As a renter or a condominium unit owner in Alberta, you may not think insurance is a priority. You may think that because the building is covered by someone else, your personal effects aren’t worth insuring. What you may not know is that a Renter's Insurance or Condo Insurance policy also includes personal liability. The Liability section of the policy will protect you in case you are found legally responsible of having unintentionally caused bodily injury or property damage to someone else ...

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) recently released its annual list of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada for 2011, many of which are showing up in the local market and not necessarily being exported out of Canada. In these cases, the vehicles are often re-sold to unsuspecting consumers.    This year there is a new hot target for thieves – the 2009 Toyota Venza. It replaces the 2000 Honda Civic SiR, which was last year’s number one stolen vehicle.  The top 1 ...

Your home should be a safe environment!  While it may seem impossible to safe proof every aspect of your home, just a few simple improvements shown on our Home Safety Guide, can make your home safer for everyone.  Did you know? Almost half of installed smoke alarms are not in good operating condition; leaving you with a false sense of security. Nearly 1 in 3 fires is caused by careless use of combustible materials, cooking appliances, or smoking supplies. Mechanical or electrical ...

It's happening!  The days are getting longer and as I look around my neighbourhood, the homes are popping up For Sale!  This is a sure sign that Spring is approaching!  Buying your first home is a major life decision, and one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Here are the Top 10 Tips for first time home buyers in Alberta: 1. Don’t skip the home inspection It is tempting to skip over getting a home inspection performed if you are in a hurry to close the deal. Howev ...

Most of us only think of reviewing our car insurance policies when we are making a claim, or when we receive our renewal in the mail.  But there are a few common changes we often make that actually require us to notify our insurance broker in order to maintain our coverage.  Depending on what has changed, you could find yourself without coverage or reduced coverage in the event of an accident. To ensure you are protected at all times, listed below are examples of times when you should contact you ...

It's Saturday night, you notice the snow-covered sidewalk, but you remember the hockey game is about to begin.  What do you do?  Thinking of skipping the shoveling and watching the game?  You might want to rethink your decision.....below is a summary of how much time you have to clear the snow and the potential penalties for not shoveling in regulation time. EDMONTON:  Snow must be cleared 48 hours after snowfall.  1st Offence:  Warning issued; snow must be clea ...

Happy New Year!  Many of us can attest that a new year often brings new resolutions involving new lifestyle changes, and re-organization of our homes and ourselves.  But often forgotten is the organization of our cars. Messy cars with loose objects can send dangerous flying projectiles if you brake quickly or if you are involved in a collision (auto insurance claim). Some car designs also allow larger items stored in the back such as grocery bags, suitcases or golf clubs to fly out ...

It's the holidays and Albertans are asked to take charge this holiday season!  Prevent drinking and driving, prevent accidents and prevent auto insurance claims.  The smartest thing people can do is plan ahead. It is up to all of us to support positive and reliable alternatives to drinking and driving. Smart choices like designating a driver or using alternate modes of transportation will prevent tragedy and further promote safety on our streets. Some of the consequences impaired drivers can expe ...

Well, we're here!  Right in the heart of the holiday season.  Christmas is  around the corner and  we're heading for another New Year!   Beginning a New Year often brings desire and hope to better organize aspects of one's life; whether it be your personal health, finances, career or even household.  Who couldn't use a little 'dusting off' after the busy holiday season?  Your home could!  Routinely completing household maintenance will not only save you time an ...

Let's talk tire safety and wear & tear! Tires are without a doubt the most critical safety component on a vehicle.  Where the rubber meets the road affects traction, handling, steering, stability and braking. Because of this, a sudden tire failure can have serious consequences, especially if it occurs at highway speeds in a vehicle with a high centre of gravity; potentially causing an accident and ultimately an auto insurance claim.  Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure ...