Safety First
The safety of you and your passengers is the top priority after a collision. Turn off your car and check that everyone is safe. If you feel as though anyone’s safety is at risk, or if someone has been seriously injured, call the police and emergency services right away. Then take a moment to consider your vehicle – are you in an unsafe place; is your car drivable; is anything leaking from the vehicle? If your car can be moved, drive to a place of safety out of the way of traffic.

Who to Call
Once you are in a safe place, call us at (416) 234-9980. One of our brokers will help you through the next steps. After-hours, our voicemail or www.cadeinsurance.com/claims will tell you how to get in touch with us, or your Insurer directly, or you can look at your liability cards which will have your Insurer’s 24/7 claims number.

Gathering Information
Be sure to exchange information with other drivers that are involved in the collision. You should collect their contact information, insurance information (policy number, insurer), and type of vehicle. This needs to happen no matter who is ‘at fault’. If possible, take photos of the vehicles from all angles to help with the claim process.

Collision Reporting Centre & Towing
If the police did not attend the scene of the collision, or attended, but did not make a formal report, you will need to visit a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours if your vehicle is safe to drive. If a police report was already created at the scene, you can take your car home or directly to a repair shop.

However, in many cases, it is not safe to drive a car that was recently in a collision. If this is the case, you should arrange for your vehicle to be towed to the Collision Reporting Centre closest to your home or to your preferred auto repair shop. We do not recommend allowing the Tow Truck Operator to choose where your vehicle will be taken. Resources such as www.accsupport.com, or www.cadeinsurance.com/claims can help you select which Collision Reporting Centre is best for you. The tow truck driver should wait at the Collision Reporting Centre while you make your report, and then take you and your vehicle to your home or your preferred repair shop. 

Do not accept any supplementary services from the Tow Truck operator, such as a rental vehicle, before speaking to your broker or insurer. If you must take a rental right away, make sure it is from a large, reputable rental company (eg. Hertz, Enterprise, Discount, Budget, etc.)

Repairs
Once the claim has been reported to your Insurer, an adjuster will be assigned to your claim who will reach out to you to explain next steps about repairing your car.

Insurers often have ‘preferred shops’ which they have vetted for quality and service levels, and who are often able to work more quickly with the Insurer’s claims team. The work done by the Insurer’s preferred shops are typically guaranteed by the Insurer. However, you are completely free to choose where to send your vehicle for repairs.

Once you have chosen a repair facility, you may request they prepare an estimate for the work, but do not sign any work orders or authorize work to begin until you’ve discussed the claim with your insurer. If you are not working with a ‘preferred’ shop, your insurer may first need to send an appraiser to examine your vehicle to approve the garage’s estimate.

During the time your car is under repair, your policy may allow for a rental vehicle, which should be discussed with our office or the adjuster.

In some cases, the cost to repair might surpass the value of the vehicle. If this is the case, your insurance adjuster will contact you to discuss the details of the settlement. When considering ‘a total loss’ of a vehicle, the Insurer’s settlement will be calculated using industry standards and will include evaluation factors such as the comparison of vehicles available in the market of similar age, make, model, and use (km), and remaining salvage value.

Although we hope this is never a situation you find yourself in, remembering these key steps
can help simplify the process and avoid undue stress. The Cade Associates team is here to offer the best advice and service for you and your family, especially in tough times like these. To find out more about your coverage or the procedures you should take following a car accident, email us at clientservices@cadeinsurance.com.

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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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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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Resultant damage caused by the freezing of any plumbing, heating, air conditioning systems or other household appliance in your home or cottage can cause serious havoc to you and your family, and often a significant financial impact if it is not insured. It is important therefore to understand that there are steps that should be taken to minimize the potential for loss. While we are all able to prepare for scheduled departures from our home, an unanticipated power outage or equipment failure during our absence will leave the home vulnerable to unexpected freezing temperatures. To prevent water damage resulting from freezing temperatures, if you are considering a trip during the winter months where the home will be unoccupied, we recommend you either:

• Ensure your plumbing system is shut off and the water is drained from all appliances; or
• Arrange for someone to enter and check your home every day while you are away to ensure heat is maintained and no issues are apparent.
• If you have a centrally monitored alarm system for fire/burglary, we also encourage you to consider adding a low temperature alarm sensor as part of the monitored service.

While this is a generalization of an exclusion common across most Insurers, it not identical to every property owner. Be sure to speak with us if you have any questions about this exclusion or the specific coverages of your policy.

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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)

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