Education

We have been advised by Travel Insurance Co-ordinators that our clients concerns remain a top priority, particularly in light of the volcanic eruption in Grimsvotn,Iceland on 21 May 2011.
This event created an ash cloud that has been disrupting local and international flights.
Clients will recieve equitable settlements and prompt payment if they purchased trip cancellationand interuption policies before May 21 2011.
When you purchase Travel Insurance with TIC through Expo Insurance Brokers you should be aware that, coverage does not apply on these policies to “Known Events”.
The volcano eruption being such an event. Consequently coverage does not apply to any future travel disruptions as a result of the Known Event, which is consistant with the travel Inddustry practice in Canada.

More information will be made available at www.travelinsurance.ca

Expo Insurance Brokers Team.

Here’s Whats New For Ontario Drivers

On October 26th, 2009, the rules of the road changed in Ontario. Drivers can expect to face fines for talking, texting, typing, dialling or emailing on a hand-held cell phone. The law extends to any hand-held communications or entertainment devices. Laptops and DVD players cannot be in your field of vision.

Read the following ActNow article from Gore Mutual to learn more.

Expo Insurance Brokers Inc.

The type of coverage you require is based on a number of factors, including vehicle type, age, use and ownership. Some coverages are mandatory by law while others are optional. Physical damage coverage on the vehicle is optional if you own the vehicle but usually mandatory if you lease or have a car loan. Most coverages are subject to limits and deductibles just like your home insurance – you should be aware of what you have and what you might need.

Liability (mandatory) protects you if someone is killed or injured or their property is damaged. It will pay for claims against you up to the limit of your coverage including legal expenses and other costs of settling the claim on your behalf.

Accident Benefits (mandatory) provides benefits if you or anyone else covered under your policy are injured in an automobile accident, regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits include medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, funeral and death benefits.

Uninsured Automobile (mandatory) covers injury or death caused by a driver without insurance or by a hit-and-run driver.

Direct Compensation – Property Damage (mandatory) covers you in Ontario for damage to your car or its contents when another driver is responsible.

Collision or Upset insures for loss or damage caused by collision with another vehicle or object (like a traffic pole or curb). An example of “upset” is if your car rolls over.

Specified Perils covers very specific types of claims, as the name suggests. These include fire, theft, lightning, windstorm, earthquake and explosion.

Comprehensive includes all the perils insured under Specified Perils plus falling or flying objects and vandalism.

All Perils is the broadest of the physical damages coverage you can buy. It covers Comprehensive, Specified Perils, and Collision or Upset.

Loss of Use pays a specified daily amount allowing you to rent a car while your car is being repaired. If your vehicle is stolen and you have All Perils, Comprehensive, or Specified Perils coverage, your policy automatically offers up to $900 for alternative transportation (rental, taxi or public transit).

Family Protection Endorsement provides additional benefits if the other driver is at fault does not have enough insurance (or is unidentified). The limit of coverage is the difference between the liability insurance limit of your insurance policy and that by the driver at fault.

Did you know good drivers may qualify for accident protection so after the first at fault accident there is no penalty to their good driving record?

The bottom line is: review your policy carefully and discuss any questions or concerns with your insurance provider.

This article is intended as a guide only, and has been adapted from articles available on the Insurance Bureau of Canada website and Financial Services Commission of Ontario webiste. Visit ww.ibc.ca and/or www.fsco.gov.on.ca for more information.

Your broker works for you, not the insurance company. They are at your side when you buy or upgrade your insurance or if you have to make a claim.

The value of objective advice
Insurance brokers are business people whose success rests on your satisfaction with your coverage, price and service. It’s in their interest to understand your needs and negotiate on your behalf for competitive premiums–even if it means approaching several companies to find the right solution. Because your broker doesn’t work for the insurance company, he or she can also assist you with objective advice if you have to make a claim.

Get informed help when you need it most
The insurance industry has become more complex with its own language of terms, legal issues and subtle details.You need a knowledgeable expert at every stage of the process to interpret all the rules and what they mean for you.Your broker’s advice can also be invaluable as your insurance needs change and your requirements become more complex.

Don’t be afraid to ask!
When it comes to insurance, there is no question too basic. If there is anything you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask us. We are here to help.

Insurance can be confusing. With so many insurance companies offering different products and services, how do you know what’s right for you?

That’s where your independent insurance broker comes in. Your broker will do the work for you, collecting and explaining the various options available from different insurance companies. They’re your source of information and advice, someone who will look at the whole picture, identify any gaps in your coverage, put together a plan, and review it with you to make sure your insurance is growing with you.

Insurance brokers know about different products and prices, and can help you choose the right match for you. For example, did you know that you can often save money (and time) by combining your home and auto insurance? Your broker can help you build an insurance package that covers your needs, while providing the convenience of having only one payment and renewal date to think about.

Look around your home. Perhaps you run a small business out of your home. Did you know that your home insurance does not cover your business? An insurance broker can help you identify what type of home-based business coverage works best for you.

Consider other aspects of your lifestyle. Do you travel, own a cottage or require additional personal liability coverage (a must if you car-pool or drive your kid’s friends around)?

But insurance isn’t just about buying a policy. Take into consideration the service you expect to receive, especially after a claim. Your insurance broker can advise you on the different levels of service and guarantees provided by different companies. After all, while you hope you’ll never have a claim, you do buy insurance to protect yourself and your family against one.

So if you need information and advice about insurance, go to the professionals – your independent insurance broker. Your broker will work with you every step of the way.

The above article is a guide only.

A recent survey indicates that 90% of small businesses are woefully unprepared for disasters, and spend less than one day per month preparing and maintaining continuity plans.

Agility Recovery Solutions is offering IBAO Members a Free Webinar presented by Bob Boyd, Agility’s president and CEO. Learn how to minimize potential business interruption losses while, at the same time, implementing an effective disaster recovery plan. In addition, learn more about the turn-key ReadySuite membership that will provide your organization access to the four key elements of recovery: power, space, technology and connectivity delivered within 48 hours of any business interruption.

Choose one of the following dates:
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Time: 2 to 3 p.m. EDT
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Time: 2 to 3 p.m. EDT
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