In a bulletin released Friday, Peace Hills Insurance announced changes to their personal lines and farm property policies that will have widespread affect across Alberta. The changes are slated to take effect on renewals and new policies occuring after March 16, 2014 and could include increases of up to 70% in some areas.

I think we can all agree that going easy on the environment is always a good idea. Many of the products we use every day are now going green even if just making slight changes to become a little greener than they were before. So can you home insurance go green? Aviva Insurance has just launched a new product aimed at doing just that!

Happy Holidays to everyone out there! We've put together a Christmas Toolkit to bring a little added cheer!

Insurance Companies in Canada may soon ask that their car insurance clients use an app that monitors driver usage and blocks your phone from texting, calling, browsing the Internet and using apps. 

Choosing a home security system can be a daunting task. It’s a purchase many make only once or twice in a lifetime, so it’s not uncommon for you to be unfamiliar with the process. You know you want to protect your family and home but just exactly what you need to do that might be a mystery. Don’t let the unknown scare you, here are some quick tips to help you get the right security system for your home. 

Picking the Right Company

While it may seem like a viable option to lower your property insurance coverage to save some money, this may end up costing you big in the long run. If your policy limits are too low, the cost to fix your home may exceed your limits, even if your home’s value has lessened recently. 

Property Insurance - What to Consider

Though housing prices are declining, home repair costs are escalating. Rebuilding is often more expensive because demolition and removal of damaged property are pricey. Workers must also work around your existing landscape, power lines and other structures. This can make rebuilding difficult and limiting. 

Limits on your Homeowners Insurance are established to protect your family in the event that something would go wrong (fire, destruction to your property due to weather, etc.). In an effort to remain protected and save money, consider the following savings tips:

1. Increase your credit score by paying your bills on time, avoiding writing bad checks, etc. Insurance companies believe that having a poor credit score means that you are not responsible and are consequently a greater risk to insure.
2. Avoid filing nuisance claims. Use your coverage to protect against losses that you cannot recover by yourself and take care of minor incidents on your own.
3. Increase your deductible to lower your monthly premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 can cut costs by 12 per cent. If you increase to a $1,000 deductible, you could save as much as 25 per cent or 30 per cent if you increase up to a $2,500 deductible.
4. Consider buying multiple lines of coverage from the same carrier to incur discounts, such as your Homeowners Insurance, Automobile Insurance, Life Insurance, etc.

Bonus Tip

Another way to save on Homeowners Insurance: install a security system and deadbolt locks. These safety measures reduce the likelihood that intruders will be able to successfully enter your home, which would result in an insurance claim.

You can count on us for all your home matters, including Homeowners and Renters Insurance. Contact us for more information on our affordable coverage options. 

Ice dams are typically caused by uneven heat loss from your home in wintry conditions such as snow, heat melting the snow, and cold temperatures re-freezing melted snow. The heat is typically caused by inadequate attic insulation or from warm air seeping into the attic from living spaces below. This causes the roof to warm above freezing temperature, which allows snow to melt and then re-freeze before it reaches the roof’s edge. If this cycle repeats over and over, an ice dam forms and water collects behind it. As the water pools, it backs up under your roofing material and can cause expensive water damage.

Here are our top 6 things you can do to prevent Ice Dams from forming on your roof this spring!

• Keep the attic well ventilated. One-third square metre of free ventilation opening is recommended for every 45 square metres of attic space.
• Seal air leaks to prevent warm air leakage from plumbing vents, junction boxes from ceiling fixtures and attic hatches.
• Keep the attic floor well insulated (between 40 and 56 centimetres of insulation) to minimize the amount of heat rising into the attic from below.
• Clean leaves and other debris from gutters before the first snow. This will help prevent ice buildup in your gutters. Also consider using an ice shield under your shingles when your house is getting re-roofed.
• Use a roof rake to clear the snow above the gutter. Clear about one metre above the gutter to allow water to drain freely into the gutter.
• Consider hiring an energy specialist to evaluate the performance of your home, and recommend some things you can do to minimize energy waste.

Too Late? Already Have Ice Dams?

Snowmobiling is a thrilling yet risky way to enjoy the great outdoors. Before you turn on the engine, it is wise to learn how to properly operate the mechanical controls and safety devices of the vehicle. It is also important to read the owner’s manual and take a safety course. Don’t let an accident or injury ruin your day – keep your rides scenic and safe with the following safety recommendations.

Safety Training is Available

Inexperienced riders are much more likely to be involved in serious snowmobiling accidents than their seasoned counterparts. Therefore, you should contact your province’s Ministry of Natural Resources for more information on available safety courses for both adults and young riders. In most provinces, they are mandatory for extremely young riders (ages 10 to 15) if they intend to ride off their parents’ property.

For more inforation on training, check out the ATV Safety Site and the Alberta Snowmobile Association.