Tag: claim

How to prevent a sewer back-up claim

The sound of running water can be soothing…unless that water is running somewhere it shouldn’t be, like your basement floor. Water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims in Canada — and there are many ways unwanted water can end up in your home. One common cause of water damage is sewer backup, which happens when water begins to flow backwards into your home. Yes, this is just as unpleasant as it sounds. Not only does exposure to sewage pose a health hazard, but the clean-up process is extensive and costly (...)

How will making a claim impact the cost of my home insurance?

Your home insurance policy is there to protect you when you need it most — but you may find yourself wondering what could happen to your premium after you make a claim. As your HMS insurance broker we will provide helpful insight on how your claim will impact your policy, and provide the right course of action to get your home back in the same position it was before. There are a few things to consider before a claim is submitted (...)

Ice Damming Could Lead to Expensive Damage to Your Home

Energy costs in Ontario are rising, that should come of no surprise, so we need to utilize our energy consumption more effectively. A good place to start is sealing cracks and drafts around your doors and windows to make your home more energy efficient. But have you considered the financial impact of heat loss through your ceilings? While drafts around doors and windows will cost a few more dollars in heating bills, heat loss through your roof (...)

Are you liable for online reviews?

In today's highly connected world everyone is a critic, from posting your reviews on Yelp, Google, Amazon, or any other forum. It's fairly easy to voice your opinion when you can do it essentially anonymous on the internet. You can review local businesses, crafts you found on Etsy, and car manufacturers. Pretty much anything now a days has a website or three that allows you share your opinion (...)

Home Flood Mitigation

With water claims on the rise due to climate change, Insurance companies have started to introduce overland water coverage to protect you. However, it still is important to know the leading causes for flooded basements, ways to prevent floods, and what to do in the event of a flood (...)

Home Insurance Exclusions

Every insurance company has their own set of exclusions that could limit your coverage or completely void your policy. Having your policy voided or limited is something that a lot of people fear could happen to them. If you forget to disclose a certain detail, you incorrectly filled out the insurance application, or maybe you're worried about coverage while you're away from home (...)

Aviva Overland Water Protection

On February 19 Canadianunderwriter.ca reported that Aviva Canada will start to offer homeowners an overland water endorsement insuring losses arising from the accumulation or run off of surface waters. This bold announcement will make Aviva the only insurance company in Canada to offer this type of coverage (...)

Fire Safety: Do you have an Escape Plan?

When a fire occurs in your home there is no time to waste, your exit strategy must be executed calmly and efficiently. With a well planned escape plan and step-by-step instructions, it should give you and your family or co-workers the best odds of escaping the fire safely (...)

Snow Storm – Are you covered?

Winter has arrived, and to kick off the season with a bang Buffalo, NY got hit hard. If that 90-inch snow storm has left you feeling worried about the challenge of digging out your car or driveway, or perhaps it's made you question your homeowners insurance policy (...)