Single Amount of Protection - What is it?

Level of Coverage

Deductibles

Enhanced Special Limits

How The Value of Home is Determined

How is your home’s replacement value calculated? 

The insurance industry uses a retail construction cost estimator that is used by the construction industry.  Demolition and debris removal are factored in. 

The value of your home will include decks patios, attached garages, hot tubs, or any other attached structures.

Any time improvements are made to the property the estimator will recalculate the value and keep it up to date.  

Each year the insurance company will adjust the amount insured to reflect the increased cost of construction that year.

Additional Living Expenses

Outbuildings

Replacement Cost

Do I have replacement Cost Coverage, and why do I want it?

A large majority of the home policies being offered today automatically include replacement cost coverage for most items.   Your policy will indicate it, if you have replacement cost coverage.

Replacement cost means the insurance company will pay to replace all damaged property with new items rather than what it would cost for a similar used items.  

Of course, having replacement cost insurance means you have to carry enough coverage to replace the property you are insuring for the amount it would cost to replace new. You can’t insure for the depreciated value and expect the insurance company to pay your loss based on replacement cost.

What if I don't want to replace a certain item?

You always have the option not to replace the item, and if you do n't, you will still receive the depreciated value.  

Are all items insured for replacement cost? 

Anytime items are insured and listed separately on your policy they may have different settlement options than does your base policy.   Most often items that you chose to insured individually will be insured for stated amount meaning the insurance company and you have agreed on the value of the item and the amount agreed on will be the amount paid whether you replace it or not.   This is often the case with Jewelry, Art Work, and Antiques.   You are often required to have these items appraised in order to establish their true value.   

Boats and motors, golf carts, and lawn tractors may not be insured for replacement cost.   These items often have replacement cost if they are newer but when they are older they may be limited to actual cash value coverage (depreciated value).  

#1 Cause of Major House Fires - Kitchen Fires

There is a surprising number of losses from cooking fires.  Property damage is often extreme.  Death and disfiguring burns can result.  Do your children know what to do in the case of a hot oil fire?  This video is one minute in length and will show them what really happens if they make the wrong choice when dealing with a stove top fire.

It there a tax on home insurance?

I am often asked - is there tax on insurance premiums.

The tax on insurance premiums is hidden. The fact is, every insurance premium paid is taxed; including life insurance, health insurance, fire insurance and even warranty contracts.

The Important Choices When Buying Home Insurance

Home Maintenance Checklist By Season

Carbon Monoxide

CARBON MONOXIDE: A FACT SHEET

Five Reasons You Should Prefer a Broker & Five Ways We May Differ From Other Brokers

Liability Insurance - It is more than you think it is!

How to Transfer Your Policy To Clarke Insurance

Practical ways to save money on your home insurance!

Guaranteed Replacement Cost - What is it?

What To Do When You Have A Claim

Mutual Companies - Are they better?

Antiques - The old will become new again

If you own antiques you will want to consider their present value in relation to what the insurance company will pay if they are lost or damaged.

Your Application For Insurance - It means -more to you than you think!

When you apply for insurance you have to fill out an application.  Most of the time your agent does this, rather than you.  Typically you answer questions as your adviser fills out the application.  Once the application is completed, he gets you to sign it and forwards your application to the insurance company. 

Discounts - TOO Much Ain't Enough!

When I was shopping for home insurance I noticed that every company has different discounts and that the amount of the discounts vary.  What's up with that?

If you don't need it - don't buy it!

Most of us have experienced the frustrations of having to pay for a bunch of TV channels we don't really want in order to get the ones we do want.  Insurance policies are no different. You end up paying for stuff you don't need.

Do I really need to do an inventory of my belongings?

It seems to be a lot of work to go through my entire home and make a list of everything.   Why do I need to do this? 

What exactly is vacant? This is Important!

My home will be vacant for a short while? 
Will this affect the coverage under my policy? 

Dog Gone It

460,000 Dog Bites per year in Canada - ouch!

I am a volunteer - what do I need to consider from an insurance perspective.

I am Volunteer - what do I need to consider from an insurance perspective.

Water, Water, Everywhere There's Water

What kind of water damage is covered under the usual home insurance policy?
Is sewer backup covered?
What about flood?

Who You Deal With is Half The Fun

I have been told that I should deal with a broker verses an agent. 
What's the difference?
Which is better? 

Disaster releif - what is it?

What happens if my basement is flooded during a large storm and the insurance company says that it is not insured under my home insurance?    

They want to What????

Will insurance companies check my credit score when I apply for Insurance?
If so, can I stop them from doing so?  
Does this affect my premium? 

Solid Fuel Burning Appliances

Why do insurance companies surcharge for the use of a solid fuel burning appliances? Why is the surcharge 25% in Saskatchewan and only 10% in Alberta?
Is this just an excuse to charge more?

The on line quote experiment.

Insuring Belongings - The Three Things You Need to Know

Jewelry Appraisal Tips - Is you appraisal real.

Carol Cheney, Director of Insurance Services for Harling’s Jewellers in Vancouver, BC shares some valuable tips when it comes time to get your jewelry appraised. Watch Video