Insurance is one of those things that we rarely think about until we need it. And then it becomes invaluable. But instead of ignoring your coverage, tick one item off of the “to do” list for 2018 and resolve to take the time to consider your policies and how you can work with your insurance broker in Calgary to improve your protection. You can also implement positive day-to-day habits that will greatly reduce your chances of ever having to file a claim.
1. Check your options at renewal time.
Every year, your insurance provider is obligated by law to send you a renewal notice at least 30 days before your policy is set to expire. While a lot of people simply take this as a cue to re-up on their existing home or auto insurance policies, your annual renewal period is actually a great time to sit down and do a thorough review of your coverage. This is doubly important if your personal situation has changed in a noteworthy way over the past year.
If you have changed employment, you may qualify for additional discounts.
2. Keep a reserve fund.
Accidents happen, and that’s why you should maintain a reserve fund. This ensures that you’ll be able to finance repairs and other accident-related costs that may not be covered by your policy without having to disrupt your day-to-day budget. This will give you additional peace of mind in addition to the protection your insurance policies provide.
3. Drive “green” to save money, protect the environment and reduce your chances of an accident.
“Green driving” can lead to major fuel savings and lower vehicle insurance rates, not to mention being better for the environment and safer overall. Green driving is also defensive driving, which has been proven to be the safest way to operate a vehicle. One of the best ways to learn how to be a defensive driver is to take a course at an accredited driving institution, and course completion can also result in a car insurance discount. Driving defensively means thoroughly assessing every situation on the road so as to anticipate and be prepared for dangerous circumstances.
4. Don’t drive distracted.
Statistics show that distracted driving has become a major menace on Canadian roads, with some studies finding that it is actually outpacing impaired driving as a leading cause of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. All drivers in Alberta need to be aware of common distracted driving behaviours, and the penalties they will face if they are found guilty of engaging in unsafe practices.
5. Be windshield aware.
Minor windshield damage poses major safety hazards. Cracks in your windshield impair your vision and could stop your airbags from deploying properly. In the event of a roll-over accident, a cracked windshield could lead to your car’s roof giving in when it otherwise would have held up. Structurally sound windshields protect the rigidity of your vehicle’s body, which boosts handling and performance. Your windshield also provides a vitally important protective barrier in the event of a front-impact collision
6. Consider a dash cam.
Dash cams are becoming more and more prevalent on the roads these days, and they have proven to be extremely useful to drivers. As long as you use care to never be distracted while using a dash cam, there are many benefits to owning one, including being a reliable witness for you in the case of an accident resulting in an insurance claim.
7. Perform a complete home evaluation.
Keeping a detailed list of your personal belongings – especially those of value – will provide your insurance provider with necessary information if something is damaged or stolen. There are plenty of home evaluation templates available online or through your insurance broker or provider, and they don’t have to be overly time-consuming or difficult to fill out. A couple hours worth of effort can save you major headaches if you have to file a claim and are unable to accurately list your possessions.
8. Make your home peril-free.
There’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of household accidents, but there are plenty of safety-conscious habits and maintenance tasks that can significantly lessen your risk.
9. Check the special limits of your policy.
Home insurance policies contain “special limits” for valuables like artwork, cash, jewellery, and collectibles. Reviewing the special limits of your Alberta home insurance policy will help you understand exactly how much coverage you have, and whether additional coverage makes sense to protect your most valuable possessions.
10. Purchase a life insurance policy.
Life insurance is one of the best-known but least-understood forms of insurance, and depending on your personal circumstances, it could be the most important type of insurance you carry.
Trust Lane’s for all of Your Calgary Insurance Needs
Lane’s Insurance is a leading Alberta-based brokerage, providing a comprehensive range of competitively priced insurance products offered through the province’s top carriers.
You can count on Lane’s for:
- Auto insurance and motorcycle insurance
- Home insurance and condo insurance
- Tenant insurance for renters
- Travel insurance for out-of-province travellers
- …and much more!
To learn more, please contact a Lane’s Insurance customer service representative.
