dropbox, or do you store your information locally on a physical server or computer? Are anti-virus and firewall programs running and actively updated? Do you have password protection measures and limit access to only those who require the use of the data?
  • Possible Loss – What is the possible scope of your loss? What is the potential damage to others if your data is breached? Would it be a loss of client email addresses, possibly some proprietary information, customer personal or business financial information, or private medical information, that could have serious ramifications?

Even when a breach involves only personal contact information (email addresses etc.) in which there is no evidence of resulting malicious activity, Canadian courts are awarding a minimum of $500+ per lost record. If you hold hundreds or thousands of records, this will easily result in a financially devastating loss. The addition of a Cyber Insurance policy to your commercial insurance portfolio will not only provide peace of mind, but also grant access to through your Insurance provider to professional resources that will provide invaluable assistance to your organization, not only at the time of loss, but proactively, to prepare and manage cyber risk in advance of any breach.

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]]> Young Drivers & Your Insurance Policy https://cadeinsurance.com/2018/04/03/young-drivers-your-insurance-policy/ Tue, 03 Apr 2018 17:04:53 +0000 https://cadeinsurance.com/?p=1583 You may have tried to deny it until now – but let’s face it, the kids are growing up. Just yesterday you were changing their diapers, and now they are on their way to driving your car. Getting a driver’s license is a huge step towards adulthood – and as a parent, you want your child to enjoy this new-found freedom in...

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]]> You may have tried to deny it until now – but let’s face it, the kids are growing up. Just yesterday you were changing their diapers, and now they are on their way to driving your car.

Getting a driver’s license is a huge step towards adulthood – and as a parent, you want your child to enjoy this new-found freedom in the safest way possible. Arranging appropriate auto insurance is an important part of this process. Here a few things to keep in mind when your child starts reaching for the keys.

Who Gets A Policy:

In Auto Insurance, the policy follows the ownership of the vehicle. If your child will be driving an existing family car when they get their license, they are to be added as a driver on your policy. Your auto insurer does require that they be aware of every licensed driver in the home, so regardless of how often you plan to let your child drive, you must notify your broker of the new driver.

If your child will be the owner of their own car, then a new insurance policy will need to be created in their name.

There are advantages to both options. Typically, it is less costly to add a new driver to an existing auto policy. That said, if your child has their own policy, then, if they are involved in an accident, their claim will have no impact on your own auto policy and insurance history.

Tips for Young Drivers:

Insurance costs have historically been higher for young drivers. And, while the statistical likelihood of these drivers being involved in a claim is much higher in their early years of driving, there are several ways to help mitigate the premiums for these drivers.

Enrolling your child in an accredited driver education course helps equip them with the skills they need and reinforces safe driving habits. Insurers recognize this by offering a driver’s training discount.

Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial in minimizing premiums related to young drivers. Remind your child to obey the rules of the road and avoid any distractions. Texting and driving, in addition to being extremely dangerous, can result in a ticket just the same as speeding or driving through a stop sign.

Some young drivers have enjoyed the benefits of telematics solutions on their policies. There are several options in the insurance marketplace, offering policies which use apps or devices attached to the car to track certain factors in the operation of the vehicle, such as rapid accelerations or hard braking. These optional programs offer a means of applying additional usage-based discounting that reward safer driving behaviours with reduced premiums. They have the added benefit of providing the driver with active feedback throughout the measurement period, meaning drivers can see how they are driving and adapt accordingly to try to improve their discount!

This is a very exciting time for your child, but can be an overwhelming process for parents. It is most important to remember to instill in your child the best driving practices and safe driving education. More than helping keep insurance costs down, it should (fingers crossed) give you some peace of mind while they are on the road!

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