If you’re renewing your insurance coverage this spring, or if you’re looking to switch providers, or just thinking about adding more comprehensive types of protection, it’s important to factor in season-specific risks that spring can pose. Although winter can be our toughest season – both mentally and physically – often spring is when you’re most at risk for claims. Take proactive steps to prevent accidents and incidents that could cause major damage or serious injuries.
Flood Protection Is Now Available!
One of the most important new developments in Alberta’s home insurance landscape is the new availability of overland water protection. Residents of the province clearly remember the devastating flooding that took place in 2013, causing an estimated $6 billion in property damage. While floods were ineligible to be cited as a specific named peril at the time, Alberta insurers have since reconfigured their offerings to include flood coverage.
Aviva Canada was the first company to offer overland water insurance in Alberta, and other insurers have since followed suit. At Lane’s Insurance, we are proud to partner with Aviva Canada and other providers to ensure our customers have access to the essential protections they need.
To assess your risk of suffering damage in the event of a flood, one of the first steps you should take is to see if your home lies in Alberta’s flood plain. This map of flood hazards across Alberta will be an excellent resource to get you started.
In the very near future, there will be additional water-related coverage available for groundwater and sewer overflow damages, which is great news for homeowners. Stay tuned for more!
Auto and Home Insurance Alberta: More Seasonal Risks to Be Aware Of
Floods are just one of many specific risks facing homeowners and motorists during an Alberta spring. Some of the other home hazards you should watch out for include:
- Ice dams: While you’ll be ahead of the game if you follow these essential tips for avoiding water damage in and around your home, ice dams pose another threat. Caused by clogs or blockages in your eaves, as well as fast freezing and quick melts common during spring, ice dams can wreak havoc on your roof’s structural elements. A good rule of thumb is this: if large icicles dangle from your overhangs during sub-zero weather, there’s a good chance you have ice dams. Take immediate action to correct them.
- Weather damage: Hail is a common element of springtime storms in Alberta, and can cause major damage. Most home and auto insurance policies will cover losses you suffer as the result of this extreme spring weather, but to avoid a claim altogether you should take as many precautions as you can.
- Damage to landscaping elements: Your insurance company is unlikely to cover you if wild weather has damaged your bushes, trees, shrubs, or other home landscaping elements. These expenses typically fall under the category of home maintenance, which is usually the responsibility of the homeowner.
- Driveway cracks: The expansion and contraction of concrete and asphalt that occurs as the weather alternates between cool and warm can lead to driveway cracks. While these won’t be covered by most basic policies, you may have some recourse available if you have a more complete homeowners’ insurance package.
On the road, be sure to take precautions against these spring-specific driving and motorcycling risks:
- Potholes: Hitting a pothole at full speed can cause major damage to your vehicle. Try to avoid them if possible, but don’t make sudden moves or swerves to avoid them, especially in wet weather.
- Residual road gravel: A hazard for anyone on wheels, gravel can cause serious accidents and damage. If you live in an area where gravel tends to build up it might be a good idea to look into additional coverage.
- Rust: As municipalities put down a mixture of gravel and salt, rust can also be a problem for vehicle owners living in Alberta. However, most auto insurance policies won’t cover repairs as it is considered a form of regular wear and tear on your vehicle. Prevention is your best defense; keep your car clean and remove any buildup of snow and slush from its undercarriage immediately.
Bundle Auto and Home Insurance in Alberta and Save Big
Lane’s Insurance is a full-service provider of auto and home insurance packages specifically tailored to meet the needs of Alberta residents. In addition to comprehensive resources, we offer premium customer service and outstanding claims support. Best of all, you can save as much as 20 percent if you bundle your home and auto insurance together! Visit us online today for fast, free quotes on your auto and home coverage.
