Home Insurance

Bill C-6 was recently passed, mandating the Canadian Union of Postal Workers back to work as of 8:30 pm today June 27 2011.
Insurance companies will return to normal mailing on June 28th 2011. In the meantime should you require documents on your insurance policies place through Expo Insurance Brokers Inc please feel free to contact our office and we will do our best to provide you with copies of your documents untill original’s arrive to your home by post.

For immediate customer service contact Debbie Long at Ext 227 Joh Kotarski at Ext 223 or Thomas Monizusko at Ext 225

Regards
Expo Insurance Brokers Inc

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.

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.”

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is coming into effect on July 1st 2010 here in Ontario. Several clients have called into our office with questions about how the HST will affect their insurance premiums.

The HST will not affect property or automobile premiums. The 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) will remain on property while automobile premiums will continue to be exempt.

Details as to all items that will be effected by the new tax can be found at http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/index.html

Have a fantastic day

Expo Insurance Brokers

Are you planning a winter escape this year ?

Don’t forget to take some easy quick steps to protect your home from a potential water damage claim. Before leaving, set  your thermostat at a appropriate temp , we don’t want a pipe to freeze and burst causing water damage. Have a friend or family member check on your home daily to ensure the furnace is working. More simple tips can be found at “Protecting your Home from Water Damage” download PDF

Please also feel free to call our office and talk to one of our Customer service representatives at any time with questions.

Expo Insurance Brokers

Limits, deductibles, amount of insurance… what does it all mean? Why don’t insurance companies speak in a language we understand?

We can’t tell you everything there is to know about home insurance in one article, but we can explain a couple of terms to get the conversation rolling with your insurance broker. After all, their job is to help you sort through all the fancy insurance-speak and make sure you are covered.

Deductible refers to the amount you have to pay out of your pocket before your insurance company pays for your claim.

Amount of Insurance refers to the amount your insurance company will pay to replace your “dwelling” (the physical structure of the home and any attached structures such as a garage) and the “contents” or “personal property” (what’s inside your home).

(For Condos, Amount of Insurance refers to your contents and any upgrades or renovations you or the previous owner made to the unit. The Condo building is usually covered by the Condo Corporation’s insurance policy.)

Single Limit refers to the maximum amount of insurance you have available to cover the building (and attached structures), contents, additional living expenses while your home is being repaired, demolition, debris removal, etc.

Replacement Cost refers to the amount the insurance company will pay to cover the cost of replacing your property without deducting for depreciation (the reduction in value because of age/wear).

Did you know that many people are under-insured?

So now that you know the basics, it’s time to put them to use. First, most people know the original cost of their house, but don’t know what it would cost to replace it. Consider that the cost to reconstruct your house will likely cost more than it would to build a new house from scratch (because of the extra care and time needed to ensure that driveways and neighbouring properties are not damaged, building codes may have changed requiring more materials and design, etc.).

Also, if you’re planning to renovate or make any additions, make sure to inform your broker or insurance company to find out if you’ll still be covered. You might need to increase your coverage. Your broker is a great source of information and can help you decide if you have enough insurance.

Second, make a list of the contents of each room of your house noting the value. This can help you figure out if you have enough contents coverage. Also, if you do have a claim the list can help inform your insurance company of the items to be replaced. (Just make sure to store it in a safe place outside your home, like a safety deposit box.)

Finally, don’t wait until you have a claim to find out if you have enough insurance. Some personal items and heirlooms can never be replaced, but for the things that can, talk to your insurance broker and make sure you and your family are covered.

The above article is intended as a guide only. For specific details about your policy or coverage, speak to your insurance representative.