Knowing the age of your furnace and water heater is crucial for insurance purposes. Insurance companies often consider the age of these appliances when determining coverage and premiums. Accurately identifying the age of these home components is essential for ensuring adequate insurance coverage.

Insurance companies often inquire about the age of your roof to assess its condition and potential risk factors. Knowing the age of your roof can impact insurance coverage eligibility and premiums, as older roofs may be more prone to damage or may be near the end of their useful lives.

Ensuring your home is equipped with essential flood prevention devices like a sump pump and backwater valve can be crucial for protecting your property. In this guide, we'll explain what these devices are, how they work, and how to locate them in your home.

Understanding the type of plumbing in your home is vital for maintenance, renovations, and insurance purposes. Different plumbing materials come with unique lifespans and maintenance needs, so it's crucial to know what you have. Here's a simple guide to help you identify the type of plumbing in your home.

Knowing the type of wiring in your home is crucial for safety and insurance purposes. Different types of wiring have different risks associated with them, and understanding what you have can help you make informed decisions about maintenance and coverage. In Canada, homes can have various types of wiring, including aluminum, copper, and knob-and-tube. Here's a simple guide to help you identify what kind of wiring your home uses.

Earlier this month, I got a letter from my insurance company about how my property insurance deductibles were being increased from $1,000 to $2,000 on hail damage and water damage. On the one hand, I was happy to hear that my premiums weren’t going up, but on the other hand, I was a little surprised to see that my deductible was literally doubling from last year with no claims or changes to my policy. When I got this news, I did what most people would do, and I gave my broker a call to ask why this happened.

As a part of the Armour Advantage program for commercial insurance clients, Armour does something we like to call a commercial client showcase. A client showcase promotes our clients and the excellent work that they do. This month’s client is Bioclean Disaster Services a certified disaster cleanup service with a green twist.

In the whirlwind of moving into a new rental property, it's easy to overlook the importance of tenant's insurance. After all, you've just signed a lease, paid a security deposit, and are busy planning the layout of your new home. But what if I told you that tenant’s insurance isn’t just another added expense, but an incredibly important part of moving out? Take it from someone who had to learn it the hard way, tenant insurance should be a top priority when you move out.

In this litigious world, protecting yourself and your assets from liability is both important and increasingly difficult. While insurance policies such as auto, homeowners, and renters insurance have liability protection to financially protect you in a lawsuit, there are situations where they may not be enough. This is where umbrella insurance comes into play, offering an additional layer of protection beyond the limits of your standard insurance policies. 

When you own or rent the place you call home, it is incredibly important to get property insurance. In some cases, you're legally required to have insurance to be able to get a mortgage or sign a lease. Even if you're not technically required to have a property insurance policy, it's still in your best interest to get property insurance that at the very least gives you liability protection. 

As temperatures plummet to bone-chilling levels, your car becomes more than just a means of transportation—it can be your lifeline in the freezing cold. When temperatures reach the level of "extreme cold" batteries are a common reason for vehicles not starting. Today, we wanted to provide a handful of tips and tricks to help keep your car battery from freezing. 

Throughout December and early January, we ran a $1,000 giveaway. Anyone who quoted their insurance or referred a client to Armour Insurance was eligible for the draw.

The top 10 most commonly stolen vehicles in Alberta have been released by Canadian company Équité. We wanted to do an in-depth look at vehicle theft frequency rather than sheer numbers. In essence, we wanted to answer the question, what type of vehicle is most likely to be stolen if you were going to purchase one? The following numbers are based on the rate at which a specific vehicle is stolen proportional to the number of vehicles on the road. 

If you can drive on Alberta Roads for more than a month without getting a chip in your windshield, you deserve a medal! Keeping your windshield free of cracks and chips is quite possibly one of the most frustrating things about driving in northern climates like ours. The last windshield I replaced lasted only 5 months before developing a long horizontal crack. 

Commercial auto insurance is a critical component for businesses relying on vehicles as part of their operations. This will provide answers to common FAQs regarding commercial auto insurance, coverage options, and policy requirements. Whether you're a business owner or an employee using company vehicles, this guide will provide the clarity you need to make informed decisions and safeguard your assets.

Have you ever been pulled over without valid registration on your vehicle? Is your registration up to date? I was caught on Highway 2 last weekend with expired registration on my car. Here's what happened.

With the 2023 Alberta riding season nearing its natural conclusion, we wanted to look back at how much motorcycle insurance costs in Alberta during the year. In the name of transparency Armour has compiled the data to get an accurate assessment of how much it costs to get motorcycle insurance. 

On a sunny Saturday morning last May I was pulled over and issued a ticket for an illegal U-Turn. After I got past the initial embarrassment of being pulled over on a busy road, I asked the police officer, where it actually WAS legal to make a U-turn in Alberta. His response surprised me...

On November 1, 2023, the Alberta government held a press conference with to announce changes to the auto insurance landscape for Alberta. Key takeaways from the press conference include:

In September 2023, Armour Insurance and Accurate Network Services teamed up to host the first-ever Think Like a Hacker event. The event was all about how to protect yourself, your clients, and your business from cyber security threats. We wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the insights and maybe allow you to Think Like a Hacker too.

At Armour Insurance, transparency is one of our most important core values. We do our best to be transparent with our team, our partners, and of course our valued customers. So, in the spirit of transparency, we'd like to share some of the data we have on insurance prices year over year in Alberta.

A vast majority of car insurance shoppers in Alberta are looking for one thing and one thing only: the cheapest possible insurance for their cars. In all fairness, we get it. At the end of the day, the almighty dollar is what reigns supreme for most consumers. With that being said, we hope that by reading this short article, we might be able to change a few minds. That maybe, just maybe, price shouldn't be the only thing you care about.

Whether you live in a condo, a house, or you’re renting the place you call home, your property insurance is an important part of your financial stability. Regardless of whether you own the place you call home; an important part of your property insurance is ensuring you have adequate coverage for the contents.

After spending a wonderful Sunday out with my friends, I came back to my apartment around 8:30PM and parked my car on the street, just as I had done several times before without issue. After a restful nights sleep, I got up the next morning to less than pleasant surprise. Someone had kicked out my cars mirrors. 

When you’re in the market for a new to you vehicle, there are usually a handful of criteria that you use to make a purchase decision. Does it meet your needs? Can you afford it? Does it look how you want it to? Is it reliable? Is it safe? These are all important questions you should be asking before you make a vehicle purchase. Today we wanted to provide a few resources and ways on how you can answer three of the pressing questions you might have when shopping for a vehicle.

When it comes to driving, safety should always be the top priority. After a heavy storm, it's common to have wet roads and even debris. This can make the road slick, lead to hydroplaning, or create barriers/obstacles on the road. In order to navigate the roads safely, we have put a few helpful tips and tricks together.

Defensive driving is a set of driving skills, techniques, and behaviors that prioritize safety and proactive decision-making to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and conflicts on the road. It involves being vigilant, aware of one's surroundings, and prepared to respond effectively to potential hazards and unexpected situations. By mastering these techniques, you'll not only enhance your own safety but also make our roads a safer place for everyone.

Staying up-to-date on payments is an essential part of protecting yourself and your assets. However, life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and missed insurance payments can happen. As an insurance consumer, it's vital to understand the implications of such situations and what could happen if you're cancelled for non-payment. This short article will breakdown the implications of being cancelled for non-payment and some of the challenges that come with that.

Owning a vehicle comes with the responsibility of understanding some of the basics for being on the road. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a novice, knowing these fundamentals can prove invaluable. In this article, we'll cover five essential vehicle skills that every driver should be familiar with.

Distracted driving poses a significant risk on the roads, extending beyond the commonly associated use of cell phones. Engaging in any activity that diverts attention from driving can lead to accidents and consequences. In this article, we delve into the various forms of distracted driving and shed light on the true costs of receiving a distracted driving ticket in Alberta.

In the market for a new vehicle? An important part of purchasing a new vehicle is being able to afford all of the costs associated with ownerships. This includes the payment (if it’s financed), the maintenance costs, the repair costs, the operating costs, and of course, the cost to register and insure the vehicle. Having a firm grasp of the expected expenses will set you up for success when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we wanted to breakdown the factors that go into a car insurance premium and how to find a vehicle with insurance you can afford.

Alberta car has a few interesting distinctions between how they run their car insurance industry, and how other provinces operate. We wanted to shine some light on 5 insurance things that may be valuable to know. This will include information on privately run car insurance, the regulation in the industry, and other important information on the industry.

When it comes to car insurance, most people are familiar with comprehensive and collision coverage to protect their vehicles while driving. What about times when your car is not on the road? Whether you're taking an extended vacation, working remotely, or simply not using your vehicle for a while, parking coverage can offer financial protection and peace of mind.

A car insurance endorsement, also known as a rider or a policy endorsement, is a modification or addition to an existing auto insurance policy. It is a way for policyholders to customize their coverage to better suit their specific needs or to add greater protection than what is included in a basic policy.

Whenever you're getting any kind of insurance, the agent or broker will ask you a plethora of questions. Once the agent or broker has gotten the answers they need, they will come back to you with the different coverage options available and the price that those coverage options will cost you. You may have wondered, what truly goes into a car insurance premium?

Embarking on a road trip through Alberta, Canada, promises an unforgettable adventure. From towering mountains to sprawling prairies and breathtaking national parks, this province has it all. Buckle up and get ready to explore five must-visit road trip destinations that showcase the natural wonders and rich heritage of Alberta.

When it comes to car insurance, many drivers wonder if owning an older car means lower insurance rates. While it's true that some aspects of insuring an older vehicle can be less expensive, it's not always the case. This article will help clarify the difference between older cars and classic cars and some of the other factors that go into your car insurance premium.

Getting car insurance can be a bit of a chore, but it doesn’t have to be! By using a brokerage like Armour Insurance, we can shop Canada’s top insurance markets to find you the best possible price for your coverage. Before we get you set up with a quote, we’ll need a little information from you first.

A big part of the Armour Insurance culture is our commitment to employee health. We believe that the health and well-being of our team members is crucial to our success. That's why we're committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. We're proud to offer a range of programs and initiatives to support our staff in achieving their health and wellness goals.

DCPD is an insurance acronym that stands for Direct Compensation for Property Damage. DCPD was introduced in Alberta on January 1, 2022, as a part of the Alberta governments auto insurance reform measures. DCPD is used in several Canadian provinces including, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. The results of DCPD have been faster claims response, consistent treatment during claims, and drastically lower litigation costs.

As a driver, it's important to have insurance to protect yourself and others in case of an accident. In Alberta, the legal minimum car insurance is third party liability coverage. In this article, we'll cover what auto liability insurance is, what it covers, whether it's enough, and how much liability insurance you need.

If you’ve ever gotten a quote on auto insurance in Alberta, you may have heard the agent or the broker talk about insurance grid rates. If you’re not an insurance professional, the term “grid rate” probably doesn’t mean that much to you. Today we want to provide a short guide to understanding what “grid rates” are, what they do, and what it means for you.

When it comes to protecting your car, comprehensive car insurance is an essential coverage to consider. It provides coverage for your vehicle in case of theft, fire, vandalism, or other types of damage that are not caused by a collision with another car.

Driving convictions can have a significant impact on your auto insurance premium and driving record. It is important to understand what constitutes a driving conviction and the different infractions on the road. In this article, we will explore the various types of driving convictions in Alberta, from minor to major infractions, criminal code convictions, and what they ultimately could end up costing you on your insurance. 

In the summer of 2022, Armour Insurance partnered with Aviva Canada and the Canadian division of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to create a native plant garden for the Armour Edmonton office (located at 5750 75st NW). Where their was once gravel, rocks, and dust, there is now a brilliant garden full of plants native to the area. 

In today's digital age, businesses rely heavily on technology to manage their operations, communicate with customers, and store sensitive data. However, with the rise of cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and malware or ransomware attacks, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime. As a business owner, it's crucial to protect your business from cyber threats with the right insurance coverage.

Speeding is by far the most common traffic ticket given out in Canada. Do you know which traffic tickets will increase your insurance rates? Will photo radar and police issued tickets have the same impact on your insurance and driving record?

In honour of Logan Boulet, Humboldt Broncos defenceman, April 7th is green shirt and organ donation awareness day, we wanted to create a short guide on how you too can register to be an organ and tissue donor in the province of Alberta. 

At Armour Insurance, we know how valuable a day off can be, which is why we created the day off raffle program! Every month, Armour Insurance sells day off raffle tickets to our staff for $2 each. The Armour team draws someone's ticket each month, and that person gets a bonus paid day off! There is no limit to how many tickets one person can purchase.

When most people think of home insurance, they typically think of coverage for the main structure of their home. However, many homes also have additional structures on their property, such as sheds, detached garages, or barns. These structures are commonly referred to as outbuildings, and they can be just as vulnerable to damage or loss as the main house. That's why it's important to understand outbuilding coverage for home insurance. Here is some information to help make sure you have the right protection in place.

Auto insurance is a necessary expense for any vehicle owner. It protects you financially in the event of an accident, theft, or damage to your car. Three levels of coverage are offered to protect your automobile: liability, comprehensive, and collision. Each type of coverage provides different coverages for your vehicle, and it's important to understand the difference between them.

On Saturday afternoon I was relaxing on my couch with my girlfriend watching some of the afternoon hockey games. We kept getting the same couple of ads for new cellphones, which I should indicate came at a rather timely moment. Our phone contract ended in January of this year and I hadn't gotten around to really looking for what kind of new phone I might want next. 

As the weather warms up and snow starts to melt, spring can bring an increased risk of flooding in homes. Whether it's heavy rainfall or melting snow, excess water can seep into basements and crawlspaces, causing costly damage to homes and belongings. Fortunately, many causes of spring home flooding can be prevented with some simple steps. We'll explore some of the most common causes of spring home flooding and provide practical tips on how to prevent them. By taking these measures, you can help safeguard your property and prepare for the season ahead.

In the summer of 2001, the Canadian government legalized cannabis products for medical consumption, then in fall 2018, cannabis was legalized for personal use. The legalization of cannabis and its products has reduced the social stigma and it has become more commonplace for Canadians.

When it comes to protecting your home, property insurance is a must-have. However, many homeowners are unaware of the additional benefits that property insurance can provide beyond just coverage for the physical structure of their home. From personal property protection to identity theft protection, property insurance can offer a wide range of protections for your assets. In this article, we'll explore the surprising benefits of property insurance and show you how you can use it to protect more than just your home.

Sewer backups, the homeowner equivalent to being up a creek without a paddle. A sewer backup refers to the flow of wastewater into a home due to blockages or damage in the sewer lines, heavy rainfall, or overwhelmed sewer systems. It can cause damage and pose a health hazard. In order to get you the best information on sewer backups, we have created this comprehensive guide to help you make the most informed decision. 

Through December 2022 and early January 2023, we were running a $1,500 quote contest with Armour Insurance. Anyone who got a quote with Armour or referred a someone to get a quote with Armour was eligible to win. 

Over the Christmas break, some family friends of ours had their snowmobiles stolen right off their flatbed trailer. It was on relatively well lit street, the snowmobiles were tied down and didn't have the keys in them, and they weren't in a seedy area where you might expect something like this. Despite all of this, they still had their snowmobiles stolen in the early hours of boxing day. 

The Alberta government announced on January 25, 2023 that they would be freezing auto insurance rates and making it easier for residents to pay monthly for their insurance. We wanted to clarify what this all means for Albertans, how your it impacts your insurance premiums this year, and what it will mean going forward. 

If your car is making any sound other than the typical operating noises, you probably have some issues with your vehicle. In order to help your avoid expensive auto repairs it's good to proactively listen to what your car is telling you. Keeping an ear out for unusual sounds in your car can help you identify potential problems early and prevent costly repairs. Here are some common car sounds and what they may indicate: 

If you're an Albertan like me, you're probably not used to thick fog on your commute to work. My friends and family over in BC look at this thick fog and they think nothing of it really. Today is just a regular Tuesday for them. For me? I was white knuckling it on my way into the city. In order to help my fellow Albertan's, here are 7 helpful tips to getting you through the fog safely. 

Conviction can be a bit of a scary word. In this context, convictions are not quite as dramatic as the a Law and Order kind of convictions. In this case, a conviction refers to a driving conviction on your record. A driving conviction is when you get a pullover ticket where you were cited by the police for breaking the law.

*Note that only pull over tickets caused by your driving behaviour will impact your insurance. 

This morning in Leduc County, where I am currently living, it was -43˚C when accounting for the wind chill. Given that it is December 20^th in central Alberta, this kind of weather isn't really out of the ordinary. Living on an acreage, we park our vehicles outside on the driveway overnight. With multiple people living in the house, we have 4 vehicles on the property.

The province of Alberta is not usually known for it's natural disasters. In actuality, it's quite the opposite. The land-locked nature of the province prevents tsunamis and hurricanes, the relatively flat nature of the province isolates the risk of landslides and avalanches, and volcanic eruptions aren't a concern for obvious reasons.

Outside of forest fires and the odd tornado, Alberta is typically safe from most other kinds of natural disasters. Most people probably would have said that earthquakes are a non issue in Alberta, up until recent events anyway. 

Airline travel is arguably one of the most dreaded parts of holidays or trips. You're trying to get to the airport on time, find a parking spot, get all your luggage and documents ready, and get everything you need to get done at the counter. Then you get to wait in the grueling lineup at airport security. All of that is just a part of the flying process. But that sinking feeling when you look up at the flight screen to see that your flight has been delayed? That feels demoralizing.  

Vehicle insurance can cover many different types of damages or losses. One of the items that your auto insurance will not likely cover is your automotive glass. Your windshield, side windows, back glass, and a sun/moon roof on your vehicle are all components that could be damaged and not have coverage. For this very reason, you can purchase a supplemental glass insurance policy to cover chips, cracks, or broken glass on your car. 

Are a Canadian citizen considering making the move to Alberta? We want to help. We understand that moving is one of the most stressful things a person can do. In order to make things a little easier, here is a short out of province guide to auto Insurance. 

Big news coming from Saskatchewan Mutual Insurance. Our partner, SMI has rebranded as Sandbox Mutual Insurance. Sandbox has launched with a fresh new brand with amazing bright colours, a clean simple look, and a fantastic new logo. Out with the old and in with the new. 

Are a Canadian citizen considering making the move to Alberta? We want to help. We understand that moving is one of the most stressful things a person can do. In order to make things a little easier, here is a short guide to navigating Alberta licenses.

Snowmobiles are a fun and exciting way to get out of the house during the cold winter months, but it's important to make sure that you're being safe and acting within the confines of the law. If you're one of the thousands of Albertans own and operate snowmobiles every year, it's important to make sure you have the right coverage for your sled. 

Renters: Are you going on vacation? Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

With winter beginning to rear its ugly head in the province of Alberta, so to is it time to think about how you are going to get prepare your vehicle for winter. Outside of double checking your block heater cord, making sure you're using sub-zero rated washer fluid, and load testing your vehicles battery, you're probably going to need to do something with your vehicle's tires. If you're not 100% on what you're going to do this year, here is a few points to be your food for thought. 

As of Thursday September 29, 2022, Edmonton Police Services will no longer process minor collision reports. Instead, they are asking that if you are in a vehicle collision that you report to a Collision Reporting Centre. There will be two physical locations for CRC's.

I know it almost goes without saying that everyone hates waiting on hold. The dreaded ding ding dong of the scratchy hold music makes most people incredibly annoyed. I'm sure we've all been there, waiting on hold with a shipping company, airline, passport office, or somewhere else with terribly long hold times.

 If you're one of the nearly 4 million registered motor vehicle operators in Alberta you might want to consider having these items to your vehicle. In the event of an emergency or other unexpected situation, these items can get you out of a jamb. 

As a part of a commitment to combatting climate change, Aviva (one of our fantastic partners) has announced an electric vehicle initiative. This exciting new initiative will be available for personal use electric powered vehicles. 

What is identity theft? 

Identity theft is a criminal offense where an individuals personal information has been compromised by someone who intends to commit fraud under the guise of your name. Your name, your drivers license, social insurance number, and many other sources can cause your identity compromised. 

Houseplants are becoming a staple of households all across Canada with the industry growing at 50% rate year over year from 2020 onward. This coupled with a wave of pandemic pets being adopted means that homes have more pets and more plants than ever before! With this information in hand, our friends at Pet Shield Insurance are working with Armour to do our part to make sure your pets are healthy in their home. 

After a summer full of adventure and activities, it’s finally time to put your boat into storage. You might be questioning if you really need insurance on a boat you're not actively using.  

ATV/quad sales in Alberta have spiked to incredibly high levels during a the COVID riddled year of 2021. There was a staggering 190% increase in quad sales from March 2021 to the previous years numbers. With so many extra units out there, it is important to know what kind of coverage you need for your ATV or quad in order to be compliant with Alberta regulations.

In light of the 25 years of Armour Insurance and all of the big things that are going on, we thought that now was the time to announce that we are rebranding! For over a decade, the Armour brand has used the familiar A emblazoned shield (pictured below). While this logo has been iconic, and served us well, we felt that it did not fully represent who Armour is today.  

Old Brand 

August 30 is Holistic Pet Day! In honour of the day, we have partnered with Pet Shield, the official pet insurance provider for Armour Insurance, to let you know a little bit about holistic pet treatments.

Inflation, inflation, inflation. The word that truly feels like the buzzword of 2022. Many consumers have had no claims or infractions in the past 12-24 months, yet they see their insurance rates increase. This is obviously frustrating and annoying. But why is it happening?

Most people are familiar with the term “road rage” and have an idea of what it means. They would likely associate it with someone swearing and/or yelling at other drivers from their vehicle, honking unnecessarily, or generally driving unsafely out of agitation. This behaviour is actually more in line “aggressive driving”. You might be thinking that those sound interchangeable, but there is an important distinction between them.

Tree sap is on of the tougher substances to get off of your car. The sticky golden compound just doesn't seem to want to want to go anywhere. No matter how much you try to force it, no matter what car wash you use, nothing seems to get it off. Today, try this instead. 

The core values of an organization are meant to be the foundation for all decisions made by that business. They are the lens that we use to define culture, influence our behaviour, and how plan to achieve our goals. Many companies have a vague or arbitrary set of core values that the folks at corporate came up. Most of the operations people don’t have the faintest idea of what core values of their company are.

With many Albertans eager to back to travelling, we wanted to give some insight into what travel insurance is, what it covers, how it can help, and what can impact your travel insurance costs.

 What is directors and officers insurance?

Directors, officers, and board members are liable for actions of a fiduciary nature. In the event of a lawsuit brought on by:

With the high cost of fuel, many drivers are considering making the switch to an electric vehicle. How much could you save on your fuel? 

What is hypermiling?

Hypermiling is a driving technique that maximizes your vehicles fuel efficiency AKA saving you money on gas. Hypermiling can be done in any vehicle regardless of consumption so you can practice hypermiling in an H2 Hummer or in a Fiat 500. Effective hypermiling can improve fuel economy by nearly 40%.

When looking for insurance, taking the online route may seem convenient at first, but there are actually many disadvantages to doing so. In fact, we would say that having a licensed broker find the best options for you makes things much more convenient! Here are our reasons why getting your insurance online may be leaving holes in your coverage AND your levels of service.

Managed Service and IT Providers have unique exposures when it comes to Cyber Security. The line is still grey when is comes to distinguishing who's responsible for cyber breaches, cyber crimes, mitigating losses, and more importantly, what insurance options are available and best for you. With multi-million dollar payouts happening for cryptolocker incidents, it's important to make that line a little clearer.

The Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD) system is making a big difference in the the cost of 'basic' insurance, especially for young drivers!

Here at Armour Insurance, we love to shine a spotlight on our all-star team members, so you can get to know us a bit better. Meet Keva Barker, our Personal Lines Account Manager at our Head Office in Edmonton!

Who doesn't love a day off?!

We at Armour Insurance know how valuable a day off can be, which is why we created the day off raffle! Every year, Armour Insurance sells day off raffle tickets to our staff for $2 each, and offers a total of 12 days off throughout the year. The Armour Team draws someone's ticket each month, and that person gets a day off.

We are happy to announce that Coral A. has been drawn as the recent winner of Economical Insurance's $5K draw for 2021! Coral recently started a new job that makes a real impact in the community, and we couldn't think of someone more deserving of this prize.

When looking for insurance, your options can seem never-ending. One of the most common ways to determine how a company measures up is by checking out their online reviews, and the business' overall rating based on those reviews. Read on to see how Armour Insurance's rating compares to other insurance companies!

We are thrilled to announce that Armour Insurance has been voted as the "Best of the Best" insurance provider in Lethbridge for 2022! We're very proud of this nomination, and want to give a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us, as well as our customers for allowing us to continue servicing your insurance needs.

Last Friday, we at Armour Insurance had a great time launching our new group insurance program with Westend Seniors Activity Centre! We celebrated the launch by holding a fun scavenger hunt and bottle drive for WSAC members.

Did you know that when you leave for vacation, this may cause an impact on your existing home insurance coverage? Read on to learn how going away might affect your coverages, as well as tips and tricks for making sure you're ready to jet set!

Whether you're looking to sell your home, or enjoy it for yourself, making low-cost home improvements can make a major impact. Before you put your home on the market, we recommend looking into cost-effective ways to bring up your home's value. Here are our budget-friendly home improvement tips:

Across Alberta, catalytic converter theft is on the rise. Why is this? There are three metals found inside that are quite valuable: platinum, rhodium, and palladium. As the prices of these metals continue to rise, so do the thefts.

Here at Armour Insurance, we love to shine a spotlight on our all-star team members, so you can get to know us a bit better. High five to Cassandra MacDonald, our Personal Lines Account Manager, who moved across the country in 2021 to join us!

Happy Holidays from Armour Insurance!

Here at Armour, many of us are still working from home. To include the entire team in the holiday spirit, we asked everyone to send us pictures of their holiday trees! 

Intact Insurance's Better Communities Program provides an opportunity for brokers to apply for a donation to a registered charity that matters to them, and supports one of the mandates to address:

1. Child Poverty
2. Youth Success
3. Mentorship/Leadership
4. Education

We're very excited to announce that Armour Insurance has been featured as one of the Insurance Business Canada's Top Insurance Employers this year with an overall average score of 4.58/5! Armour has been celebrated in December's edition of Insurance Business Canada, and announced on their website.

On January 1, 2022, Alberta will adopt a Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD) system, which can help improve the way Alberta insurers support their customers in the case of auto collisions taking place in the province. DCPD will form part of the mandatory auto insurance coverage, and will apply to all classes of vehicles in Alberta.

Lloydminster, often referred to as "Lloyd," or "The Border City," is found on the Yellowhead Highway, between Edmonton and Saskatoon. The city sits right on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, and its 100-foot high border markers are impossible to miss. Their four themes include: oil and gas, the Barr Colonists, agriculture, and First Nations & Métis. The gap between the steel pillars of each monument represents the actual border. These markers were constructed in 1994. Lloydminster's population, according to Stats Canada's 2016 Census, sits at 34,583.

To provide eligible customers with comprehensive water damage protection, Economical Insurance is now offering sewer backup and overland water coverages as a combined package.

At Armour Insurance, our culture is something we take pride in. Our Core Values are embodied by each member of the Armour Team, and we look for these values in each person that we hire:

At Armour Insurance, we strive to make the workplace a great setting for our team members to thrive, and enjoy ourselves! We asked some of our team members what their very favourite thing is about working at Armour. Here's what they had to say:

From now until Monday, November 1st, you can enter to win a $250 gas card from Armour Insurance! Here's what you need to do:

Water-Related Claims are on the Rise

As your home insurance broker, helping you protect your home is our top priority. Water-related damages have become the number one threat to homeowners in Canada. The continued rise of water-related claims makes it important that we ensure our clients have the coverage they need to protect themselves against water damage. That's why we advise our clients to consider Intact Insurance's Enhanced Water Damage Package.

When looking for insurance coverage, the list of options can seem never-ending – it’s tough to know where to start! But that's where our brokers come in. Our team at Armour can help you find your best options for insurance, and answer your questions, all while taking a massive workload off your shoulders. Not only that, but we'll be there to take care of your servicing needs after your policy is in place.

When buying a condo, there are many factors to consider. One of these factors is condo insurance, and what's included in your coverage. Should a loss occur, the condo corporation is responsible for rebuilding the property to its original glory, which would usually include the flooring, countertops, and the "fixtures and finishings" that go into the property.

You just bought a new car, and you're trading your old one in. There are a few steps to take in order to make this happen, including transferring your registration and insurance. We at Armour are here to help you check each step off as you go!

If you're a renter, chances are you've considered tenant insurance. Tenant insurance stands apart from other types of property insurance, like home insurance, as it's not intended to cover damage to the physical space itself. Tenant insurance mainly focuses on your personal items found in your rented space, like your clothes, electronics, and other valuables.

Have you experienced damage to your roof or home from a hailstorm in 2020? Do you live in the Calgary area? The Resilient Roofing Rebate Program may be just for you!

Insurance for my WHAT?!

Quickly for those who don't know, a Slingshot is a three-wheeled vehicle manufactured by Polaris. And they're pretty cool! See for yourself:

At Armour Insurance, our culture is crucial to our success. Culture happens whether we plan it or not, so why not create a culture we love? Our goal is to make a company that everyone is proud to be a part of. To do so, we've implemented an Armour Culture Code and Core Values to help ensure our team is motivated, on track, and easily able to note their progress.

Alberta is officially open for summer, and other provinces aren't far behind! This means many of us are returning to the office for the first time in over a year, which can be pretty daunting. We at Armour Insurance are ready to help you get back in the game. Here are our tips for jumping back into office life, landing on your feet, and hitting your stride!

This July, Economical Insurance will be increasing the commercial building inflation factor for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Mid-Market, and Agribusiness customers.

A motorcycle costs quite a bit less than most cars. BUT insuring a motorcycle usually costs more. Many people may think motorcycle and auto insurance should be fairly similar, but most avid bikers know the major differences between the two. We're here to lay it all out for you!

Does your home have aluminum wiring?

Aluminum wiring was commonly used during the 1960s-70s. The price of copper had skyrocketed at the time, and aluminum seemed like the perfect alternative to conduct electricity. Since then, studies have determined that it's much more likely to cause a fire. There are a few reasons for this:

Ahhh... the lake! Now that summer's just around the corner (one might even say it's here already), lots of Alberta families are gearing up to take their boats out. And really, is there anything better than being stuck out on the water with your loved ones?

It's tough to say exactly what our summer will look like, but we can rest assured knowing there are some pretty awesome lakes in Alberta perfect for a boating getaway! Travel Alberta offers a wide range of boating and swimming destinations. We've picked out some of our personal boating favourites for you–here are the best places to go boating in Alberta:

Intact has announced their upcoming launch of Roadside Assistance: a new form of coverage to give customers peace of mind on the road. By calling a toll-free number or hopping on the Intact Insurance App, you can have worry-free, immediate assistance when you need it most. Roadside Assistance will be effective for new business on June 16, 2021, and for renewals on July 16, 2021.

One of Canada's favourite summer past times is hooking up the trailer and hitting the road in pursuit of adventure. Whether it's the mountains, the lake, or anything in between–there's nothing more freeing than a road trip with "home" tagging along for the ride.

Germs are a part of life, especially when you're camping. But most of us are used to regular sanitizing, and let's face it, RVs can get pretty filthy over the summer. With Canadian summers feeling way too short, the last thing any of us want is to get sick. Mobile RVing lists the 10 surprising ways your RV could be making you sick.

At Armour Insurance, we're all about great causes that positively impact the community! That's why we want to talk about AdaptAbilities – an Edmonton-based nonprofit organization that helps individuals with special needs develop essential life skills to grow, succeed, and belong. It's a dual impact organization, because it also takes some of the workload off parents and helps prevent caregiver burnout.

For motorcyclists, an accident is the worst thing that can happen with your ride. The second worst thing is theft. Every year, thousands of motorcycles are stolen, and for die-hard riders who put money, time, and effort into this thrilling lifestyle, replacing their bike can cost thousands of dollars.

Who doesn't love a day off?!

We at Armour Insurance know how valuable a day off can be, which is why we created the day off raffle! Every year, Armour Insurance sells day off raffle tickets to our staff for $2 each, and offers a total of 12 days off throughout the year. The Armour Team draws someone's ticket each month, and that person gets a day off.

Today, Armour Insurance announces its partnership with Petline Insurance Company to launch a new pet health insurance product: Pet Shield Insurance. Dog and cat owners from Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan can purchase this new pet insurance online at www.petshield.ca, or by phone at 1-844-421-2121.

If you’ve never experienced a brake failure, the thought of one happening likely doesn’t cross your mind too often. But if you have experienced a brake failure on the road, you know how important it is to be ready to react in a split-second. We can help make sure you’re prepared.

As we move further into 2021, most Canadians are still having to make significant sacrifices due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially front-line workers. That's why Intact has recently announced their plan to provide additional support to their customers. Read on to see if you qualify.

Whether your buddy needs to borrow your pick-up truck to move his couch or your daughter wants to drive your car to her college class twice a week, it’s not uncommon to want to lend your vehicle to another driver from time to time. But what happens if the person you lend your vehicle to gets into a collision? And how many times can you lend your vehicle to someone before they need to be added as an occasional driver on your car insurance policy? We’ve got answers to your questions.

Your home insurance policy is designed to protect you and your property in all kinds of emergencies, from fires and floods to theft and vandalism — but you might be surprised to learn that these 10 things are covered in most standard home insurance policies:

We at Armour Insurance are always looking for new ways to add value to our Group Home and Car Insurance programs. That's why we've kicked off a new group incentive with Lethbridge Family Services!

Throughout the year, we'll shine our spotlight on a member of the Armour Team. We're starting March off with one of our newest members of the team: Corey Potter!

When you're shopping for home insurance, you'll probably come across a lot of helpful (and, let's face it, not so helpful) information — but how much of it is actually true? Let's break down five of the most common myths about home insurance.

SGI has introduced new coverage requirements for condo policy holders. Effective March 1, 2021, SGI requires that a client's condominium corporation maintains adequate condo insurance for the building itself. This is in effect for all new policies, and could affect existing policy holders with coverage limitations. With current market conditions, this could also become a reality for other insurance companies.

Insurance should be more than protecting your loved ones; it’s about living your life to the fullest. Manulife Vitality gives you insurance, plus the opportunity to earn rewards and save on how much you pay – all while improving your health.

How does Manulife Vitality work? You track your everyday healthy activities through a customized, goal-oriented program that helps motivate and encourage healthier choices. Before you know it, you'll start earning rewards! You can earn Vitality Points for routine activities like walking, going to the dentist, reading health articles, and more.

Once you start earning Vitality Points, your Vitality Status can move to Bronze, Silver, Gold, then Platinum. Your Vitality Status determines your eligibility for rewards AND a potential discount on your annual cost of insurance. You can work towards improving your health while earning additional perks!

3 Steps to Manulife Vitality:

1. Know your Health: When starting the Manulife Vitality program, you'll discover your Vitality age. This might be higher or lower depending on your current overall health. The first step of improving your health is knowing your starting point.
2. Improve your health: Track your everyday healthy activities through a customized, goal-oriented program to encourage and inspire healthier choices. The Manulife Vitality program offers simple tips and convenient easy-to-use tools such as wearable devices to help track your activities.
3. Enjoy the results: Start earning Vitality Points for routine activities you may already be doing – walking, going to the dentist and reading health articles online. The more points you earn, the higher your Vitality Status, and the greater your potential rewards and discounts.

What are users saying about Manulife Vitality?

For more information, visit Manulife's Vitality for Individuals page. You can also check out Manulife's Program Rewards page that lists the partners involved and your possible rewards. Staying motivated and incorporating a healthy routine can be challenging – Manulife Vitality is here to make it that much easier.

Over recent years, we've witnessed exciting new advances in the insurance industry that have contributed to new services and greater connectivity for our customers. For our Intact customers, one of these is the Intact Client Centre app.

Throughout the year, we'll shine our spotlight on a member of the Armour Team. This month's pick is none other than Commercial Insurance Broker, Travis Vanberg!

The Alberta Auto Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) is the organization charged with regulating auto insurance premiums in Alberta. Each quarter insurance companies can file requests asking for changes to their rates. The AIRB reviews these requests and approves or deny's them based on "actuarial justification and the insurer’s individual circumstances to ensure insurance is accessible, equitable and sustainable for all Albertans". The decisions have just been released for last quarters filings. Here's what these mean to Alberta motorists. 

Aviva Insurance has recently announced that it will be moving towards a more paperless experience for their personal insurance customers. In an industry that has traditionally high paper consumption this is welcome news for forests across Canada.

In compliance with the new mandatory public health measures put in place by the Alberta Government this week Armour Insurance will be offering in person visits to our offices by appointment only for the time being. Our staff remains at full capacity and is available to provide all of our services over the phone and online. 

Banks have been using credit scores for years to give lower rates, special offers and other promotions. Over the last number of years insurance companies are following suit. Now, your good credit can save you real money on your auto and home insurance. We can perform a soft credit check for you and save you up to 20% and offer you a monthly payment plan!

Did you know that your home insurance policy has has limits that restrict the amount of money you can recover when certain items are stolen or lost? This means that for items such as Jewelry, Stamps and Bicycles the amount of money recoverable in a claim is capped. There are two ways to increase your coverage where needed, read on to see which works best for you.

Alberta's UCP government is making moves to fix issues that have been plaguing Alberta drivers and insurance companies for some time. Insurance companies who have been attempting to work with our government to improve the situation for Alberta drivers are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as the UCP announces plans to make changes for the better. This should mean a healthier insurance outlook, more medical support to those injured in collisions and more affordable insurance for Alberta drivers.

"Your privacy is important to us."  With the ever rising threat of cyber crime this is becoming a pretty common phrase. Many of the companies we do business with these days tell us our data is safe with them, but what does that actually mean? I can't speak for other companies, but here are a few things that Armour does to protect our customer data.

The Alberta Superintendent of Insurance office has been in the news this week for issuing a series of fines to insurance companies for overcharging Alberta motorists. After reading this article I thought it would make sense to provide a little perspective on why and how this could happen.

To send summer off with a bang this year, we teamed up with Intact Insurance to give away a big screen TV. Over 800 people across Alberta entered the draw and many got bonus entries by quoting their home and auto insurance with Armour and Intact. The contest closed on August 31st and now it's time to announce the winner! 

At Armour Insurance we run a Day Off Raffle program for our staff. Each month employees who want to participate can purchase raffle tickets for $2 and get a chance to win a day off. In 2019 we sold 475 tickets raising $950. Each year, Armour pledges to match this amount in a donation to our communities. 

Over the past few years we've seen some exciting new advances in the insurance industry and these have in turn contributed to new services and greater connectivity for our customers. For our Intact customers one of these things is the Intact Client Centre App. This app allows Intact customers to access their insurance from their mobile device at any time. This includes digital pink cards, which were officially approved for use in Alberta last year. To help promote this new service we we teamed up with Intact Insurance to run our "Intact 360" contest. All of the numbers are in and it's finally time to announce the winner!

As an insurance broker, Armour acts as the representative for our clients to their respective insurance companies. We partner with a number of major Canadian insurers to serve our customers in their need for both personal and commercial insurance. These companies are independent from each other and may have different methods for accommodating our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please find information on how Alberta's top insurance companies are responding below.

Last Saturday afternoon I was startled by a strange alarm coming from my Alarm system. We ran to the panel and saw that it was the flood sensor on my sump pump. I rushed downstairs and over wet carpet to the sump pump and when I lifted the cover I saw that it was overflowing with cold, murky run-off water. Hopefully not many others will have to deal with a similar situation, but just in case, here's a checklist that would have helped me prevent this problem!

Armour Insurance is fully staffed and here to serve you. On March 15th we closed our offices to outside appointments and soon after staff started working home, thankfully we were prepared. Our staff is connected and working at full capacity to ensure that you continue to receive the service you've come to expect from Armour.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to send their staff home and close their doors. We continue to see organizations disrupted and staff laid off. As a commercial insurance provider we're receiving many questions asking to clarify if Business Interruption coverage offers protection in a situation like this. Unfortunately it does not, here's why.

A lot has changed for Canadian businesses and their employees over the last week, Armour included. We have suspended walk-in appointments to our office and many of our staff are now working from home.

For many of us, working from home is becoming the new norm, so how do you keep from going squirrely in this new norm? Armour veteran broker Jen Jarratt has a few tips that may just help you stay the course.

The impact that the Coronavirus is having on industries around the world seems to be spreading wider everyday. The travel industry is one that continues to be affected. Some recent changes we've seen with travel insurance companies reflect that this industry will continue to be affected for some time yet.

Economical Insurance has announced that they have launched a new accident towing service for customers with private passenger and light commercial vehicles. This service is available to Economical Insurance customers anywhere in North America.

The first piece of dash cam footage I saw was taken from a police cruiser in the Southern US. The officer had pulled over a woman for speeding and she wasn't very please with him. Since then, I've seen plenty of Russian dash cam videos where pedestrians throw themselves onto parked cars in hopes of securing a settlement from the driver. It's clear that these cameras would help solve a dispute over who is at fault, but do they do anything to lower your insurance rates.

The Canadian Condominium Institute has announced changes to the Condominium Property Regulations that may  leave condo unit owners holding a bill for up to $50,000. The changes that took effect on January 1, 2020 will allow condo corporations to seek recovery of insurance deductibles from an owner for damages that originate from the owner's unit.

The Intact My Driving Discount App is the newest way to save on your insurance in Alberta. It's available to all Intact customers and easy to sign up. If you don't have access already, give your broker a call and get set up today. Here's a quick video on how to get started using your Intact My Driving Discount App.

Armour Lethbridge is participating in Lethbridge Family Services' Angel Tree Christmas Campaign this year. Drop off a new toy at our Lethbridge Location for one of over 2,100 children to open this Christmas. 

It is finally time to announce the winner of our Intact Client Centre Summer Contest! But first: The contest was so successful over the summer that we've decided to give everyone another chance. Sign up between now and the end of the year for a chance to win $500! Don't worry, we'll include those of you who already signed up as well. 

Auto insurance customers in Alberta are beginning to see the effects of the industries struggles this month. The AIRB has approved rate increases for insurance companies in Alberta, some of which have gone into effect at the beginning of November. This will leave many consumers wondering what can be done to ensure I'm getting the best value as the entire industry takes on a rate increase. That's where your broker comes in.

On Monday, October 4th Alberta's Superintendent of Insurance released three bulletins clarifying and updating rules on how insurance companies operate in our province. These notices replace various updates issued in 2016 and, if violated, could result in hefty fines for Insurance Companies doing business in Alberta.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this affects us all and it is important that Albertan's understand why insurance rates are increasing this fall. There is no short term fix, but the industry is working with the Government towards a solution. With the Alberta auto insurance rate cap being lifted this September, insurance companies have applied for, and been granted, rate increases by the AIRB (Alberta Insurance Rate Board). We are expecting to see rate increases from all insurance companies on renewals and new policies starting in November. 

At Armour Insurance, we believe that culture is important. It is also inevitable. Culture will grow in your organization whether you actively build it or not, so why not build a culture you love. In 2013 we set out to do just that, and it all started with our core values.

When the New Alberta Government allowed the Auto Insurance Rate Cap to expire on September 1 of 2019 almost every insurance company in Alberta applied for rate increases. Some requests are in the 10-20% range. We will find out this Friday (September 27th) what kind of increases have been approved and what to expect in the coming months.

Everybody is trying to save some money on their insurance these days. In fact, we often have people calling looking to reduce their coverage to save some money on their annual premiums. While dropping coverages off of your insurance policy can help save you some money in the short run, it could mean that you lose significantly in the event of a claim.

Alberta's Superintendent of Insurance, Darren Hedley, released a bulletin yesterday approving the use of electronic pink cards in Alberta. This is a victory for Albertan consumers, insurance brokers and insurance companies who have been pushing for this change for years.

Chances are good that you've heard the term deductible or even paid a deductible before if you've had an insurance claim in the past. But, what is a deductible. But, what else do you know about deductibles? Is there anything else to know? Watch as Kelsey from Armour Insurance's Edmonton branch answers my questions on deductibles.

If you've ever been involved in a collision, you know that no matter how minor, it leaves you shaken. This makes recording all of the information that you need that much harder. Armour makes this process a little bit easier with the Armour Mobile App and our guided claims process.

If you've ever had an auto insurance claim you may have heard on of the drivers in the claim referred to as the "at fault" party. That's because most car insurance claims are paid by the at fault party's insurance company. So what happens if you don't know who the at fault party is? What happens in a Hit and Run. We sat down with Tammy Moody, Armour Insurance's, personal line's manager to find out if a hit and run accident will leave you high and dry.

If you're anything like me, this may sound familiar. I received my insurance renewal in the mail with updated pink cards enclosed last year. But, rather than opening the letter, reviewing my coverages and putting my new pink cards directly into my vehicle, I put it on the bureau to review later. Then 3 months later, I got pulled over for pulling a u-turn right in front of an undercover police officer and discovered that my pink cards are still at home on the bureau. Now, with Armour Mobile, your pink card and all of your insurance information is always at your fingertips. 

To drive your motorcycle on the road in Canada, you must carry a form of liability insurance called motorcycle insurance. The basic version of this insurance will get you on the road legally, but there are many more options you may want to consider when insuring your motorcycle. We sat down with our motorcycle expert, Bonita Paisley, in our Sherwood Park office to get a better handle on all of the ins and outs of motorcycle insurance. 

A big congratulations goes out from all of the staff here at Armour to Lisa Ray of Lethbridge, Alberta. Lisa helped us get closer to our paperless goal by becoming one of the now 750 customers who have logged into their account on Intact Client Centre. 

Insurance companies and brokers in Alberta have been recommending $1M in third party liability coverage as a standard since the early 2000's. Since then the number of claims with payouts exceeding this has increased substantially. In 2018 25 Albertan's had auto insurance claims where a $1M liability policy was not enough to cover the damages. In cases like this the driver/vehicle owner has to cover the remainder themselves.

President of Armour Insurance, Rob Marusin, visited the 630 Ched studios over the holidays to discuss Auto Insurance in Alberta. It's a hot topic for us right now and worth a listen for anyone has or will have purchased auto insurance in Alberta in the next year. If you missed it live, you can listen to the whole interview below: 

A huge congratulations goes out to our very own Jennifer Miller, of Armour Lloydminster! She recently completed the four part CAIB course and received her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker designation. Watch as she explains some of the ins and outs of CAIB, and what it takes to be a licensed insurance broker in Alberta today. 

It’s a phone call that’s never fun to take: a client has a car that’s been in the family for generations. To them, it’s priceless and impossible to replace. And it’s just been totaled. We know that the insurance company will take the wreckage for salvage, until now that is.

Liability insurance is designed to protect you from expenses incurred from damage to property or physical injury that you are legally responsible for, but it has a limit. Watch this webinar to find out how much liability insurance is enough to protect you when the unexpected happens. Rescheduled for Friday, November 30th at 1PM.

We are very proud to announce that we were able to present the Lethbridge and District Humane Society with a cheque for $5,000 last week.Thank-you to our partners at Saskatchewan Mutual Insurance for making this possible.

Saskatchewan Mutual Insurance runs an annual program called the Centennial Charitable Donation Program. Every year they award their top 10 brokers with the opportunity to give back to their community in the form of a donation.

Workers at Canada post have decided to stay in talks for the next little while, but the threat of a postal strike in Canada is still very real. This will affect many industries across Canada and insurance is not exception.

Cyber security is a threat to organizations of all sizes, but statistics show that small to medium size businesses seem to be taking the brunt of the impact from cyber attacks these days. Join us September 26th at 11am for a look at how Cyber Crime could affect your business and what you can do to increase your Cyber Armour.

You may have noticed that shopping for an auto insurance policy in Alberta has become increasingly frustrating over the last little while. With increases in claim costs and government capping Alberta auto insurance providers are finding themselves losing money. Here's what you need to know about what is happening to auto insurance in Alberta right now.