Author: Tyler Brown

Secure Your Legacy: Life Insurance Awareness Month

Life is a journey of unpredictable twists and turns, filled with moments of joy, challenges, and milestones. As we navigate this path, we often strive to provide the best for ourselves and our loved ones. One of the most impactful ways to ensure a secure future for your family is through the power of life insurance.

Did you know that only 44% of all Canadian households have life insurance coverage, and 23% of Canadians do not consider themselves very knowledgeable or knowledgeable at all on the topic (Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association)? Luckily, September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and it’s a great opportunity to learn how this vital coverage can safeguard your legacy.

Life insurance is more than just a financial product; it’s a promise of protection and responsibility toward those who matter most. It serves as a safety net that provides financial support to your loved ones in the event of your passing and lets them maintain their quality of life, pursue their dreams, and achieve their goals.

The Benefits of Life Insurance

Financial Protection: It provides a financial cushion to your beneficiaries, ensuring they have the resources to cover immediate expenses, outstanding debts, and long-term financial needs.
Estate Planning: It is a crucial tool in estate planning, allowing you to pass on your assets to the next generation while minimizing potential tax burdens. It ensures a smooth wealth transition and preserves your legacy for years to come.
Debt Relief: In the unfortunate event of your passing, it can help alleviate the burden of debts, such as mortgages, loans, and credit card balances. Having this debt taken care of prevents your loved ones from inheriting these financial obligations.
Education Funding: It can also be pivotal in funding your children’s education. By securing a policy, you can ensure that your children have the financial support needed to pursue their academic aspirations.

Choosing the Right Policy

Life insurance comes in various forms, including term life, whole life, and universal. Each type has its own features and benefits, tailored to different financial goals and circumstances. Take the time to explore these options with one of our experienced brokers to determine the best fit for your family. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your responsibilities and make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals.

Empower Yourself and Protect Your Loved Ones

As we celebrate Life Insurance Awareness Month, we also invite you to engage in open conversations with your family members and encourage them to explore options that will shape a brighter and more secure tomorrow. For more resources on this topic, visit the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association.

By securing this type of policy, you’re taking a proactive step towards ensuring the security of your family’s future. It’s an investment in their dreams, aspirations, and the legacy you leave behind. Let us help you get the coverage you and your family deserve by visiting our Life Insurance page for details. Contact us at 1-800-268-3311 or ebrokers@dbibrokers.ca today!

A Guide to Water Damage: Overland vs. Sewer Backup Coverage

water flooding a kitchen showing overland water damage

Your home is your place of comfort and security. However, unforeseen events like water damage can disrupt this tranquility and result in significant financial setbacks. In fact, according to the Canadian Underwriter, “48% of all interior property damage is caused by water (more than fire and burglary)” in Canada.

So, what water coverage can you add to your home insurance? Two coverages are available for water damage insurance. “Overland water” and “sewer backup”, and these are designed to protect homeowners from water-related incidents. Understanding their differences is essential to ensure comprehensive protection for your home and peace of mind.

Overland Water Coverage:

Overland water coverage, often referred to as “surface water” coverage, relates to damage caused by water that enters one’s property from natural sources. This coverage is particularly important in areas prone to flooding or where water can accumulate rapidly due to natural events.

Source of Water: Overland water coverage applies to damage caused by water that enters your property from outside. I.e. rainfall, melting snow, or overflowing bodies of water like rivers and lakes can cause flooding or pooling around your home.
Coverage Scope: This typically includes damage to your property’s structure, personal belongings, and additional living expenses. If your home becomes uninhabitable due to overland water damage, living expenses are provided.
Examples: If heavy rains lead to water entering your basement or flooding your ground floor, overland water coverage is available. This would help cover the costs of repairs, restoration, and replacing damaged items.
Preventive Measures: Preventive measures to reduce the risk of overland damage is to direct water away from your home. This can include proper landscaping and grading.

Sewer Backup Coverage:

Sewer backup coverage is to protect against damage caused by backup or overflow of your property’s sewer or drainage system. A sewer backup can lead to unsanitary conditions and extensive property damage.

Source of Water: Sewer backup coverage addresses damage often caused by blockages, clogs, or system failures. Additionally, this damage can occur when sewage or water flows back into your home through drains, toilets, or other plumbing fixtures.
Coverage Scope: This coverage typically includes damage to your property’s structure, personal belongings, and cleanup costs associated with the removal of sewage and contaminated water.
Examples: If a blocked sewer line causes sewage to back up into your basement, sewer backup coverage would help cover the costs of cleaning, sanitizing, and repairing the damage.
Preventive Measures: Preventive measures for sewer backup may involve regular maintenance of your plumbing system. You should also avoid flushing inappropriate items down the toilet.

Why Water Damage Coverage Matters

Financial Security: Water-related incidents can lead to substantial expenses, from repairing damaged structures to replacing valuable belongings. Water damage insurance ensures you’re financially protected. Don’t shoulder the full financial burden.
Swift Recovery: With the right insurance coverage, you can act promptly to address the damage, minimizing its impact on your daily life. You can quickly restore your home to its original condition, preventing prolonged disruptions.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have insurance coverage in place gives you peace of mind. You can rest assured that if damage occurs, you have a safety net to help you navigate the aftermath.
Customizable Options: Coverage can often be tailored to suit your specific needs and concerns. To ensure comprehensive protection, homeowners in areas prone to water-related risks may consider having both overland water and sewer backup coverage as part of their insurance policy.

As a beginner, grasping the fundamentals of water damage insurance and the various coverage options empowers you to make informed decisions to safeguard your home and assets. For more information on how you can prevent water issues, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), Water Damage and Flood Protection, and visit our home insurance page to see how you can save on your home insurance coverage

Remember, water-related incidences can occur anywhere. Being prepared is the best way to secure your home and maintain peace of mind. Contact us today at 1-800-268-3311 or ebrokers@dbibrokers.ca to ensure you have the necessary coverage to weather any storm!

5 Reasons to Join the Insurance Industry

Insurance Services: car, home, life, business

Insurance is a great career choice for anyone who loves helping others and wants to make a difference.

Thousands of jobs are available across Ontario and Canada, and there’s never been a better time to join the industry.

1. Job security

The insurance industry is a vital and stable sector always in demand. Professionals working in insurance can expect adequate paid time off, good pensions, steady full-time permanent employment, and competitive salaries, even during economic downturns.

2. Variety of roles

The insurance industry offers various roles, such as underwriting, risk management, claims, sales, customer service, HR, marketing, data science and more. The variety of positions available means there is something for everyone, regardless of their interests or skillset.

3. Career development opportunities

The insurance industry is only going to grow. With the baby boomer generation retiring, there will be an increased demand for a new workforce in an industry ready to nurture them. Many insurance companies offer opportunities to their employees in the form of training, mentorship programs and continued education programs such as the CIP designation to continue to develop their employees professionally.

4. Flexibility

The industry offers flexibility regarding working hours, location, and the ability to work from home. This flexibility can be particularly appealing to those who need a better work-life balance and those wishing for solid job satisfaction and high levels of engagement.

5. Impactful work

Finally, insurance protects people and businesses from financial loss. It helps to ensure that individuals can recover from unexpected events and disasters, which can provide a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment to those working in the field.

If you’re interested in working for dbi brokers Ltd, contact us here!

Who is At Fault After a Car Accident?

Suppose you’ve been in a car accident. In that case, your first concern is probably about your injuries, but after that, you may also be concerned about your car and whose responsibility it will be to pay for damages, as well as any other medical expenses resulting from the accident, essentially, who is at fault after the car accident.

Before we begin, it’s essential to know: never admit fault after a car accident. It’s the insurance company’s role to investigate the accident, and any admission of fault or guilt could affect your claim down the line.

What does ‘no-fault’ mean?

Within Ontario auto insurance, we have the ‘no-fault’ system, meaning that regardless of who is at fault in a car accident, each person’s insurance company will handle their own respective customer’s claim, not the other person’s.

Under the no-fault system, you can still be at fault if you are found to be responsible for the accident. No-fault essentially means how insurance companies now handle claims.

The benefits of this system are that since you are only dealing with your insurance company during a claim, it simplifies the claims administration process and saves time, which results in savings on premiums for customers.

How do insurance companies determine who is at fault in an accident?

The final decision comes down to the insurance company determining who is at fault. Generally, an at-fault accident is due to driving negligence, effectively, a driver failing to do something that leads to an accident.

Insurance companies will assign a percentage of fault to each driver based on their level of responsibility for the accident. This can be between 0 – 100% at-fault and is determined using The Fault Determination Rules, compensating insured parties according to the amount they are not at-fault.

How does an at-fault accident affect my insurance premium?

If you’ve been at fault in an accident, your insurance premium will likely increase at renewal unless you have purchased coverage to protect your driving record. If you haven’t been at fault, this won’t affect your premium.

Did you know that we have our own claims specialists?

A car accident can be a stressful experience, and deciphering insurance jargon is what we do best for our clients.

Get in touch at 1-800-268-3311 or email us and we can support you through the claims process and answer your questions.

Simcoe Christmas Panorama 2022

Simcoe Christmas Panorama is a Magical Winter Wonderland that has been part of Norfolk County since 1958. Our beautiful parks in downtown Simcoe are lit up with approximately 500,000 lights in trees, bushes and displays for the month of December. Santa Claus and Mrs Claus visit the park on most weekends to meet people and pose for pictures. Once such weekend Mrs Claus will be handing out hot chocolate and cookies. A ride around the park on a open trolley drawn by horses is always a favourite amongst our visitors.

dbi Brokers Ltd are proud sponsors of the event and broker Alice Smith has been involved with the Panorama committee for 4 years, she now holds the title of President.

‘Our volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year refurbishing displays, checking lights and ensuring all the aspects of the festival run smoothly. The support of our sponsors and volunteers is integral to keeping this festival going every year.’ – Alice Smith

Check out a complete list of events at www.simcoepanorama.ca

What is Depreciation Deduction Coverage?

Are you considering buying a new vehicle? Are you seeking peace of mind to get the most value out of your new car if you do? In that case, Depreciation Deduction coverage is something you should consider.

Depreciation is the decrease in a vehicle’s value over time. This affects how much you’ll be reimbursed should you make a car insurance claim for a total vehicle loss (either for theft or damage).

Considerations insurance companies use when calculating claims situations are:

Year, make, and model of the vehicle
How many kilometres are on the vehicle
Wear and tear
Online sale amounts

All these factors play into your vehicle’s depreciation value. OPCF 43 (aka Depreciation Deduction coverage) is an additional coverage you can add to your auto insurance that basically negates that depreciation.

This coverage is only available on new vehicles at the time of purchase, and by adding OPCF 43 to your coverage, insurance companies can no longer deduct depreciation when determining your reimbursement.

Essentially, this coverage ensures that you will get into a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model (or as close to your make and model if it has been discontinued) or be compensated for a brand-new car.

Interested in getting depreciation deduction coverage? Speak to a dbi broker today to find out more.

Be Rewarded for Safe Driving: Fall Driving Tips

Fall driving tips to save on auto insurance

Fall is a beautiful time to drive, but it can come with its own set of challenges. From changing weather to increased traffic and animal sightings, the fall season can be tricky to drive around. Follow our fall driving tips and keep reading to see how you can be rewarded for safe driving.

Shifting weather conditions

Fall weather is known for its constantly changing weather conditions, from sunny to windy to rainy, just like that. Check the forecast before you go out, and adapt your driving when the weather changes.
Did you know that driving on wet leaves can be like driving on a sheet of ice? Loss of traction can lead to slippery and dangerous conditions, so make sure to slow down
Black ice can also happen in the fall, not just in the winter. If it’s a damp, wet day and the temperature drops below freezing, there could be black ice on the road
Stuck in fog? Use your low beams. Using high beams will be more difficult to see as the light reflects off the fog. Low beams help with visibility in the fog.

Be on the lookout for deer

Deer are very active in the fall months, and if you think you’re going to hit a deer, experts recommend not swerving but turning in the direction the animal was coming from, braking firmly, and beeping your horn
Slow down when driving at deer crossing sites

Vehicle Considerations

Speaking of fog, according to NASA’s Mark Rober, the fastest way to de-fog your windows are: defroster fan on the highest setting > temperature set to the highest setting > A/C on > recirculate off > crack your windows. Learn more
With the days getting shorter and darker, ensure your headlights are clean and working correctly
Did you know you can get winter wiper blades? Check your wiper blades to make sure they are equipped for colder weather, or look at switching to a winter wiper blade
Wondering when to switch to your winter tires? When the weather is consistently 7 degrees or below, it’s time to swap.

And what was that about being rewarded for safe driving? Now, a drive-safe program instantly gives you 10% off your insurance premium and rewards you for your good driving habits. The best part? The better you drive, the more you can save on your car insurance, up to 20%.

Speak to a dbi Broker to get yourself signed up and start saving today!

Are You Doing a Home Renovation? Talk to Your Broker

Did you do a home reno during the pandemic or are thinking of doing one now? It seems Canadians have been re-evaluating their homes as renovations are up across Canada. Whether you’re doing a renovation to increase your home value or to your Pinterest fantasy, did you inform your insurance broker?

When do I need to talk to my insurance broker?

Last year, Canadian homeowners spent on average $13,000 on home renovations, an increase of $4,700 from the previous year. But did you know that your typical home insurance policy states any renovation exceeding $5,000, needs to be notified to your broker to maintain coverage provisions? Don’t skip this step as it can be a costly mistake in the future. Your broker can guide you to ensure you’re protected during and after your renovation.

What do I need to tell my broker?

From upgrading to a finished basement, home office, or outdoor space, your broker will inform you if additional coverage is needed. Coverage may be needed in case of bodily injury or accident, and if the renovations will leave you underinsured. You also need to inform your broker because if a claim is made during the renovation, it may not be covered if you failed to notify. Protect your investment and make sure to tell your broker:

What you plan to do, are doing or did to your property
An inventory of new items and areas (such as appliances, furniture, art, custom kitchen, bathroom updates, new plumbing, heating, and cooling, etc.) to help assist in the settlement of a loss or claim
Who your licensed contractor is and if they’re insured. You should also find out who their insurer is, their coverage limits, and policy terms (including any trades and sub-trades that are being used)
Inform your broker if any building permits were required

Can a home renovation lower my insurance costs?

Yes! Not all renovations are made equal, and your reno may actually decrease your insurance costs. Below is a list of home renovations that can lower your home insurance premium:

Installing a new roof, or new heating and cooling systems
Updating old and outdated plumbing and wiring
Installing an alarm/ security system or other loss mitigation items

A lot can happen, and it only benefits you to talk to your broker before and after your home renovation. Talk to a dbi broker today to have all your home renovation questions answered.

ebrokers@dbibrokers.ca

Impaired Driving and Car Insurance

By now, most people know how unacceptable it is to drink and drive and that you should never get in a vehicle with someone that has been drinking or has consumed cannabis. But what is drinking and driving and how can it affect your car insurance? Let’s break it down.

What is Impaired Driving?

The government of Ontario defines drinking and driving, aka impaired driving as, “operating a vehicle while your ability to do so has been compromised to any degree by consuming:

Alcohol
Cannabis
Over-the-counter and prescription medication and
Illegal substances”

Not only can you be charged while operating a vehicle, but impaired driving also applies to operating a boat, snowmobile, jet ski, and off-road vehicles like an ATV.

What is the legal limit in Ontario?

Alcohol

Ontario has a zero-tolerance law for young and novice drivers. You cannot have any alcohol in your system if you are under the age of 21, or a driver with a G1, G2, M1, or M2 license. If you are a fully licensed driver (G), the maximum BAC (blood alcohol content) is .08. Any higher is a criminal offense.

Cannabis

Ontario’s zero-tolerance laws for young and novice drivers also applies to consuming cannabis. It is recommended that you wait between 4 – 6 hours after consuming cannabis to then operate a motorized vehicle. Learn more about how cannabis affects your driving at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-and-driving

How does an Impaired Driving charge affect my car insurance?

Depending on your insurance carrier will depend on how they handle your impaired driving charge. Some may cancel your policy, but most insurance companies will increase your premium rate. Drivers with a DUI on their record can pay up to 5 times more on their car insurance compared to drivers with a clean record. Insurance companies can also drop you if you do not disclose your DUI so it’s always best to be open and honest.

Summer is the time for camping, cottages, and road trips. Have fun this summer but make sure to plan ahead if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis so you can keep yourself and those around you safe. To learn more about impaired driving in Ontario visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving