Travel Tips | How to Protect Your Winnipeg Home While on Vacation

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Team Insurance

Long vacations and extended business trips leave your Winnipeg area home vulnerable to theft and damage. With a few simple steps you can protect your home while you’re away, deterring thieves and avoiding accidental and environmental damage.

Protect your home from thieves

Equipping your house with a security system is a smart way to deter thieves. But remember that burglars look for unoccupied homes they can quickly enter undetected.

Invest in light timers on every level of your home. Have a neighbor put out the garbage and recycling and either cancel your newspaper subscription or have the neighbor bring in your daily mail. They should check the house over every few days as well. Depending on the season, arrange to have the lawn mowed or the driveway shoveled.

Protect your home from damage

Besides deterring would-be thieves, you’ll also need to protect your Winnipeg area home from accidents and environmental damage. The risk of fire and water damage increases while you’re away.

Depending on the length of your trip, it may be a good idea to turn off your water at the main valve. Always be sure to shut off outside taps, but closing the main water valve is a wise measure.

When leaving for an extended winter trip, have pipes and appliances (hot water tank, fridge etc.) drained to avoid the risk of bursting in sub-zero temperatures. Check your insurance policy to see if these arrangements are required for full coverage. It is also important to have your home checked on a daily basis if you are away for more than a couple days during the winter. (Call our TEAM to learn more about the fine print that may cover this in your policy.)

Be sure all appliances are turned off or unplugged before leaving on your trip. Use only high quality light timers and test them beforehand. Some security systems provide smoke alarms and low temperature monitoring for optimum safety, even when you’re not at home.

Protect your Winnipeg area home from break-ins and damage while on vacation. Take action to protect the building and come home to a clean, undamaged home.

In the unfortunate event that despite your precautions, you do suffer a loss, please be sure to contact our TEAM and the police if necessary.  Our after hours emergency service line is (204) 339-2048.

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Your kids and your insurance

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Team Insurance

You love your kids no matter what, but are their mishaps around the home covered by your current insurance policy?

That’s what the latest Team Insurance Brokers video is all about.

If you don’t know if you’re covered, click here to learn more about our home insurance packages and then contact our TEAM today.

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Get Educated on your new Driver

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Team Insurance

While spring time for most families in Winnipeg is a welcome time of year, it’s not quite as welcome a season for the parents of students starting driver’s education.

Let’s admit it – while there’s a joyous feeling of finally being free from the shackles of your chauffeur hat for trips to movies or the mall, the sentiment is overridden by the cringe you get when you think of your flesh and blood taking the car out with you during training sessions. After all, this is not a professional training car, which has a set of brakes in the passenger seat – this is your car, your (other) pride and joy.

Naturally, this cringe may have you wondering about your car’s coverage with your new driver at the wheel. While there is no coverage specific to a learning driver, there are changes you can make to your car insurance coverage in case an accident does occur:

  • Consider lowering your deductible (the amount you have to pay in the event of an accident)
  • Increase the liability on your vehicle (covers any damage to third party property, vehicles, or any personal injury)
  • Add loss of use coverage, which puts funds towards replacement transportation while your current model is being repaired.

It’s also important to note that if your car has been registered as pleasure use, and your vehicle will now be used to drive to work or school, you will need to change your policy.

To learn more about auto insurance coverage, feel free to contact our TEAM by clicking here.

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Decoding Broad vs Comprehensive Form Insurance policies

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Team Insurance

There are two main forms of Homeowners Insurance policies: Comprehensive and Broad.

Both the Broad and the Comprehensive forms of homeowner’s coverage provide “All Perils” coverage on your home and detached structures (see our recent blog about coverage on detached structures).  “All Perils” basically means that you are covered for all types of losses, with the exception of the standard policy exclusions.  Some of the standard exclusions on all policies are (but are not limited to) overland flooding, water seepage, terrorism etc.

The major difference falls on the coverage for your personal belongings or “contents”.
A Comprehensive policy covers your belongings on the same “All Perils” basis and a Broad policy covers your contents on a “Named Perils” basis.

“Named Perils” is exactly what it sounds like.  You’re only covered for the types of losses that are listed in your policy wordings.  The Broad policy will still cover losses like fire, smoke damage, and theft for your contents.  Some of the types of losses that are not covered are mysterious disappearance (losing something), accidental damage, rip, stains and power surge.

Yes, a Comprehensive policy will have a slightly higher annual premium (your annual insurance cost) than a Broad form policy, but often we can offset the additional cost by increasing your policy deductible (the amount of any claim that you would pay).

Keep an eye out for our upcoming YouTube video for some more great examples of losses that may be able to be covered on your policy.  One quick call to our TEAM can make sure that you have all the coverage you need.

Decoding Broad vs Comprehensive Form Insurance policies.

There are two main forms of Homeowners Insurance policies: Comprehensive and Broad.

Both the Broad and the Comprehensive forms of homeowner’s coverage provide “All Perils” coverage on your home and detached structures (see our recent blog about coverage on detached structures) insert link.  “All Perils” basically means that you are covered for all types of losses, with the exception of the standard policy exclusions.  Some of the standard exclusions on all policies are (but are not limited to) overland flooding, water seepage, terrorism etc.

The major difference falls on the coverage for your personal belongings or “contents”.

A Comprehensive policy covers your belongings on the same “All Perils” basis and a Broad policy covers your contents on a “Named Perils” basis.

“Named Perils” is exactly what it sounds like.  You’re only covered for the types of losses that are listed in your policy wordings.  The Broad policy will still cover losses like fire, smoke damage, and theft for your contents.  Some of the types of losses that are not covered are mysterious disappearance (losing something), accidental damage, rip, stains and power surge.

Yes, a Comprehensive policy will have a slightly higher annual premium (your annual insurance cost) than a Broad form policy, but often we can offset the additional cost by increasing your policy deductible (the amount of any claim that you would pay).

Keep an eye out for our upcoming YouTube video for some more great examples of losses that may be able to be covered on your policy.  One quick call to our Team can make sure that you have all the coverage you need.

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All You Need to Know About Sewer Backup Insurance

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Team Insurance

Water damage happens, especially in Winnipeg and the surrounding area. Homeowners need to take steps to protect their property from sewer backup and flooding, as well as making sure proper home insurance is in place.

Flooding and seepage

Off the top, it’s important to know that there is no coverage on a home insurance policy for overland flooding or seepage. Winnipeg has an undeniable history of flooding and, considering the tendency of sewer backup, homes in the extended area need proper coverage.

Sure, you can have a sump pit and sump pump system installed. Landscaping and excavation will improve the drainage in your yard. It’s also a good idea to hire a plumber to install a backwater valve in the basement, tied to the local sewer line. Regular inspections and maintenance on these systems, as well as having a backup battery for your sump pump, help to protect your home and family from sewer backup. (It is also a good idea to consult with your alarm company, as some may offer monitoring on your sump pump.)

But all of this hard work does not offer a guarantee against backups and flooding.

Invest in Sewer Backup Insurance

Ask our TEAM about adding specific coverage for sewer backups. Costs for this type of coverage vary depending on your home, the insurance company and the amount of coverage specified.

In general, you can expect $5,000 in sewer backup insurance to add between $50 and $80 to your annual home insurance premium. You may opt for larger coverage, often stated in increments of $5,000, as long as you’re willing to pay a higher annual premium. Most homeowners consider this a wise investment, given the chance of a sewer backup occurring in their Winnipeg home.

Review the details of your existing home insurance policy. If sewer backup insurance is not included, contact our TEAM immediately and find out the additional cost. Your peace of mind is worth the investment.

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Understanding Insurance Coverage on Detached Structures

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Team Insurance

A rash of recent garage fires in Winnipeg has been featured on local media, with speculation about the causes and various findings creating headline after headline. Concerned homeowners are spending time inspecting their detached structures and outbuildings, such as garages, sheds and fences, for potential dangers and insecure conditions. But have you spent a few moments to consider your home insurance coverage?

Will the structure and contents of your detached garage or shed be covered in case of fire or vandalism? It’s important to understand your policy before anything unfortunate happens on your property.

Understanding what is covered

When in doubt, it’s a good plan to get in touch with our TEAM. Find out whether a detached garage, shed or other outbuilding is covered, including the replacement cost of the building and contents. If a garage fire breaks out on your property, you’ll need the funds to replace or repair the detached structure, as well as replace all of the items stored inside.

Homeowner policies usually include coverage for detached structures and outbuildings, while tenant insurance will only cover contents. If you rent your home, find out whether the contents stored in detached buildings are included in your coverage.

It’s also important to note that if you use an outbuilding for business purposes or other income activities, your insurance policy may need to be altered. Call our TEAM to learn more.

As with any detail of your property, it’s wise to understand the ins and outs of insurance coverage on detached structures. Insurance is one more stage of protection against the rash of garage fires in Winnipeg.

If you have any further questions on detached structures or outbuildings, contact our TEAM.

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What’s New with Our TEAM

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Team Insurance

Cleo R. Morris, CAIB has been appointed General Manager of Team Insurance Brokers.  Cleo has over 30 years in the general insurance industry and joined our “Team” on January 23, 1995.  Cleo has been a trusted Senior Management member since 2009.

Team Insurance Brokers is pleased to welcome Lindsay Rae Pauls, CAIB as the new Office Manager of our Rivergrove location on January 31, 2012.  Lindsay Rae has 13 years of experience in the general insurance industry.

Michael D. Kehler has been appointed Commercial Lines Supervisor of Team Insurance Brokers.  Michael has 8 years in the general insurance industry and joined our TEAM on February 8, 2010.

We are very excited to have Cleo, Lindsay Rae and Michael as a part of our TEAM and look forward to the experiences and innovative ideas they continue to bring.

Getting social

Now, you can connect with Team Insurance Brokers in all new ways, as we have expanded our social media presence.

Recently, we updated our Facebook page to help provide you with exciting information and exclusive looks at our activities. Click here to check out our new page!

If Twitter is your preferred social media program, then you can follow us at our new handle, @TeamIBWinnipeg. Get updates from our Team news and thoughts on the latest happenings in #winnipeg.

Reader Panel

Our Reader Panel continues to inspire Winnipeg on a weekly basis. If you haven’t checked out the Panel in a while or missed a week, check out our Facebook page for an archive of Reader Panel words of wisdom from the past.

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Celebrate Easter with Team Insurance Brokers and McIvor Mall

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Team Insurance

With the long weekend just around the corner, Team Insurance Brokers and our neighbours in McIvor Mall on Henderson Highway are getting ready to celebrate Easter this coming Saturday morning.

Our TEAM will be celebrating, offering free face painting for kids (and adults if you ask really nicely).  There will be a number of other free activities going on throughout the morning, including balloon animals, a special appearance by the Easter Bunny and plenty of other family fun for everyone.

The McIvor Mall Easter Kids Party runs this Saturday, April 7 until 2:00 p.m.  For directions to McIvor Mall, click here.

There is nothing you can do to earn a free gift.  Just accept it.  Happy Easter!

See you all Saturday.

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Our Team – not just another email address

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Team Insurance

As you’ve surfed through the Team Insurance Brokers website, you’ve probably come across a unique page – our Team Bio page.

Now you may ask yourself, “what’s so unique about a team bio page?”

There are two parts to this answer.

First, if you look at other websites across the Winnipeg insurance industry, it is seldom that you come across a page dedicated to staff members. At times, all you will get is a name and an email address.

This is different than our philosophy – we believe that the true strength of Team is in our insurance professionals. As such, it is important to know not only who you are working with directly, but the entire group that they are working with to ensure that your insurance package is the best available in the Winnipeg insurance marketplace.

The second reason we do this is because we want you to know that when you choose Team Insurance for your insurance needs, you are choosing to work with a company that has elite insurance professionals. We take pride in being an employer of choice in the insurance industry in Winnipeg, and you deserve to know that when you come to Team Insurance, you are coming to a group that is highly skilled and ready to go to work for you.

Of course, the best way to learn more about our Team Insurance Brokers professionals is to pay us a visit at either our Main Street or Henderson Highway location.

To learn more about our insurance brokers, click here.

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You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Team Insurance

The year 2012 has been different to say the least, thus far.

Usually about now, Winnipeggers would be decked out in four layers and turning the temperature in our homes up to 23 degrees just to try to stay warm as we battled temperatures in to the negative 30s.

This year, however, we’re seeing temperatures flirting with that seemingly impossible + sign and are showing no signs of plummeting into the usual Febrrrrary temperatures (we hope!).

Of course, these conditions lead to a number of questions that could be floating in your mind right now, such as:

  • With all the ice building up from melting and freezing, am I liable if someone has an accident on my property?
  • I know we haven’t had much snowfall, but my house may still be at risk for flooding. Am I covered for it?
  • With the small snowfall we’ve decided to go south of the border for our cross-country ski weekend this year. Am I covered in Colorado?

Here’s the good news – answers to all of your questions are just a phone call or mouse click away.

All you have to do is call one of our branches in Winnipeg – 339-2048 or 334-4373 – or click the Live Chat button at the top of this page to be connected to a Team Insurance expert.

And if an emergency ever comes up, remember that we have a 24-hour help line – 339-2048.

Soon, spring will be here, so enjoy the rest of the winter. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

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