Thinking of buying an
off-road vehicle? You should know that your home insurance policy won't
cover it. If you want to insure it against accident or theft, you'll need to
buy an automobile insurance policy. And, before you start off-roading, the law
stipulates that you must purchase at least $500,000 in liability insurance from
an automobile insurer for any damage that could be caused to a third party by
the vehicle.
And remember that young people under the age of 16 are not allowed
to drive off-road vehicles, while those aged 16 and 17 must hold a certificate
of competency. Visit the Transports Québec website to find out about the other
requirements for driving off-road vehicles.
If you're looking for information about buying insurance (coverage, choice of
protection or rates) or need help purchasing insurance or settling a claim, you
can contact the
Insurance Information Centre at no charge. Centre agents will be
pleased to provide information, advise you and guide you every step of the way.
The Information Centre has been a handy reference source for all
questions about car and home insurance for over 35 years.
A good way to remind yourself to renew your car and home insurance policies is
to jot down the due dates in your agenda or calendar. That way you can contact
your insurer to let him know about any changes that might affect your coverage.
To help you, take the quiz and find out about some important information that
you can provide when renewing your
automobile and
home insurance coverage.
Just remember that, while your car insurance is renewed
automatically, your home insurance is not.
Would you know what to do to
speed up settlement of your claim if a disaster damages your home?
First, speak to your insurer before you make any permanent repairs and don't
throw anything away before the claims adjuster sees it, provided the damaged
property is not a health hazard. Also take the time to draw up a list of any
items that were damaged, destroyed or stolen, and document every claims
settlement request with proof of ownership of the items for which you're making
a claim.
Your insurance company's claims adjuster will evaluate the value
of the property damaged and establish the replacement or reimbursement terms
with you, depending on the policy you purchased.
Mother Nature can strike anytime, anywhere, and create an emergency situation.
In winter, for example, there's always the possibility of an ice storm which
can cause major power outages. When a disaster strikes, we need to be able to
look after our needs and those of our family, for at least 72 hours, while we
wait for help to arrive - or until things return to normal. Be prepared and
have an emergency
kit handy, which includes water, non-perishable goods, a pocket lamp, a
radio and batteries.
And make sure you can take your emergency kit with you should you
have to evacuate.
When you're behind the wheel, there are several potential sources of distraction
that can affect your concentration and increase your chances of having an
accident. You need to keep your eye on the road at all times and both hands on
the wheel. Reading a map, text messaging, changing the music volume, adjusting
your car seat, eating or drinking, even talking on your cell or chatting to a
passenger, are all potential
distractions.
Did you know that the Joint Report is
30 years old? Simple and easy to complete, this tool has been used since 1979
for collisions not involving bodily injury. Therefore, there's no need to call
the police if you've been involved in a fender bender! Once you've completed
the Joint Report, you should notify your insurer or broker and send him a copy
of the Joint Report. Your insurer will then assess the damage and your
indemnity should then be on its way. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner
it'll be settled.
Order your copy of the Joint Report
Your daughter is moving to another city to continue her full-time studies. Did
you know that, as your dependent, she is still covered under your home
insurance policy? However, if she owns a car or uses yours, don't forget to let
your automobile insurer know about the move, since place of residence is a key
factor in determining the insurance premium.
There are always many details that need to be taken care of before
the school year begins. Make sure you don't overlook the issue of insurance.
Doing some home renovations? You've planned all the stages of this project
carefully. But have you thought to let your home insurer know about the changes
you're making? Home improvements can
affect your premium, whether upward (for example if you purchased furniture or
made renovations which increased your home's reconstruction costs or the value
of the goods insured in the event of loss) or downward (if you updated the
plumbing or electrical system).
It's important that you update your insurance policy following a
home renovation to make sure you're completely covered in case of loss.
You may not think you need to declare a fender bender to your insurer should you
decide to cover the cost of the repairs to your vehicle yourself. You'd be
wrong! You are required to report the accident. You should also know that the
accident could be recorded in your file at the Fichier
central des sinistres automobiles (FCSA), a database that tracks
claims, if the other driver reports it to his insurer. If so, your insurer will
find out about the accident when it consults your FCSA file and only have the
other party's version.
Better to declare the accident yourself to your insurer even if
you don't file a claim. You can then give your version of the accident to your
insurer who will establish your level of responsibility.
Your home insurance policy is up for renewal. You take a quick glance at your
belongings and realize that you really don't own that much and, what's more,
that there's nothing of great value. So you seriously consider cutting this
expense from your budget. But, before you make a decision, you should know that
your insurance policy doesn't only cover your belongings. It also provides
civil liability coverage. With this coverage, your insurer could pay for
damages you may involuntarily cause and for which you may be held responsible.
One more thing. Take the time to do a complete inventory of what you own. You'd
be surprised what it might cost you to replace all your belongings following a
disaster.
There is a way you can reduce your home insurance premium. You can
either raise the deductible or have the same company insure both your car and
your home.
Is your car among the 10 most frequently stolen cars in Canada? If you'd like to
find out, check the list of the
"Top 10 Most Commonly Stolen Vehicles". If your car did make the list,
don't panic! Instead, why not install an anti-theft system recommended by your
insurer or purchase a steering wheel wedge bar. You can also have some of your
car's parts engraved with an identifying number.
Not only do these measures give you peace of mind, they can also
lower your automobile insurance premium. Speak to your insurer or broker today!
Would you know what to do if you were to face a loss? Say you were robbed or
your home were to catch fire. What steps would you need to take to settle your
claim faster? Click here
for tips for easier claims filing.
You'll learn that, in the event of a fire, not only would you have
to call your insurer or broker, you'd also need to contact your mortgage
lender.
Were you aware that as the owner or manager of a building, you are responsible
for maintaining your building? According to the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec,
you must take the necessary steps to make sure that snow is removed from roofs
and balconies. Also, snow and ice build-up on your property must not present a
risk for the safety of occupants or passers-by.
Never decide to 'wing it' as a snow remover! We urge you to hire a
qualified professional to handle this task, one who has the right equipment and
adequate third-party liability coverage.
Acts of God are often said to be uninsurable. Actually, this is not true. In
fact, losses that result from most natural disasters are insured. Lightning
strikes, tornadoes and hurricanes are insured risks, whether you have a
standard policy or an "all risks" policy. However, certain losses caused by
snowstorms or freezing rain are only covered under an "all risks" policy.
Coverage is even available for sewer backup or earthquakes.
In fact, the only uninsurable risks are losses resulting from
overflowing bodies of water (defined as a flood) and earth movements (such as
landslides).
As we head into the holiday period, many of us will be running around at the
last minute buying gifts. During this busy shopping period, we tend to leave
our purchases on the back or front seats of our car. Be careful! A gift in
plain sight is an invitation to steal.
Don't make it easy for thieves! Put your parcels in the trunk.
Winter is just around the corner! Winter tires are now mandatory in Quebec from
December 15 to March 15. With climate change a real issue in recent years,
winter tires can take some of the worry out of winter driving as they provide
better traction on snow covered roads.
To find out more about snow tires and their use,
click here
Mother Nature wreaked havoc on several occasions this year, creating major
headaches for thousands of consumers. Whenever this happens, we always ask
ourselves whether the damage is covered by our home or car insurance policy.
How comforting it is then to know that most home insurance policies do cover
damage caused by hail or that it is possible to get sewer backup coverage by
adding an endorsement to one's policy.
Be well-informed to be well-insured. For more information on
coverage for natural disasters,
click here.
Moving soon? What better time to take a home inventory! This useful record will
come in very handy for establishing or reviewing the insurance coverage you
need to insure all your belongings. And what's more, in the case of a fire or
theft, it could also be very helpful in showing what you owned and speeding up
payment of your claim.
Download a copy of the Property Inventory now by
clicking here. We advise you to keep your inventory, bills and photos
in a safe place outside your home.
Have you decided to install a swimming pool or spa? Be aware that swimming pools
and spas are not automatically part of your ensured goods. They must be
protected by a rider (additional coverage added to your insurance policy).
Don't forget to speak with your insurance company or broker to
make sure you have appropriate coverage in the event of a claim!
Spring is just around the corner! The mild weather-a welcome change from the
harsh winter-can cause water damage in some regions. You should know that
damage caused by water infiltration and sewer overflow or back-up are covered
in some home insurance contracts through additional coverage commonly called
"Home Insurance Rider-supplementary water damage insurance."
Contact your insurer or broker to find out if your home insurance
policy includes such coverage.
Are you starting to feel that winter has been dragging on just a little too
long? Are you considering a week down south to recharge your batteries? Before
you leave, give your home that lived-in look during your absence.
Install a timer for your lights and ask a neighbour to pick up
your mail and newspapers, as well as shovel your front walk and driveway.
You'll then be able to take off and enjoy a carefree holiday!
In Quebec, a car is stolen every 14 minutes. Is your car among those most often
targeted by thieves? To find out, consult the
Top 10 most stolen cars in Canada.
If your car is on the list, equip it with an approved electronic
ignition interlock system.
Are you aware that there may be a cap on the coverage for your computer
software, computer games, CDs and DVDs? To make sure your prize possessions and
collections are properly protected, be sure to talk to your insurer or broker.
Click here for details on
special coverage for special property.
Winter is already on our doorstep, bringing with it several adjustments to our
daily routines-including how we approach winter driving conditions. In view of
the climate changes we have experienced over the last few years, the use of
winter tires has become absolutely essential. These tires provide us with
better traction on Québec's snow-covered roads. To find out more about winter
tires and their use, click here.
This winter driving season, be sure to do something about your
personal safety: install winter tires on your car.
Is your auto or home insurance policy about to come up for renewal? Remember:
it's important to let your insurer or broker know about any changes that could
affect your policy so you can make sure you are adequately covered.
Click here for a quick
questionnaire that will help you determine what kind of information needs to be
shared with your insurer or broker.
It's back-to-school time and your teenager is moving to another city and into
their own apartment. Are they still covered under your insurance or do they
have to get a separate policy to protect their belongings against fire and
theft? You will be relieved to know that your home insurance still covers your
child's property and civil liability, even if they live elsewhere temporarily,
such as during the school year. It is important to note, however, that coverage
is limited to 10% of the value of the policy.
Feel free to contact your insurer or broker for more information.
You've finally decided to install a swimming pool or a spa. But have you checked
with your insurer or broker to find out whether your home insurance policy
covers them? Indeed, since a swimming pool is not a standard property item, it
requires special coverage.
For further information,
click here. And please don't forget to discuss this with your insurer
or broker.
You've just moved. Now is a good time to make a list of your belongings. This
list will be of great use to you in the event of a theft or disaster. In
addition to accelerating the handling of your file in the event of an
unfortunate incident, this inventory will play a key role in helping determine
the amount of insurance coverage you need.
So, don't wait any longer! Go to the
Documentation section and download your inventory now. We also advise
you to keep your inventory, invoices and photos outside your home.
NEW!
Confused about your home and automobile insurance? Don't know what is
covered-and what is not? Not sure what to do if an accident strikes? Wondering
what different kinds of coverage are out there? For answers to your questions,
along with some handy tips on accident prevention, have a look at our brand-new
guide, All About
Automobile Insurance -
All About Home Insurance. It's an invaluable tool for anyone
who needs more information on home and auto insurance.
Click here to access the electronic version
of the guide or order your free copy by
visiting the "Documents" section of our site.
You are the victim of a collision in which no one is hurt. What do you do?
Should you call the police? In Quebec, the procedure for settling an automobile
accident is fairly simple. In the case of a collision in which no one is hurt,
fill out the Joint Report and notify your insurer. A damage estimate will then
be done and compensation should follow shortly. The sooner you declare an
accident to your insurer, the sooner it will be settled.
Consult our Documents section to order your Joint Report today and
ensure quick settlement of a collision in which no one is hurt.
Are you starting to feel that winter has been dragging on just a little too
long? Are you considering a week down south to recharge your batteries? Before
you leave home, ask someone whom you can rely on to check each day that your
heating system is working properly. If you don't, you may not be compensated
for any damage caused by a burst pipe.
In addition, give your home that lived-in look during your
absence. Install a timer for your lights, and ask a neighbour to pick up your
mail and newspapers, as well as shovel your front walk and driveway. You'll
then be able to take off and enjoy a carefree holiday!
Wintertime can rekindle our romantic inclinations, especially if we heat our
home with wood. If you are thinking about installing a wood heating system or
if you already have one, we would advise you to consult
A Guide to Residential Wood Heating. The guide will help you
make a wise choice among the many heating appliances on the market!
Talk to your insurer before installing your new wood heating
system and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Winter is already on our doorstep, bringing with it several adjustments to our
daily routines-including how we approach winter driving conditions. In view of
the climate changes we have experienced over the last few years, the use of
winter tires has become absolutely essential. These tires provide us with
better traction on Québec's snow-covered roads. To find out more about winter
tires and their use, click here.
This winter driving season, be sure to do something about your
personal safety: install winter tires on your car.
It's back-to-school time and your teenager is moving to another city and into
their own apartment. Are they still covered under your insurance or do they
have to get a separate policy to protect their belongings against fire and
theft? You will be relieved to know that your home insurance still covers your
child's property and civil liability, even if they live elsewhere temporarily,
such as during the school year. It is important to note, however, that coverage
is limited to 10% of the value of the policy.
Feel free to contact your insurer or broker for more information.
You're planning to buy a new car but not sure whether you should select a SUV or
a sedan. After consulting a number of insurers, you realize that, even if the
two vehicles are offered at the same price, the insurance premium for the sedan
is the lowest of the two. Why? Because AWD Sports Utility Vehicles are targeted
by thieves and therefore costlier to insure.
To find out which factors influence the level of your insurance
premium, consult the Automobile section under the heading "Tips" before you
buy. Drive safely!
You've just moved. Now is a good time to make a list of your belongings. This
list will be of great use to you in the event of a theft or disaster. In
addition to accelerating the handling of your file in the event of an
unfortunate incident, this inventory will play a key role in helping determine
the amount of insurance coverage you need.
So, don't wait any longer! Go to the
Documentation section and download your inventory now. We also advise
you to keep your inventory, invoices and photos outside your home.
Summer has arrived and the sunny streets are stirring you to modify your car.
You're thinking about replacing the muffler and the safety belts, tinting your
side windows, increasing the power of your engine or installing a spoiler.
Before you start your project, contact your insurer or insurance broker in
order to make sure the work you want to do is both permitted and covered. You
might be surprised to find out that by not declaring modifications to your
vehicle, you could compromise the benefits to be paid in the event of a claim.
It's better to consult your insurer before rather than after
starting work.
Finally, the spring/summer season is just around the corner! Since January,
you've been thinking of the sun and dreaming about installing the pool of your
dreams, redoing the roof on your home, extending your kitchen or adding a
solarium to your living room. Before you start any work, we suggest that you
contact your insurer or broker to determine the scope of your coverage. You may
be surprised to find out that improvements such as modernizing the plumbing or
upgrading your roof could reduce your premiums!
It's a good idea to contact your insurer or broker before rather
than after you start any work.