Since motorcycles are easily accessible, they are highly prone to theft. If you like to hit the open road on two wheels, be mindful of these theft prevention guidelines to avoid taking a one-way trip down “Loss Lane”.

Tips for Thwarting Thieves

• When you get off your bike, shut off the ignition and then lock it.
• Lock the forks (disk brakes). Purchase locks that are brightly coloured to discourage potential thieves.
• Lock multiple motorcycles together if you are travelling in a pack.
• If you are riding alone, lock your motorcycle to a stationary object that cannot be dismantled such as a light pole.
• Install an alarm on your bike that sounds when it is tampered with.

If you are looking to hire some additional help around the house to watch your children, clean, perform gardening tasks or cook, you have a lot of things to consider. In fact, if you wish to hire domestic help, you need to determine where to find assistance, what your insurance needs are and how to fulfil your legal obligations. Here’s what you need to know:

Hiring Domestic Help Options and Tips

Hire a Service Company

• Check references to verify the company’s reliability before hiring them.
• Consult your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaints filed against the company.
• Ask the company how they conduct background checks on the help they provide.
• Ask to see proof of insurance in case your property is damaged by their hired help.

Hire Help through an Agency

• Check the agency’s background and the BBB for complaints.
• Inquire about the fees charged to you for using the agency’s services.
• Determine how the agency will work with you to find the necessary help that you need. Also determine how the agency will work with you if the candidate they select is not a good fit for your family.
• Determine how the agency screens its potential candidates.
• Insist that candidates are individually interviewed, have their references checked and that their criminal and driving records are investigated.
• Determine whether the candidate you choose is legally able to work in Canada.

Hire Help on Your Own

• Place an ad in your local newspaper or ask family and friends for a recommendation.
• Screen and interview all potential candidates and check references, criminal backgrounds, driving records and green card status (if necessary) for all potential finalists.
• Contact your local police department for more information on how to obtain a criminal background check and driving record.

Helpful Hints

Once you’ve hired someone on your own, you have several legal obligations. You must first confirm that the person is legally able to work in Canada. Then, once hired, you will need to pay taxes on their wages. You should also contact Armour Insurance Group Ltd. to determine whether your Homeowners Insurance policy covers Workers’ Compensation in case your hired help gets injured on the job.

The Internet is a miraculous superhighway of information, yet some knowledge most people want to keep private. To protect yourself and your family against Internet predators wishing to obtain your personal information, it is wise to understand the various ways in which your privacy can be breached. 

The further North you get in Alberta the less time you have to get in as many rounds of golf as you possibly can every season. As surprising at it may be, there are many golf cart accidents annually, which result in personal injury, property damage and even death. Since golfing is intended to be a fun, relaxing and enjoyable outdoor activity, review the following safety tips to keep you and your fellow golfers safe.

Personal and business insurance customers in Okotoks now have better choices when it comes to finding an insurance policy that meets their needs and budget. Armour Insurance has opened their first Okotoks insurance office on Elma Street this July. This will be their sixth office in Alberta.

Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta Press Release - June 21, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta
RE: Flooding in Central and Southern Alberta

Member brokers of Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) want you to know we are here to help during the current flooding emergency in Alberta. We know that many of you faced with flooding, evacuation, and damage to your property may need advice on what to do and how to get through this emergency.  We have provided some information below regarding who to contact with any questions you may have.

This has been a tough week for Calgary and other Southern Alberta residents. Heavy rains and flooding are causing substantial property damage in these areas and we are expecting a large number of claims as a result.

Nobody wants to think about the possibility that we could face a life threatening illness during our working years, but the fact is that critical illness can strike at any time. Read this story about Harry, a cancer survivor, to help understand how Critical Illness Insurance could work for you.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada put together this handy video on how to remove and replace the caulking or silicone around your bathtub. If your caulking is looking worse for ware, replace it and keep your walls dry and free from mold.