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Jan
26

Rising costs of insurance got you down?

By | Association Insurance, Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips

 

Simple steps to help reduce your insurance premiums!

With today’s economy, we’re all looking for practical ways to reduce costs and save money.  Unfortunately, it seems every time we turn around, costs are rising.  Basic necessities like gas and food are increasing, and insurance costs are no different.   Here are some easy, pain-free tips for helping control your home and auto insurance premiums:

  1. Combine policies – many insurers offer a multi-line discount, which can create savings.  Combining your auto insurance with your home/condo policy can save you up to 10% in premiums.
  2. Keep your insurance provider informed – as your circumstances change, you may be eligible for additional discounts. 
    • Parking a seasonal vehicle can offset some of your costs
    • A son or daughter off to school may qualify you for a discount
    • A change in your vehicle use, or distance driven annually may reduce your premiums (such as retirement, maternity leave, or change in employment).
  3. Review your deductibles – Increasing your home and auto deductibles translates into savings on your premium.
  4. Improve home security – smoke detectors and dead bolt locks help reduce risk.  Also, insurers often offer discounts for monitored alarm systems. 
  5. Practise safe driving – paying attention on the road (such as not talking on a cell phone) and obeying traffic rules will help keep your driving record clean.  Most insurers offer preferred driving discounts for claims free drivers and further discounts for conviction free.
  6. Let your broker around.  When you receive your renewal policy, contact your broker.  Our job is to shop the market to obtain the best deal for you.  If you’re not happy with your rate, call and discuss your options with your broker. 

Little changes can add up to savings in your home and auto insurance premiums. 

 

Filed Under: Association Insurance, Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips Tagged With: , , ,
Jan
16

Don’t get caught out in the cold!

By | Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips

We’re always looking for useful information for our readers, and our friends at the IBAO recently posted an article on a winter checklist, which we thought we’d pass along!

You can view it here: http://ibao.informz.net/ibao/data/images/winter+weather+preparedness+checklist+2_2.pdf

Let’s have a safe winter this season!

Filed Under: Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips Tagged With: ,
Dec
15

Happy Holidays from Cornerstone Insurance

By | Cornerstone Company News

Happy Holidays from all of us! 

During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our 2011 progress possible.  And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely, thank you and best wishes for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. 

This season, we are donating to a local cause through our charitable donation program – Cornerstone Cares.  We are very proud to support the Moving Forward 2015 Foundation, a York Region non-profit organization that provides assistance for domestic abuse survivors and their families.

From all of us at Cornerstone Insurance Brokers, thank you for your continued support and best wishes to you and your loved ones as we welcome a new year.

Filed Under: Cornerstone Company News Tagged With: , , ,
Dec
05

Are you ready for winter driving?

By | Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips

Expecting fluffy white snow?    

Winter driving means black ice, slippery roads, and impaired visibility – all hazards when behind the wheel.  It may also mean a significant increase in fender benders or worse, extreme accidents.  Fortunately, there are practical things you can do to keep you safe behind the wheel this winter. 

 1. Invest in winter tires.  All season tires tend to harden and lose their grip at temperatures around -10 degrees C.  A good set of winter tires provides better traction, better braking, and overall better handling on icy roads, giving you more control behind the wheel.  While winter tires do not come with a break on insurance rates, they will last for several years, and help prevent accidents which will cost you in the long run. 

 2.  Be alert and pay attention.  Consider driving with your headlights on during the day, particularly when weather conditions decrease visibility.  You’ll see better and others will see you!

3.  Check weather conditions before heading out, and allow extra time when the weather is bad.  Never rush in icy or stormy weather – take your time and keep your focus on the roads. 

4. To minimize the chances of hitting a vehicle in front of you on winter roads (when braking and stopping time generally decreases), keep a four-car distance from other vehicles.

 5.  If you park outside when it snows, take the little bit of extra time to completely clean your vehicle of snow.  You’ll remember the benefit of this the next time you’re driving behind a mini van that didn’t clean the snow off the top of their car!  Remember that a clean vehicle keeps the driver behind you safer, preventing him/her from getting a blast of your snow on their windshield.

 6.  Also, when cleaning your vehicle, raise your windshield wipers off your windshield. Not only will this prevent any surprises when you need to use them, it will prolong the life of your wipers. 

 7.  Carry extra supplies in your car, such as a shovel and extra windshield wash.

 8.  Make sure you have a charged cell phone in case of emergencies, preferably with a hands-free system in your car.  If not, be sure to pull off the road before using it.   

Remember, if the weather is bad, a delay in your trip might be warranted.  With careful attention to the importance of safe driving, you’ll help to reduce the likelihood of having to make an insurance claim, thereby keeping your insurance costs lower.

Filed Under: Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips Tagged With: , , ,
Nov
24

Like us? Why not show it on Facebook?

By | Insurance Tips

If you’re looking for a page that has some great insurance related and industry specific information, then why not try our Facebook page?  In addition, we offer fun tips and contests for our fans.

Right now, for every ‘Like’ we receive, we’ll donate 50 cents to the Moving Forward 2015 Foundation, an amazing charity that provides financial assistance to York region residents.  Their program – Next Step Loans - provides interest free micro loans to abuse survivors and vulnerable and at risk residents.  We believe in this charity, and we hope you show your support by liking us! 

It’s easy!  Simply follow the link to Facebook on the bottom of this page (or any page on our site), and ‘Like’ us!

Filed Under: Insurance Tips
Nov
14

Planning for Emergencies

By | Association Insurance, Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips

We all hope it won’t happen to us…but what if it does?  Are you ready in the event of an emergency?

Weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable.  The news is filled with stories of tsunamis, mudslides, and earthquakes.  Closer to home, a small earthquake was felt by southern Ontarioresidents in early fall.  A tornado ravaged through homes in the town of Goderich this summer, and ice storms/hurricanes/heavy snow storms are a regular winter reality.  While we cannot control the weather, we certainly can be prepared when disaster strikes.  Of course, not all disasters are natural ones – including fires, gas leaks, and power outages. 

Create your own emergency plan

Taking a few moments to discuss an emergency strategy with your family can do wonders for your preparation.  Consider all family members and what special needs may be required, such as elderly or young children.  Ensure that you all agree on a plan and understand it. 

Emergency Phone Numbers

Keep a list and make copies for everyone of emergency numbers.  Do not rely on your cell phone or your memory to store important numbers.  This should include:

  • Work and cell numbers of all adults in the home
  • Ambulance/emergency medical services/fire department/police
  • Children’s schools and daycare facilities
  • Doctors, dentists, and specialist numbers
  • Hospital or health clinic
  • Insurance provider/broker, including travel insurance provider
  • Provincial telehealth number
  • Utility providers – natural gas and electricity

Basic Emergency Kit

It is recommended that you keep enough supplies to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours.  Your emergency kit should include:

  • Batteries
  • Bottled water (about 4 litres per person)
  • Manual can opener
  • Candles
  • Cash
  • Clothing (extra shirt, pants, socks, underwear, and shoes)
  • Duct tape
  • Copy of your Emergency Phone Numbers
  • Flashlight
  • Food (canned items, crackers, protein bars)
  • Multi-tool
  • Sleeping bags or blankets
  • Spare keys to your car and house
  • Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, soap and sanitizer)
  • Waterproof matches

You may also consider putting together a vehicle emergency kit, which includes all of the above, as well as a shovel, whistle, jumper cables, warning light/road flares, and a road map. 

A crucial part of emergency preparation is making sure you have adequate coverage for your home.  Take time to review your policy, and if you have any questions, contact your insurance provider, who will walk you through what’s included in your policy and what is not.  For example, many insurance policies do not cover damage caused by earthquakes, but you can always purchase additional coverage if you feel it’s necessary.  A qualified insurance broker will be able to answer all questions you may have, and get you ready for a tumultuous weather season.

Filed Under: Association Insurance, Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips Tagged With: ,
Nov
07

November 2, 2011 – Cornerstone Welcomes Grade Nine Students!

By | Cornerstone Company News, Insurance Industry News

 

On Wednesday, November 2, grade nine students all over the country were welcomed into the workplace as part of the annual nation-wide Take Your Kid to Work Day. 

Cornerstone was thrilled to welcome seven grade nine students from York and Peel regions to join us for a full day.  Our grade nines, with diverse interests from art to mathematics, helped out in various departments – including scanning and filing documents in our Personal Lines and Life & Health departments, assisting the Marketing team to launch a direct mail campaign, and even aiding our IT team in organizing computer resources. 

The end result was a very productive day – certainly for our office, and hopefully the students learned the inner workings of an insurance brokerage. 

“We’re very fortunate to host such helpful and enthusiastic kids.  We’re a big supporter of Take Your Kid to Work Day, and each year we’re astounded at the respectful, engaged students out there.  With luck, we have some future insurance brokers in our midst!”  said Wendy DaSilva, CEO.

Filed Under: Cornerstone Company News, Insurance Industry News Tagged With: , ,
Oct
24

Test your Ticket IQ!

By | Association Insurance, Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips

Ever wondered how a traffic ticket will affect your insurance rate?  The answer, unfortunately, is that all traffic tickets impact your rate, sometimes severely! 

Tickets issued under the Highway Traffic Act, Insurance Act, or Criminal Code affect your insurance rates.  This includes all tickets classified as Minor, Major, or Severe/Criminal.  Parking tickets are the only type of ticket issued that has no impact on your insurance rate. 

Minor convictions involve speeding (under 50 km/hour over the speed limit), and a host of other violations such as failure to signal, failure to use seatbelts, stop sign infractions, improper lane changes, and many more.  Relatively new laws, such as driving in the high occupancy vehicle lane on some highways or talking on your cell phone will driving (unless hands free), also count as minor offenses, and will affect your insurance rates. 

Not surprisingly, major and criminal offenses affect insurance rates to a greater extent.  These tickets include: speeding 50 km/hour over the posted speed limit, school bus or school zone improper driving (or failure to stop), all insurance related offenses, such as driving with no insurance or producing a false insurance document, and failure to report an accident.  Criminal offenses include driving while impaired, careless driving, dangerous driving, failure to obey police, and racing. 

Minor offense convictions can see your insurance rates rise by approximately 10% for each offense (please note this can vary by insurance provider).  Major convictions generally result in an automatic rise of 15%.  Serious or criminal offenses increase your rates significantly, sometimes as high as 100% for a conviction. 

Ticket convictions stay on your driving record for 3 years. 

If you have teenage children or dependents that are covered under your policy, please note that any tickets they receive will be included on your policy.  If your teenage daughter gets a ticket for chatting with her friends on her cell phone or texting while at a red light – this works the same as if you received the ticket and your rates can be affected. 

There is no substitute for following the rules of the road.  Be careful not to speed, and remember to put the cell phone away while driving.  Be aware of how driving rules vary from province to province (and state to state) when travelling, so that you’re not vulnerable.  Drive carefully for everyone’s sake – not just because tickets impact your wallet immediately and can cost you thousands in increased premiums over time.

Filed Under: Association Insurance, Insurance Industry News, Insurance Tips Tagged With: , ,
Oct
18

Congratulations to our CEO Wendy DaSilva!

By | Insurance Tips

Wendy DaSilva elected to IBAO council

Cornerstone is proud to announce that our Founder and CEO, Wendy DaSilva, has been elected as the new Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) Director for Territory 10. Wendy was officially elected at the IBAO election on October 11. 

“The IBAO plays an essential role in protecting the interests of insurance brokerages in the province, including education and training.  I’m thrilled to join the team and to continue to work with members to drive our industry forward,” commented Wendy.

Wendy begins her term in January, 2012.

Filed Under: Insurance Tips
Oct
04

Customer Service Week, October 3 to 7, 2011

By | Cornerstone Company News, Uncategorized

Happy Customer Service Week!

October 3 to 7, 2011 is National Customer Service Week. It’s a time of year where we as an organization celebrate the many aspects of Customer Service, including the overall importance of delivering exceptional service to our clients.

At Cornerstone, we understand that Customer Service doesn’t just end with a friendly voice on the phone. It’s about answering the phone the first time you call, understanding your unique concerns and providing you answers when you need them. It’s about getting you exactly the coverage you need, at a price you like. And, it is continuing to deliver the best service every time you contact us.

This year’s theme is Refresh, Recharge, Reconnect. Throughout the week, Cornerstone team members will be marking CS Week 2011 with a number of related activities that, reminding every one of us our role in Customer Service.

Filed Under: Cornerstone Company News, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,
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