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.