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Armour Insights - May 2013

May 1, 2013 2:51:00 PM

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The May 2013 edition of Armour Insights has hit the news stand! We hope you find it to be full of relevant and insightful information! Tell us what you think and if you like it sign up to receive a copy in your email. In this issue: Traveling? What you Should Know About Medical Care Abroad, Fire Saftey Planning and Keeping your Family Safe, LOOK OUT! Avoid a Collision with Wildlife.

Traveling? What you Should Know About Medical Care Abroad

Travel InsuranceAccording to a current survey conducted by BMO Insurance, 25 per cent of Canadians need some kind of medical care while on vacation or travelling. Unfortunately, only a little more than a third of travellers bother purchasing medical insurance for their trips, even though they are the ones footing the bill when it comes to medical expenses incurred abroad.

When survey-takers were asked about costs of medical care when travelling, a large number of Canadians were mistaken about exactly how much those potential travel expenses could be. Even more alarming, only half of Canadians knew that they were accountable for the cost of care once they exited the country.

Before jet setting off for your family vacation, check with your insurance broker to make sure you are covered in case a medical emergency happens abroad. Your vacation is a time for relaxation and fun, but it can quickly turn into a financial disaster if you forget to plan ahead.

 

Get Travel Insurance Online

 

Fire Saftey Planning and Keeping your Family Safe

describe the imageFour lives were lost because of a recent house fire in an Ontario home, and according to the Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM), the inability of the family to immediately detect the fire was what caused the damage to be of the worst kind.

The first-floor laundry room was where the fire started, and because it was also where the fire alarm system’s wiring was located, the security system was destroyed very early on in the blaze. There was also no smoke detector on the main floor for added protection in case the fire alarm system failed.

Because of the lack of these early warnings, by the time the family realized they were in danger, they were trapped on the second floor with no way to escape.

Early fire detection is of the utmost importance, and could mean the difference between life and death.

A safety plan should be put in place so that every member of the family knows what to do in the event of a house fire. The OFM recommends these tips for making it out of your home safely:

  1. Appoint someone to be in charge of making sure everyone has made it out of the house
  2. Designate at least two escape routes
  3. Regularly check that all escape routes are free and clear of obstacles
  4. Assign a meeting place outside the home, where all family members can be accounted for
  5. Call the fire department once you have made it outside, away from the blaze

More information on fire safety and your home insurance here.

Canadians No Longer Required to Carry International Driving Permits

describe the imageRecently, Florida amended its driving law to require non-American residents to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to drive a vehicle in the state. According to the law, effective Jan. 1, 2013, any Canadian driving in Florida would be required to get an IDP in addition to his or her Canadian driver’s licence.   

The purpose of the law was so highway patrol could read any licence, regardless of the language. Since Canadian licences are in English, Canadian drivers were considered exempt from the law. However, it still posed problems when Canadians tried renting cars or filing claims in accidents where the driver did not have a valid IDP.

On March 12, Florida Legislature repealed the law. Canadians are now able to drive with peace of mind using just their provincial driver’s licence.

Did you know that the Armour has a fully authorized Alberta Registry Office on the south side of edmonton? Click here for details

LOOK OUT! Avoid a Collision with Wildlife

According to The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, it is estimated that one out of every five accidents occurs because of a wild animal. With the arrival of spring, even more animals are out and about because of the end of hibernation and the beginning of breeding season, so it’s important to be on the lookout. Keep in mind these important tips when driving:

  • Look at the road ahead of you for signs of wildlife on the shoulder
  • Watch for signs indicating animal crossing areas
  • Use your high beams at night
  • Remember that where there is one deer, more are likely nearby

Pay extra attention to your surroundings when driving by rivers or wooded areas—these are places of high deer activity

Thank you for reading the Armour Insights May 2013 edition. For information on all types of insurance we provide click here. If you have a claim, please click here.

Rob Stevenson

Written by Rob Stevenson

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