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Ontario Brokers Welcome Crackdown on
Auto Insurance FraudFinance Minister Dwight Duncan announces targeted Budget initiative to benefit insurance industry
(Toronto, Ontario), March 29, 2011. Today, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) welcomes the Ontario government and Finance Minister Dwight Duncan on their continued support of Ontario’s insurance industry and small businesses. Today’s Budget highlights that the government will continue to target abuse and fraud in the auto insurance system. This announcement proves that the government remains committed to the insurance industry and consumer protection.
New auto regulations came into force in September, 2010. The Budget reminds Ontarians that these reforms directly targeted abuse and fraud in the auto insurance system, which increase costs and lead to higher premiums.
The budget also states that the government will build on these reforms by taking further immediate steps to reduce fraud. These include:
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working with the industry to use the newly established Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) database to detect potentially fraudulent activity;
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introducing new rules to ensure that treatments are provided as invoiced;
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establishing an auto insurance anti-fraud taskforce to determine the scope of auto insurance fraud in Ontario and make recommendations regarding detection, investigation, enforcement and consumer education; and
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requiring auto insurers to annually attest that their companies have established effective compliance controls to satisfy the rules that protect the rights of policyholders and accident victims.
“We commend Premier McGuinty and Minister Duncan on today’s Budget,” stated Randy Carroll, IBAO CEO. “Insurance brokers are committed to protecting Ontario consumers and keeping them informed. Today’s Budget announcement only reminds the insurance industry of the need for us to all work together to protect Ontario consumer interests.”

-The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is a ‘not for profit’ association that represents and serves the interests of over 11,400 independent Property & Casualty Insurance Brokers in the Province of Ontario. For information about IBAO, visit www.ibao.org or www.ibao.org/blog to receive timely news and information updates. You can also follow IBAO on Twitter or join the IBAO Facebook Fan Page.

Axa Clients Claims Service Network.
Clients of Expo Insurance Brokers Inc, insured with Axa INS Company, after a claim have access to the Axa Advantage Claims Network.
The Axa Advantage network is comprised of certified collision repair shops which have been specially selected to provide consistent, high quality service. They are committed to provide, excellent customer service. Licensed technicians with up-to-date collision specific training and state of the art repair and diagnostic equipment.

Axa Insurance guarantees the repairs for as long as you own your vehicle.

In Ontario the Axa Advantage Network:

Assured Automotive
Carstar Quality Collisions Service
Fix Auto

For more information please contact our office and speak with your customer service representative at Expo Insurance, Debbie Long Ext 227 or John Kotarski at Ext 223.
Expo Insurance Brokers Inc.

Protect Your Home from Water OverflowBrokers provide Ontarians with useful tips to limit water damage during rainy season
(Toronto, Ontario), September 30, 2010. Today, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is providing Ontarians with helpful information in regards to safeguarding their homes from water damage during this lengthening rainy season.
Climate change has caused an influx of precipitation over the past weeks and it is scheduled to continue in the upcoming weeks. It is important that home owners are diligent in ensuring their home and property can withstand the increased water flow to the best of their ability.
Conservation Ontario deems flooding as one of the leading causes of public emergency in the province. Although impossible to control the weather, IBAO encourages Ontarians to take control of their own homes by making a few simple changes that will significantly reduce the negative effects of flood damage.
“Safe guarding your property from potential flood damages and ensuring you know what to do before and after a flood occurs is essential in the protection of yourself, your family and your property,” said Randy Carroll, IBAO CEO.
Here are some tips to protect your home and property from flooding:
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If the area you live in is susceptible to sewer back-up, make sure your home has a back-flow valve and plugs for drains, toilets and other sewer connectors installed.
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If you don’t have a sump pump, install one. If you do have a sump pump, test it to make sure it is working. Because severe weather often causes a hydro interruption, it makes good sense to install a battery back-up device for the sump pump or keep a small gas generator to power critical electrical circuits. Both of these devices are available at a reasonable cost from any building supply or hardware store.
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If you have an unfinished basement, we suggest you store items in plastic containers or on shelving at least 12″ off the floor.
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Ensure your window wells are clear of leaves and debris and by periodically checking your foundation for signs of wear, tear and cracks. Keep eaves and downspouts clear of debris and make sure water flow is directed away from the foundation. If your building code in your area permits it, have the downspouts connected directly to your weeping tiles or sewer drain.
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In winter, keep snow away from the foundation to reduce surface water during sudden spring thaws and winter rains. Areas around ground level windows and window wells should be clearly regularly.
“We urge all Ontarians to take the necessary precautions during this time of year to protect their property from the heavy rain falls,” added Carroll. “Insurance brokers are fully committed to informing Ontarians and keeping them safe.”

Please be advised Expo Insurance Brokers Inc, will be closed Monday May 23 2011,
for the Long weekend.

Wishing all our clients a Happy and Safe May 24 weekend.

Expo Insurance Brokers Team.

Expo Insurance Brokers as a member of this community is proud to assist the Mississauga Temple of the Salvation army this holiday season.
The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in Mississauga, by providing practical assistance like food and clothing for children and families, offering shelter to people who don’t have a home and rehabilitation to those who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

Together we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.

If you can help, please visit www.mississaugatemple.com
Expo Insurance Brokers Inc.

Expo Insurance Brokers is proud to support the Yonge Street Mission during it’s Touch a Life and provide a Christmas Dinner.
The Young Street mission helps to provide hot meals and other essential services to hungry,homeless and hurting people in the Toronto area each Christmas and helps throughtout the year.
They are making the difference in the lives of many.
Please help support the Yonge Street Mission if you can.
www.ysm.ca or call 1 800 416 5111
Expo Insurance Brokers.

HOLIDAY HOURS OF OFFICE OPERATIONS 2010

Tues Dec 07th Office closed at 1:30 p.m.
Fri Dec 24th Office Closed at 1:00 p.m.
Mon Dec 27th Office Closed
Tues Dec 28th Office Closed
Fri Dec 31st Office Closed 2:00 p.m.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Expo Insurance Brokers.

Changes to Ontario Auto Insurance give you the consumer more Choice.

On September 1, 2010, changes are coming to auto insurance in Ontario. Additional accident benefit choices will allow you to customize your policy to suit your needs. These choices, will give you greater influence over the price you pay for insurance. Pricing will vary based on the benefits YOU purchase.

These reforms and new benefit choices take effect Sept 1, 2010. Your policy will remain unchanged until your next renewal. At that time, you will need to contact our office and advise us, what you would like for coverages and discuss your options.

We encourage you to read the documents, you will soon get in the  mail from your insurance company. Carefully review all the changes as your coverages will be effected.

Stay tuned for more information. For specific information call our customer service representatives at Expo insurance brokers,or for general information try the Insurance Bureau of Canada at www.ibc.ca

Expo Insurance Brokers Inc.

Your credit score is a snapshot or summary of your financial health at a specific point in time. Equifax and Trans Union are two large credit reporting agencies here in Canada. They use a scale that starts at 300 and goes all the way to 900 in determining your score. The higher the score on the scale the better you look to lenders. Remember that high numbers indicate lower risk for the lender.

A higher rating increases your ability to borrow money through a financial institution and qualifying for financing at a preferred rate. Healthy credit is important when applying for a line of credit, mortgage or car loan.

Variables such as outstanding debt, spending patterns and payment history are used to determine your individual credit score.

Ways to increase your credit score and look good to a lender, pay your bills by the due date.Pay your debt off in full or at very least meet the minimum payment on your credit card. Keep in mind each time you open or apply for credit it effects your credit score.

Recent changes in Ontario prohibit Auto Insurance Companies from using individual credit scores to rate  auto insurance which would effect your final premium.

Expo Insurance Brokers Inc.

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED For Cysticfibrosis.

CarStar Location 2795 Argentia  Rd Mississauga

Join us on Saturday, June 12th for CARSTAR’s 7th annual Soaps it Up for Cystic Fibrosis National Car Wash.

Purchase your advance tickets online today or make a donation to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

TICKETS ARE A MINIMUM OF $5

Visit www.carstar.ca and click the Soaps it Up icon to see how you can help.

To date, CARSTAR, its franchisees and partners have raised more than $1.7 million in funds for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through this event and other initiatives.

For more information about cystic fibrosis, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.

Help us make every breath count!

Carstar Quality Collision Mississauga is Happy to Be Part of the Team.