The Final Word on UberX:

As mandated by the standard Ontario Automobile Policy, when a private passenger vehicle is used as a taxicab, bus, a sightseeing conveyance or to carry paying passengers, coverage is EXCLUDED. The Financial Services Commission of Ontario has recently published a ride sharing notice on their website. For more information, visit: fsco.gov.on.ca

I would like to acknowledge Travelers Canada for the publication of this article. This content was sourced on January 27, 2016.

IBAO Comments on UberX

August 12, 2015

　

IBAO is working to raise awareness on the risks associated with ride sharing programs for both drivers and passengers. As an advocate for consumers and the conduit between the insurance company and the policyholder, brokers need to understand these risks and be prepared to answer clients’ questions correctly. UberX drivers and UberX passengers in Ontario should understand the reality of their choices when it comes to ride sharing and auto insurance coverage in Ontario.



There are a number of myths in the media that suggest that if an UberX driver or an UberX passenger are involved in a collision, their insurance coverage would be recognized. "The simple fact is that UberX is a new concept that Ontarians are embracing quickly, both as drivers and as passengers. At this time, drivers and passengers should know that there is no existing endorsement for a personal lines policy that is available today that would guarantee them coverage or protection in the event of a collision during an UberX experience. If the driver is working under a standard/basic personal auto insurance policy and they have not informed their insurer or broker that they were using their vehicle for commercial purposes, coverage would likely not be extended," said Michael Brattman, President, IBAO. "UberX drivers would be properly covered through the Facility Association under their taxi commercial auto policy. This is what is available today for drivers."

Auto insurance coverage is a complex product. When an injury occurs after a collision, it grows more complex. When you layer UberX on top of that (a grey zone between personal insurance and commercial insurance), the complexity compounds even more.

"Our position will always be to advocate for the protection of Ontario consumers. We are encouraging insurers and regulators to find coverage solutions that specifically protect ride sharing opportunists. We are also developing an education session for brokers to be released in September 2015 which focuses on how to communicate these risks to your consumers – both the passengers and the drivers. We would like to work with Uber to understand more about the coverage they say they provide to their drivers," said Brattman.

As of today, the message you need to be telling UberX drivers and UberX passengers is this: use at your own risk. It is unlikely that UberX drivers are working under their own commercial lines policy and it is simply too early for anyone to say with confidence that the coverage extended through Uber is adequate here in Ontario.
 

I would like to acknowledge IBAO for the publication of this article. This content was sourced on January 26, 2016.

Winter tire insurance discount promised for Jan. 1 in Ontario

Commitment comes as promise to reduce rates not achieved

CBC News Posted: Oct 14, 2015 2:02 PM ET Last Updated: Oct 14, 2015 2:02 PM ET

Ontario plans to require auto insurers to offer discounts starting Jan. 1, 2016 to drivers who buy and install winter tires.

Ontario drivers with winter tires on their vehicles have been promised an insurance discount starting in January, according to Finance Minister Charles Sousa.

Effective January 1, 2016, the government will require all private insurers to offer discounts to people who buy and install winter tires, the Ministry of Finance said in a release.

The announcement today reflects a plan originally introduced in the provincial budget in April.

Winter tires "enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions by improving traction, braking and handling in frost, snow, slush and under cold and icy conditions," the release stated.

The provincial government has been under fire for not meeting its pledge to reduce auto insurance rates by 15 per cent this fall. 

• Insurance rates up, despite Liberal pledge
• Ontario drivers overpaid $840M for auto insurance, study says

Earlier this month, Sousa named former WSIB head David Marshall as an auto insurance adviser "to identify additional opportunities for auto insurance reform," according to a government release.

I would like to acknowledge CBC News for the publication of this article. This content was sourced on January 26, 2016.

Tips for Removing Ice Dams

 

You can help prevent serious damage to both the roof and inside of your home by minimizing the likelihood that an ice dam will develop, and by removing one as soon as you spot it. Ice dams can form when water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline. Without roof snow removal, an ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining off the roof. This water can then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home.

How to Help Prevent an Ice Dam from Forming:

• Remove snow from your roof after every storm. To begin with, use a roof rake to clear snow from the edge of your roof upwards of three to four feet immediately after each storm. In addition to helping prevent an ice dam from forming, this will lessen the stress on your home’s roof. The amount of snow and ice your roof can support will depend on a number of factors, including the roof type and the age and condition of the structure. But a good rule to keep in mind is if more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice has accumulated on your roof, you should have it removed.
• Clear downspouts. An easy way to help snow and ice drain off your roof is to make sure the area around your downspouts is clear. This can help prevent standing water from collecting near the gutter downspout.

How Do You Know if You Have an Ice Dam?

• Look carefully at the icicles around the exterior of your house. If they are confined to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, then an ice dam has likely not formed. Nonetheless, icicles can pose a danger to people when they fall off, so try to safely knock them down while standing on the ground, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If you cannot safely reach them from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to help.
• Check for water stains or moisture in the attic or around the tops of exterior walls on the top floor of your house. Stains and moisture may indicate that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.

How to Remove an Ice Dam:

• Melt the ice dam. Fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt, and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. If you try this, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Rock salt will damage your roof. Also, be aware that shrubbery and plants near the gutters or downspouts may be damaged.
• Get professional help. If you cannot safely reach the roof, avoid using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. Consider hiring a contractor to remove the ice dam.

Long-term Tips for Preventing Ice Dams:

• Insulate your attic. Make sure your attic is well insulated to help prevent the melting-and-freezing cycle that causes ice dams to form. Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your house to the attic, including vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and light fixtures.
• Install a water-repellent membrane. When replacing a roof, make sure to install a water repellent membrane underneath the shingles. This acts as an extra barrier that helps prevent water from seeping inside the building.

I would like to acknowledge Travelers Canada for the publication of this article. This content was sourced on January 26, 2016.

Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

When the driveway and walkways are coated in a thick blanket of snow, it is time to get a shovel out for what some consider to be a dreaded chore. But before you tackle the first snowfall of the season, take some time to read these safety snow shoveling tips to help avoid any potential injuries.
Snow shoveling can lead to a number of health risks for many people, from back injuries to heart attacks. The mix of cold temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart,¹ which may increase the risk of a heart attack for some. According to the American Heart Association, even walking through heavy, wet snow can place strain on your heart.
The following tips can help keep you safer when you set out to shovel:

• Warm up. Warm your muscles before heading out to shovel by doing some light movements, such as bending side to side or walking in place.
• Push rather than lift. Pushing the snow with the shovel instead of lifting can help reduce the strain on your body. When lifting snow, bend your knees and use your legs when possible.
• Choose your shovel wisely. Ergonomically-designed shovels can help reduce the amount of bending you have to do.
• Lighten your load. Consider using a lighter-weight plastic shovel instead of a metal one to help decrease the weight being lifted.
• Hit the pause button. Pace yourself and be sure to take frequent breaks. Consider taking a break after 20 to 30 minutes of shoveling, especially when the snow is wet.
• Consider multiple trips. Consider shoveling periodically throughout the storm to avoid having to move large amounts of snow at once.
• Keep up with snowfall. Try to shovel snow shortly after it falls, when it is lighter and fluffier. The longer snow stays on the ground, the wetter it can become. Wet snow is heavier and harder to move.
• Wear layers. Dress in layers and remove them as you get warm to help maintain a comfortable body temperature.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while shoveling.

A national study² found that the most common shoveling-related injuries were to the lower back. Cardiac-related injuries account for only 7% of all injuries, but they were the most serious in nature. If you do not exercise on a regular basis, are middle-aged or older, or have any health conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, you should check with your doctor before doing any strenuous shoveling. Consider using a snow blower or snow removal service as an alternative means of snow removal.

Snow and Ice Removal Requirements

Snow and ice not only pose a potential risk to you but also to others. As a property owner, you are responsible for making a reasonable effort to keep public walking areas around your property clear of snow and ice. Pre-treating your walkways and other paved surfaces with an anti-icing product can help make snow and ice removal easier.
Consider stocking up on ice melt in advance, as it sometimes sells out during long winters. You can store unused ice melt in an airtight container, out of reach from children and pets. Be aware that rock salt can damage brick, stone, asphalt and concrete walkways.
Be sure to check your local codes and ordinances regarding snow and ice removal requirements.


Sources:
¹ American Heart Association, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Shoveling-Snow-Health-Hazards_UCM_426562_Article.jsp
² Nationwide Children's, http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/news-room-articles/new-national-study-finds-11500-emergency-department-visits-nearly-100-deaths-related-to-snow-shoveling-each-year?contentid=86424



I would like to acknowledge Travelers Canada for the publication of this article. This content was sourced on January 26, 2016.

Road Safety Legislationin Passed in the Province of Ontario

Ontario Passes Legislation to Improve Road Safety

New Rules Will Help Reduce Collisions, Injuries and Fatalities

 

Today, Ontario passed the Making Ontario's Roads Safer Act to help ensure that the province's roads are among the safest in North America.

 

In order to reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities on Ontario's roads, the new act will: 

• Increase fines for distracted driving from the current range of $60 to $500 to a range of $300 to $1,000, assigning three demerit points upon conviction, and escalating sanctions on convictions for novice drivers
• Apply current alcohol-impaired sanctions to drivers who are drug impaired
• Introduce additional measures to address repeat offenders of alcohol impaired driving
• Require drivers to wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road before proceeding at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers
• Increase fines and demerits for drivers who 'door' cyclists, and require all drivers to maintain a minimum distance of one-metre when passing cyclists where possible
• Help municipalities collect unpaid fines by expanding licence plate denial for drivers who do not pay certain Provincial Offences Act fines.
• Allow a broader range of qualified medical professionals to identify and report medically unfit drivers and, clarify the types of medical conditions to be reported.

The new fines and measures will come into force over the coming months. The new legislation builds on action that the province has already taken to improve road safety, including making booster seats mandatory, ensuring every person wears a seatbelt, introducing the Graduated Licensing System for novice drivers, establishing stiffer penalties for aggressive driving and excess speeding, bringing in tougher impaired driving laws, and banning hand-held devices while driving. 

 

Ensuring Ontario's roads and highways are safe is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Should you buy rental car insurance?

While economical, declining insurance coverage when renting a car may not always be the best choice.

Thinking of renting a car? Whether you settle on the compact or splurge for the SUV, you may have a more important decision to make before you get to the counter: whether to purchase rental car insurance.

It’s a difficult decision, given the fact that you may already be covered through your existing car insurance or your credit card. Rental car insurance, also known as optional vehicle protection or loss-damage waiver can cost as much as $22 per day and shifts liability for collision damage from the person renting the car back to the car rental company. It will generally kick in if the car is vandalized or stolen as well. The other “accept or decline” decision involves liability insurance, which usually provides protection for up to $1 million and costs about $10 a day over the rental charge. Most major credit card providers offer rental insurance to cardholders, but often they only make it available to higher-level members, so check with your credit card company first. Even then, credit cards usually cover damage to loss or the rented vehicle, not for other cars, persons, or property.

Generally your existing auto insurance will cover you when your rent a car, provided you are using it for recreation and not for business. In other words, running about town shouldn't be a problem, but renting a vehicle that helps you earn a living might be. The type of vehicle you rent will also affect your coverage. If you’re renting a cargo van to move someone back to school, for instance, or picking up supplies for the garden, it’s unlikely that your personal or credit card policy will cover you. If your existing car insurance policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage, then this should also cover the rental as well, but only within the limits of your current coverage. If you have dropped comprehensive or collision coverage from your insurance on your older car, you would be exposed if your rental car is stolen or damaged in an accident.

During an accident on a rental, there are a couple things to keep in mind:

·         Your insurance coverage deductible applies to the rental like if it was your own vehicle.  You are responsible for the deductible amount so consider is the “per day” cost of the rental coverage is going to amount more than your deductible.

·         You’re exposed if you are renting a vehicle while your insured vehicle is also on the road.

·         Keep in mind your own coverage limitations because they will transfer to the rental vehicle as well.

·         When driving across the border, as yourself if your coverage extends across with you.

By accepting the rental coverage at the counter, you avoid all of this. Your insurance company won’t generally be notified since it’s actually not involved in your accident on the rental.