Commercial insurance rates are increasing on nearly every line of coverage, thanks to a rise in the frequency and severity of claims. And business owners are noticing significant premium hikes at policy renewal time. What might not be as apparent are: Changes to policy requirements New coverage limits Policy exclusions that carriers are enacting to limit future liability To protect your business interests, you need to know what questions to ask and what to look for when renewing your insurance policy. Here are some pointers. Why are your insurance premiums increasing? For several years, clai ..read more

An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof. It prevents melting snow from draining off, forcing the melted water to seep underneath shingles. The water can leak into your home, damaging insulation, walls and ceilings. Here are some suggestions from PBS’s This Old House and CAA Quebec on how to remove and prevent them. Why Ice Dams Form Ice dams form when heat from your attic warms the roof, but not the eaves. The uneven temperatures cause the snow on the warm roof to melt, then freeze on the cold eaves. What to Do if You Have an Ice Dam Try the following if you do have ..read more

A fireplace can be the heart of your home during the fall and winter seasons, providing warmth and a comforting ambiance. However, to ensure that your fireplace remains both safe and efficient, regular maintenance is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps and tips for proper fireplace maintenance. Safety First: Checking for Hazards Inspect the chimney for obstructions or damage. Examine the fireplace flue and damper. Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional. Review fire safety practices and equipment. Cleaning Your Fireplace Remove ..read more

When forest fire situations arise, we know there are many questions about insurance coverage, ability or inability to buy new coverage, and available options. We’ll try to address some of the more common questions here, however please remember that every insurance policy can be quite different, this is meant as a general over-view only. If you have questions or require confirmation as to how your policy may respond – we urge you to contact your insurance provider for such information and confirmation. Question: Can I buy insurance for a property that is in an area affected by the fires? A ..read more

Your name must match the name on the proof of ownership document. The vehicle will be registered precisely as the names appear on the proof of ownership. For instance, if the bill of sale indicates “sold to Cindy and Eric Jackson,” the vehicle must be registered under both names. A bill of sale needs to include this information: date of sale name of buyer vehicle’s year, make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN) the paid price name, address and signature of the seller If any of the above requirements are missing, the bill of sale will need to be revised by the seller before the reg ..read more

In a world increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability, homeowners have an opportunity to make a positive impact by implementing eco-friendly upgrades in their homes. These upgrades not only reduce your carbon footprint but also often result in long-term cost savings. Here are some eco-friendly upgrades to consider for a more sustainable home: 1. Install energy-efficient appliances: Upgrade old, energy-consuming appliances with Energy Star certified models. Energy-efficient refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy consumption ..read more

Already became or are looking to become a first-time homeowner? As you look to settle into your new abode, it’s crucial to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind. One key aspect of safeguarding your home is obtaining the right insurance coverage. In this blog post, we’ll explore five essential tips specifically tailored for first-time homeowners, with a focus on “Home Insurance for First-Time Homeowners.” By following these tips, you’ll confidently navigate the world of home insurance. Understand the Importance of Home Insurance As a first-time homeowner, it’s vital to grasp the sig ..read more

Those commercials on TV for plaintiffs’ attorneys are a not-so-subtle reminder that we live in a litigious society and that businesses must protect themselves from lawsuits. One essential protection for employers, both large and small, is commercial general liability (CGL) insurance. CGL covers the cost of claims when a business is sued by someone for bodily injury, property damage, or advertising injury. Unfortunately, lawsuits against employers for negligence are on the rise. A recent report from Deloitte gave the Canadian commercial insurance general liability market a negative outlook, ci ..read more

Many people with MySGI accounts have been asking about how to best access their account.  In order to get everyone to the right place we have created this list of 3 ways to safely access MySGI.  1. Type mysgi.ca into your web browser on your PC or mobile phone.  2. Go to cornerstoneinsurance.ca then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the MySGI button. This will also ensure that we are automatically assigned as your issuer.   3. Type in MySGI into a search engine like Google and select the result that shows the link www.mysgi.ca These 3 ways will ensu ..read more

This is a wonderful time of year to curl up in front of the fireplace with a few logs burning brightly, but if you haven’t used your fireplace or wood-burning stove in a while, it’s a good idea to have a certified, professional chimney sweep inspect your chimney for a dangerous buildup of creosote. Creosote is a byproduct of wood combustion. It is highly flammable and is the cause of most chimney fires.  Aside from having your chimney cleaned by a professional, there are a few things you can do to keep your home safe and comfortable: 1. Only burn seasoned hardwoods, not pine or building ..read more