Jewellery

Though you might be under the impression that jewellery is automatically protected by your home insurance, most policies have a maximum limit, typically around $6,000, which may not be enough for you.  If you have any particularly valuable pieces, or a notable assortment of jewellery, talk to your insurance Broker to ensure your policy is protecting you appropriately.

Artwork

Whether purchased or inherited, your collection of artwork may be covered by your home insurance, however the coverage is often limited and not sufficient for higher valued items or larger collections. There are excellent insurance products specifically designed for art collections that offer tailor-made coverage, through underwriters who specialize in the art community.  Insuring artwork requires not only a strong understanding of the necessary coverages, but also trained and qualified claims response teams to provide the proper repair/restoration expertise and settlement in a claim.  If you own any artwork, be sure to review this carefully with your Broker.

Wine & Liquor Collections

Home insurance policies may include coverage for a collection of wine and liquors in your home, but there is often a maximum limit that may not be sufficient to replace the value of your personal collection. If you are a collector of wines or liquors you should review this with your broker and don’t forget to mention any climate-controlled storage areas, if you have one or are considering adding one in your home!

Home Based Business

If you run your business from home, it is important to have a conversation with your Broker to be certain you have appropriate insurance. Your home insurance might already be sufficient, or may be updated to include your business insurance requirements.  However, in many cases, a specific business policy may be a better fit. If you have a notable amount of equipment in your home related to your business, if you have clients visit your home office, or if you frequently travel to your clients or suppliers place of business for your work, it is especially critical that you discuss all options available with your insurance Broker.

Loss Prevention Measures

Measures that you have taken in your home to help prevent damage to your property should be discussed with your Broker, since they may allow access to better coverage, higher limits of insurance, or even discounts to your premium. Loss prevention measures to reduce water damage in your home include installing a back-water valve and/or a sump pump with battery backup.  Centrally monitored alarm systems are valuable in reducing the possibility or the intensity of damage. Today’s alarm systems can be configured to provide early detection of fire, alerts of attempted break-in, sensor discovery of a sudden drop in interior temperature that might result in frozen water pipes, and even a change in water pressure which might indicate a leak in your water system – all excellent ways of potentially reducing damage. While there are an increasing number of web-enabled systems using your smartphone to monitor home systems, typically insurance companies acknowledge only alarm systems that are monitored 24/7 by a professional service when considering coverage and pricing.

Maintaining the proper insurance to provide the protection you and your family need to continue to enjoy your place of enjoyment and calm is important to us.  Take a hard look at your home and the things in it – are they all adequately covered?  If there are aspects of your insurance that require review, we want to help.  Visit https://cadeinsurance.com or email us at clientservices@cadeinsurance.com for more information.

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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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Whether used year-round or exclusively in the warmer seasons, the start of fall and the onset of cooler temperatures means that cottagers everywhere will begin their preparations for winter!  As we get started on these necessary chores to prepare our cottage before the snow flies, the following are a few important tasks that should be included on the ‘to do’ list to help reduce the chance of damage to your property!

Heating

As the temperatures start to drop, be sure to carefully check your heating system before activating it, especially if it has not been used this year. To avoid an unexpected fire, baseboard heaters in particular should be clear from furniture, window coverings and other items that might have collected nearby over the summer. If you are going to make use of a small plug-in space heater, first check your electrical system to be sure it can handle the draw.  Then, be very careful with its placement, and while it is on, never leave it unattended.

Woodstoves and fireplaces are beautiful ways of warming your cottage during the colder weather. Again, if you haven’t used either since last winter or early spring, take a moment to check the unit/fireplace and make sure it is clean and ready for use. Inspect the chimney stack for damage or loosening of any support straps and/or buildup of creosote, check your fire extinguishers, clear any ashes and remove any flammables from the surrounding area. Click here for more tips on the safe use of your woodstove or fireplace!

Water

If your cottage is used only in the warmer seasons, and you turn off all power and board it up for the winter, then much of your activities on closing weekend will be all about your water system! The water pump should be shut off and all plumbing systems and appliances should be drained completely of their water. By draining your system and all connected appliances, freezing damage is avoided and the process of turning the water on next spring is much easier (and dryer!).

For year-round cottagers, it is important that your water lines be protected from the elements and that your cottage maintains a minimum level of heat throughout the winter to prevent freezing temperatures inside. No two insurance policies are alike, but many Insurers still include a ‘freezing exclusion’.  We recommend that you confirm with your own insurance provider/agent/broker what exclusions exist on your own policy. Typically, if the temperature in your cottage falls below the level which would be sufficient to maintain reasonable heat, some policies will not respond to claims arising from the resultant freezing of the water pipes.  An unexpected power failure or furnace breakdown during your absence might cause considerable water damage, which may not be insured.  Some Insurers remove the ‘freezing’ exclusion if you install a monitored low-temperature alarm, and others if the owner takes ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure that the heating is operating properly while away from the property or coordinate regular visits by a reliable person. Regardless, year-round cottagers should speak with their broker/agent to review this exclusion as it relates to their policy.

Roofs

Eaves troughs and roofs should be cleared to allow for easy drainage of water and winter debris away from the roof and away from the cottage footings or foundations. While checking the roof before leaving, ensure that there are no areas at obvious risk of ice damming and that large overhanging branches are removed. Consideration should be given to hiring a contractor to clear snow off the roof throughout the winter, as heavy snow does put extensive strain on the roof and some insurance policies may not respond to collapse due to weight of snow or ice. Again, please review with your broker to be certain that your policy includes this important coverage.

Whether closing up for the season, or simply preparing for the cold, we wish all cottagers a fantastic Canadian winter ahead!

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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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This year, visitors to our booth will be invited to ‘Spin to Win’! Drop by our booth, spin the wheel, answer a simple quiz question about cottage life, and be entered into a draw to win a $250 gift card to Canadian Tire!

We will be at Booth #1278 in Hall 2 (near the food area!) and hope if you find yourself at the show, you will drop by and say hello!

For details about the show, tickets, and how to get there: CLICK HERE

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In an attempt to promote safe boating and as a benefit to members, Associations across the province have become increasingly involved in the marking of rocks and shoals in their areas. As with many other “Good Samaritan” activities, rock and shoal marking can unfortunately expose an Association and its members to the risk of being named in a legal action, alleging negligence.

According to Transport Canada, “in Canada, persons, organizations, corporations or other groups may place “private buoys” on the water to inform other mariners. When you place a private buoy, you are responsible for following Canada’s Private Buoy Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act.” An Owner’s Guide to Private Buoys is available on their website for your review and sharing. The document further confirms that “in the event of an accident, private buoy owners may also be found liable for any damages resulting from negligent operation and/or maintenance of the private buoy.”

In order to minimize and mitigate the risks associated with your Association’s rock & shoal marking, it is recommended that Associations take the following into consideration:

1. Ensure that the Insurer of the Association is aware of the activity. There is typically a small additional premium for such an exposure. It is, however, critical that the Insurer be aware that this activity is within your scope of operations.
2. Notify all members or property owners of buoy placement and removal dates.
3. Use the Transport Canada documentation to ensure the buoy used is approved, or refer to FOCA for additional information.
4. Disclaimers should be distributed where possible, such as in your newsletter. Such notices should point out that although an effort is being made to mark specific lake or waterway hazards, your Association is not responsible for ensuring all hazards are marked or continue to be marked. Be clear with the membership about the locations being marked and when they are being marked.
5. Ensure your members and property owners understand that, ultimately, every individual operator of a watercraft is responsible for safe boating, including the avoidance of hazards.
6. Ensure that any device used to secure the buoy anchor, chains, or ropes are safely secured during the offseason to prevent causing an additional hazard. These devices should not be made of material that may cause injury to surface users, such as ATV and snow machines or their passengers.
7. If your Association decides to stop marking a rock or shoal, or get out of the activity altogether, make sure you give your membership and property owners sufficient notice of your plans. The longer that the Association marks the rocks and shoals, the more precedent has been set, and the more notice and communication you should provide to community members.

If this marking is carried out by an individual and not on behalf of an Association, their homeowners liability policy could provide liability protection. However, it is important that these individuals confirm their coverage with their own Insurer or Insurance Broker.

The FOCA Association Insurance program offers coverage for Rock & Shoal marking, as well as many other activities usual to the operation of lake, land, and road organizations! For more information and to request a quote, visit www.cadeinsurance.com/foca, or call us at 1-844-CADE-1ST.

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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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In these few weeks before the May long weekend, plans for opening the cottage are getting underway.  As with every year, that first weekend of work up North can be a chilly one and most of us will be looking forward to getting a fire going.  Before that can happen however, it is important to make sure that your woodstove is in safe, working order and that you and your family are familiar with woodstove safety.

For your reference, we here at Cade have put together a list of some helpful information with respect to your woodstove so that you can be sure that you and your family have a safe and warm summer!

• Have your chimney cleaned at least once a year.  Depending on how frequently you use your woodstove (for example, are you using it just on chilly nights at your seasonal cottage or is it being used year-round), it might be a good idea to consider having your chimney cleaned twice a year.

• If you’ve just purchased your cottage property and do not know when the woodstove was last cleaned, be sure to have a professional come and inspect the chimney before you begin to use it.

• Before starting up that inaugural fire, inspect the woodstove’s chimney stack for damage.   Harsh winters such as this past one can affect the stability of the chimney which can lead to an unsafe woodstove.  Take the time to closely inspect the support straps in order to confirm that the chimney is straight and obstacle-free.  Replace any damaged materials and check the cap and screen to ensure that no critters decided to make your chimney their winter home.

• Keep a fully charged Class A fire extinguisher on hand and be sure to test all of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the cottage.

• Go over fire safety rules with your family.  Make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguisher is and what to do in case of an uncontrolled fire.

• Use properly dried hardwoods such as maple, beech, ash, hickory, or oak as the fuel for your woodstove’s fire.

• Do not use gasoline, charcoal starter fluid, or other flammable liquids to start your fire.

• Don’t let ashes build up in your woodstove.  A large buildup of ashes can eventually block the air intake from the draft registers and reduce the efficiency of your woodstove.

• For the extra ashes, have a metal container nearby and let them cool completely before disposing of them.

• Store wood and other flammable objects safely away from your wood-burning appliance in order to reduce the risk of fire.

Even if you take all of the above precautions, over time, burning wood leads to the buildup of Creosote.  Creosote can take the form of a sticky liquid, a flaky, black deposit, or a hard tar-like substance.  It is a highly combustible and unsafe material which, if left untended, can lead to a chimney fire.  The only line of defense against this byproduct is regular woodstove maintenance and cleaning.

By ensuring that you have your wood burning stove inspected by a WETT certified professional, you will gain piece of mind knowing that your woodstove is in optimal working order, is in good structural condition, and that it is burning in a way that complies with WETT standards and therefore does not compromise your and your family’s health and safety.

To all of you heading up North in the coming weeks, we here at Cade want to wish you a productive and pain free opening weekend.

Here’s to evenings around a safe and warm crackling fire!

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Along with the desire for hot cups of tea, warm blankets, and pumpkin pie comes the necessary steps of closing down your summer retreat for the winter.

In order to lessen some of the stress, we have created this brief To Do list for that last weekend trek up North this year:

• Shut off the water supply and drain the pipes – Drain all of the pipes, bail out any reservoirs (i.e. any water left in the toilet bowl), and allow the taps to ‘breathe’ by leaving them open over the winter.
• Unplug all electrical appliances and devices – In order to avoid any power surges and unwanted electricity bills, remove all plugs from their outlets.
• Turn off all heating sources – If the primary heat at your cottage is supplied by baseboard electric heaters or central heating, turn the devices or thermostats off or down to their lowest possible setting.
• Clean out any woodburning units – Remove all ash and any unburned pieces of wood from the unit.  Additionally, close the damper flue in order to keep the weather (and critters) out of your cottage.
• Make sure the kitchen is squeaky clean and left without a spec of food – In order to avoid visits from any four-legged friends, be sure to leave the kitchen clean and to remove any food.  If you are to leave any dry goods up at the cottage, make sure to seal them in an airtight glass or metal container.  Plastic is not as effective as small critters can often chew through.
• If you are able, remove any valuable items – It is a sad but true fact that thieves sometimes take advantage of the uninhabited nature of a closed cottage.  If you have storage room at your home, consider removing TVs, stereos, or other valuable items from the cottage.  If any high value items are permanently stored at the cottage, make sure to leave the windows covered so that no one is able to see in.
• Move outdoor items inside for the winter months – Canoes, barbecues, and patio furniture should be moved into a storage shed or, if space permits, into the cottage itself in order to avoid weather damage and/or theft
• Take photos of the cottage – Consider taking photos of the cottage as well as any additional structures for reference in case anything is to happen over the winter months.
• Complete any minor repairs to the cottage and detached structures – By doing this prior to the deep freeze of winter and eventual spring thaw, you will mitigate further damage.
• Cover any openings to the cottage – In order to prevent raccoons and other fury tenants from making your cottage their winter home, consider installing a cover over your chimney and any other openings such as the dryer flue that might serve as a pathway into your cottage.
• Consider hiring a local snow removal company – In order to avoid excess accumulation of snow and ice on your cottage roof over the winter months, arrange to have a local snow removal company come at least once in order to remove some of the heavy buildup of snow.
• If you do hire a local snow removal company, consider having them maintain the drive and walkways – In order to maintain easy access to the cottage, consider having snow removed from the drive and walkways.  By keeping the paths of access clear, the cottage will be easier to get to in case of an emergency.
• Ask a friend or neighbour who lives near the cottage or hire someone to check on the cottage property – If you are unable to make the trip up north over the winter months, consider having someone check on the cottage periodically in order to ensure that all is in order.  If something unfortunate has happened, from a fire, to a break-in, to a roof cave-in, the sooner you are made aware and can deal with the issue, the better.

We here at Cade wish all those with plans to close up their cottage in the coming weeks the best of luck.

Stay safe and enjoy the fall colours!

The post Simple Steps to Prepare your Cottage for Winter appeared first on Cade Associates Insurance Brokers Limited.

1. Woodstoves & Fireplaces
Opening weekend can be chilly! Before you fire up your wood stove or fireplace, make sure to follow these important steps

• Inspect your chimney and flue to ensure that all coverings have been removed and no blockages have built up over the winter
• Ensure your fire extinguisher is fully charged and nearby, and that your tools for handling fires, such as pokers and fireproof gloves, are close at hand
• Check all visible parts of your stovepipe and inspect for any signs of shifting, rust, or other deterioration
• Light a very small, controlled fire and test the flow of smoke through the chimney

Over time, burning wood causes a build-up of creosote in your chimney or stove pipe. Creosote is a highly combustible substance that, if left untended, can lead to a chimney fire. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned once every year or two to ensure the ongoing safety of your heating apparatus.

2. Eavestroughs and Water Flow

• Build-up of debris on your roof over the winter can lead to packed eavestroughs and other areas that assist with moving the flow of water away from your home.
• Be sure to clear out the eaves and remove any obstacles that may prevent water from safely flowing away from your home

3. Trees and Brush

• Any fallen branches and brush that has accumulated near the cottage should be cleared away
• If any trees are looking especially suspect for potential falls in the future, it may be time to have an arborist in to inspect the tree and advise on the best way to bring it down safely

4. Septic System

• Septic systems are less likely to cause back-up into your cottage than a municipal system. Regardless, it is important to have your septic system pumped and checked out every 2-3 years. Not only does this minimize potential future loss, but is also an important element of the management of your waterfront property and the impact of your cottage on the natural balance of the environment.

5. The Drive

• Opening weekends usually mean long hours of driving with cars full of people and cargo. Always exercise your best and safest driving practices. Be sure not to overload your car and to minimize distractions in the vehicle. If you are hooking up a trailer, be sure that the trailer lights are in full working order and that you are well aware of blind spots. As always, no texting and driving!

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