Farm insurance is designed to protect a wide range of risks, but no two operations are identical. As farms evolve, liability exposures often grow faster than insurance policies are updated.

Even if you already have farm insurance, it’s worth asking: Does your policy still reflect how your operation runs today?

Here are some of the most common liability exposures Ontario farms should review during the summer months.

Seasonal Workers and Casual Labour

Summer often means extra hands on the farm. Whether it’s seasonal employees, part-time help, or temporary labour brought in during peak periods, adding workers can change your liability exposure.

If someone is injured on your property, operating equipment, or performing work outside their usual responsibilities, your coverage should reflect those risks. It’s also important to consider family members, students, or unpaid helpers who regularly assist with day-to-day operations.

Farm Visitors and On-Site Traffic

Summer also brings more people onto farm properties. Delivery drivers, suppliers, customers, contractors, and even neighbours stopping by can all increase liability exposure.

A visitor slipping in the yard, being injured near equipment, or entering an active work area can quickly become more than a minor incident. If your farm includes roadside stands, pick-your-own operations, or direct-to-consumer sales, it’s a good time to confirm your policy reflects that additional public access.

Equipment on the Road

Moving equipment between fields, transporting produce, or using farm vehicles off-property can create exposures that aren’t always covered the way owners expect.

Farm-use vehicles, trailers, and mobile equipment may need to be reviewed depending on how they’re used, where they travel, and how often they operate on public roads. Harvest season is an ideal time to confirm your coverage matches your current operations.

Custom Work and Contracted Services

If your farm provides custom baling, spraying, hauling, or equipment services for others, your insurance should reflect those activities.

Likewise, if contractors regularly work on your property, it’s important to understand how responsibility would be handled if damage or an injury occurred. These are common areas to review with your broker.

Agritourism and Special Events

Corn mazes, farm tours, workshops, markets, and seasonal events continue to grow in popularity, but they also change the liability profile of a farm.

Inviting the public onto your property introduces different exposures than a traditional farming operation. If you’ve recently expanded into agritourism or added public events, it’s worth confirming your policy reflects those changes.

Why a Farm Policy Review Matters

Summer is one of the busiest times of year, and insurance often stays unchanged while farm operations continue to evolve.

Adding seasonal workers, purchasing new equipment, offering new services, or welcoming more visitors can all affect your liability exposure. Reviewing your policy regularly helps ensure your coverage keeps pace with your operation.

If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your farm insurance, or if anything has changed on your farm, now is a great time to have a conversation with your Merit Insurance broker. We’ll help you review your current policy, identify any gaps, and make sure your coverage reflects the way your farm operates today.

Ontario’s farming community knows better than anyone how quickly the seasons can shift, from warm fall afternoons to sub-zero mornings in what feels like a heartbeat. As winter approaches, so do risks that affect your equipment, buildings, livestock, and day-to-day operations. Farm insurance is one of the most important tools you can rely on to protect your business, your property, and your future.

At Merit Insurance, we work with different insurance companies across Ontario to help farmers match their coverage to their needs, no complicated terms, no guesswork, just straightforward protection that supports your operation year-round.

Why Farm Insurance Matters

A farm is one of the few places where a home, a business, and major financial assets all exist on the same property. Farm insurance is designed to bring these moving pieces together, protecting your buildings, machinery, livestock, stored products, and liability exposures under one connected policy.

With equipment costs rising, repairs becoming more expensive, and weather becoming more unpredictable, having the right coverage ensures your operation stays protected through every season. Winter is an especially important time to reassess your policy, since cold weather increases the likelihood of damage and claims.

Top 3 Most Common Winter Claims and How Coverage Responds

1. Equipment Damage & Breakdowns

Tractors, utility vehicles, attachments, and harvest machinery are heavily relied on through the winter for clearing snow, hauling feed, and keeping livestock operations moving.

Winter conditions often lead to:

• Engine failures or fires
• Breakdowns caused by extreme cold
• Collisions in low visibility
• Damage from snow or falling branches

Equipment coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement if machinery is damaged by insured events such as fire, impact, accidental damage, or severe weather. Having updated values and an accurate equipment list is key to avoiding gaps.

2. Building Damage from Weather

Winter storms create significant stress on barns, machine sheds, workshops, and storage buildings.

Common claims include:

• Roof damage or collapse from heavy snow
• Ice buildup leading to leaks or structural issues
• Wind damage to doors, walls, or roofing
• Frozen or burst pipes

Building coverage helps repair or rebuild insured structures damaged by winter weather. Ensuring each building is listed and correctly valued makes a major difference in how well you’re protected.

3. Slip-and-Fall Liability

Even when the fields are dormant, the farm is not. Delivery drivers, suppliers, employees, and visitors continue to access the property.

Snow and ice significantly increase the risk of:

• Slips and falls
• Injury during winter maintenance
• Equipment-related incidents

Liability insurance helps protect you if someone is injured on your property and pursues compensation. It covers legal fees, settlements, and other related costs, making it one of the most important protections in the winter season.

Farm Insurance Also Covers Other Year-Round Risks

Beyond the most common winter claims, farm insurance often includes protection for:

• Livestock losses
• Produce, grain, feed, and fertilizer
• Theft or vandalism
• Crops/Greenhouse Insurance: Essential for cash crop farms, protecting buildings, equipment, machinery, liability, and crops like fruits, vegetables, and field crops (excluding farms with non-field crop income).
• Hobby Farms: Tailored insurance for smaller, non-commercial farms with unique exposures not covered under residential policies, ensuring proper protection.

These coverages help ensure your entire operation is protected from season to season, not just during winter.

How Merit Supports Ontario Farmers

Every farm has different risks, methods, and priorities. That’s why Merit works with multiple insurance companies across Ontario to compare policies, find competitive options, and explain coverage in clear, straightforward language. Our goal is to help you understand what’s protected, identify gaps, and make confident decisions before the winter season sets in.

Want to review your farm insurance? We’re here to provide clear, practical support and are committed to supporting Ontario farmers every step of the way.

Global events don’t always feel like they hit close to home — until the impact shows up in everyday expenses. From groceries to gas, Canadians have already experienced how international trade tensions can push prices higher across the board. Now, those same forces are quietly influencing another area of daily life: insurance.

Recent U.S. tariffs on essential goods and raw materials are doing more than reshaping supply chains; they’re quietly driving up the cost of car repairs, home construction, and ultimately, insurance claims here in Ontario.

At Merit Insurance, we believe that awareness empowers you to make informed decisions. Understanding how these broader economic shifts connect to your coverage helps you stay ahead and ensure your protection keeps up with changing costs.

What’s going on with tariffs?

Tariffs are taxes or duties that one country imposes on imported goods from another country, typically to protect certain domestic industries or to negotiate more favourable trade terms. These tariffs can raise the cost of goods, raw materials and components. When those goods or materials are used in cars or to build homes, the increased expense doesn’t stay in the boardrooms; it shows up in repair costs, rebuilding costs, and insurance claims.

Tariffs: higher costs for cars

Although tariffs themselves don’t directly dictate your insurance premium, the chain reaction is real:

• When imported parts become more expensive (for example, steel, aluminum, or sophisticated sensors), the cost of repairing a vehicle rises.
  
• A higher repair cost means that when an accident or damage occurs, insurers are paying out more. Over time, these higher payouts feed into higher premiums.
  
• In Ontario, where many vehicles include advanced driver-assistance systems (radar, sensors) and share parts across North America, this effect can be amplified.
  

If you drive a newer or luxury vehicle, or one with a lot of embedded technology, you may be more exposed to these cost escalations.

Tariffs: higher costs for homes

It isn’t just the auto sector that’s affected. Your home insurance coverage can also be impacted when tariffs raise construction and rebuild costs:

• Tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, or other building materials increase the cost of rebuilding or repairing homes after damage.
  
• When rebuild or repair costs rise, insurers may need to factor in higher average payout costs in their pricing models, which may result in premiums increasing.
  
• In a market where home values, material costs, and labour costs are volatile, being under-insured or having an incorrect rebuild value can leave you exposed.

What this means for you

For Ontario-based car owners, homeowners, and even small business owners, the key takeaway is that you may feel the indirect impact of tariffs through higher premiums or changes in coverage options. But you’re not powerless. At Merit Insurance, we believe in transparent, proactive insurance tailored to your specific risk profile and here’s how you can respond:

• Review your coverage regularly: Ensure that your replacement cost, deductibles, and endorsements still align with your vehicle or home. Don’t pay for extras you don’t need; ensure you’re protected where you do need it.
• Consider your policy structure: A higher deductible may reduce your premium, but ensure you could afford that deductible if a claim arises (especially when repair/rebuild costs are elevated).
• Bundle where it makes sense: Combining your home and auto (and possibly business) insurance with a single trusted broker can unlock multi-policy discounts.
• Work with a broker who stays informed: Tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation are all part of the risk landscape. A knowledgeable broker can help you navigate which insurers are managing these pressures more competitively.

The bottom line

Yes, U.S. tariffs on essential materials can raise the cost of car repairs, home construction and eventually insurance claims. And yes, that may translate into higher premiums for Ontario policy-holders over time. But being informed, working with a trusted broker, reviewing your coverage carefully and managing your risk proactively can help you stay ahead of the curve.

If you’re looking for competitive, reliable car or home insurance in Ontario, tailored to your unique situation and backed by expert guidance, reach out to us at Merit Insurance. Together, we’ll make sure you’re protected with the right coverage at the right price.

RV and Camper Insurance for Summer Road Trips

At Merit Insurance, we understand the excitement that comes with hitting the road in your RV or camper. Whether you’re parking beside a quiet lake, exploring the Rockies, or road-tripping across provinces, your RV isn’t just a vehicle; it’s your summer home.

Why RV and Camper Insurance Is Important

Many RV owners assume their trailer or motorhome is covered under their home or auto policy. In reality, those policies often fall short, especially when it comes to damage, liability, or protection for personal belongings.

Dedicated RV insurance can provide coverage for:

• Physical damage – Accidents, fire, storms, vandalism, and more
• Liability – In case someone is injured in or around your unit
• Theft or damage to contents – Including electronics, tools, and camping gear
• Emergency expenses – Hotel or travel costs if your RV becomes unusable far from home

If your RV is financed or leased, full coverage is typically required.

Tailored to Your Type of RV and Camper

Different RVs need different types of insurance. We’ll help you choose what’s right:

• Motorhomes (Class A, B, or C): These self-powered units require their policy, similar to auto insurance.
• Travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and pop-ups: These are towable and may be added to your auto policy, but a separate policy offers more complete protection.

If you’ve invested time and money in your RV, it makes sense to ensure it’s adequately insured.

Seasonal Use? We’ve Got You Covered

Most RVs in Canada are used seasonally. That’s why we offer flexible insurance options that reflect how and when you use your camper.

Some plans even include storage protection, covering theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage while your unit is parked for the off-season.

Optional Add-Ons for Extra Coverage

Depending on your travel plans, we can help you customize your policy with:

• Roadside assistance
• Protection for attached accessories – like awnings, bike racks, and solar panels
• Coverage for rental income – if you rent out your RV occasionally

Let’s Get You Road-Trip Ready

Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your RV or camper is insured for whatever the journey brings. At Merit Insurance, we’ll walk you through your options, explain what’s covered, and help you travel with confidence.

Reach out to us today to learn more about RV and camper insurance and get ready for a smooth, worry-free summer adventure.

Travel Insurance for Long Weekends

At Merit Insurance, we understand how valuable long weekends can be. They’re a chance to recharge, explore somewhere new, or spend quality time with friends and family. But even short getaways are uncertain; weather disruptions, delays, or unexpected health issues can quickly derail your plans. That’s where travel insurance comes in.

While many people associate travel insurance with longer, international vacations, it can be just as crucial for quick weekend trips. If you’re leaving your home province, even for a few days, your provincial health coverage might not fully cover medical care in another part of Canada. Travel insurance can help cover those gaps.

Why Travel Insurance Matters for Short Trips

• Emergency Medical Expenses: If you require medical attention while away, you may be surprised by what your provincial health plan does not cover. Travel insurance can help cover ambulance fees, hospital visits, or doctor consultations while out of town.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: No one likes to think about cancelling a trip, but weather delays, illness, or family emergencies can happen. Travel insurance may reimburse you for non-refundable costs such as accommodation or transportation.
• Lost or Delayed Baggage: If your bags don’t arrive at your destination or take longer than expected, travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacing essential items like clothing or toiletries.
• Rental Vehicle Coverage: Are you planning to rent a car during your weekend away? Some travel insurance policies include optional coverage for rental vehicles, which can help protect you in the event of damage or theft.

Coverage That Fits Your Plans

Whether heading to a nearby city, a remote cottage, or a national park, it’s worth considering how a travel insurance plan can support you. Some people choose single-trip coverage, while others prefer multi-trip plans that cover all their weekend getaways throughout the year.

Plan Before You Head Out

At Merit Insurance, we help make sense of your travel insurance options, so you can head into your weekend feeling ready. If you’re planning a getaway, we’re here to discuss what kind of coverage works best for your trip and ensure nothing important gets overlooked.

Call us before you zip up your suitcase, and we’ll help you prepare for the road ahead.

Cottage and Cabin Insurance Essentials for Summer Openings

Cottage and Cabin Insurance Essentials for Summer Openings. At Merit Insurance, we know there’s nothing quite like that first trip back to the cottage or cabin after a long winter. The fresh air, the quiet mornings, the first coffee on the deck, it’s what summer’s all about. However, before you get too comfortable, it’s worth taking a few minutes to ensure your insurance is up to date.

Here’s what you’ll want to check before the season kicks off.

Start with a Policy Review

Things change; you may have added a new dock, bought an ATV, or made some upgrades over the winter. These kinds of changes can affect your coverage, so it’s a good idea to give your broker a quick call before you head up. We can ensure that everything remains in line with how you are currently using the property.

Seasonal or Secondary? It Matters

Not all cottages are treated the same when it comes to insurance. If your place is only used during part of the year and doesn’t have full utilities or winter access, it likely falls under seasonal property insurance. If you’re up there year-round or it has all the comforts of home, it might be a secondary residence.

The difference affects what’s covered and how, so it’s worth confirming.

Watch for Water

Water damage is one of the most common claims we see at this time of year. As you open things up, keep an eye out for burst pipes, leaks, or damage from melting snow and heavy rain. It’s also a good time to clear the gutters and test your sump pump, if you have one.

And here’s a tip: check if your policy includes coverage for overland water or sewer backup. It’s not always standard, but it can save you a big headache.

Fire and Liability Checks

If your cottage has a fireplace or wood stove, ensure it has been cleaned and inspected. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and ensure fire extinguishers are easily accessible.

Also, think about who’s visiting. If friends and family are spending time at your place, make sure your liability coverage is solid. Accidents happen, and you want to be covered if someone gets hurt.

What About the Fun Stuff?

Boats, ATVS, jet skis – those summer toys aren’t always covered under your regular cottage policy. If you’ve got them, let’s talk about how to insure them properly.

And if you’re planning to rent out the place on Airbnb or VRBO, we’ll need to make sure your policy allows it. Most standard policies do not cover short-term rentals unless they are added explicitly.

Opening the cottage is a summer tradition, but a quick insurance check can make all the difference if something goes wrong. Give us a call or send us a message. We’ll help you ensure your home away from home is protected so that you can focus on the good stuff.

Insurance Checklist for New Homebuyers This Spring

Buying a home is a big move, and there’s a lot to line up before closing day. At Merit Insurance, we help make sure your insurance isn’t the piece that gets left until the last minute. Whether it’s your first house or your next one, here’s a practical checklist to keep you on track this spring.

1. Arrange Home Insurance Before You Close
Your lender will likely ask for proof of insurance before the deal is finalized. Don’t wait until the week of your move to contact your broker; connect early to ensure everything is in place well before you receive the keys.

2. Understand What’s Covered and What Isn’t
A standard policy covers fire, theft, and personal liability, but not all policies are the same. Depending on your home’s features and location, ask about exclusions and optional coverage, such as overland water or sewer backup.

3. Check Your Content Limit
A new home often means new purchases. Ensure your personal property limit accurately reflects the value of what you’re moving. Items like jewelry or collectibles may need to be listed separately.

4. Bundle When It Makes Sense
If you already have auto insurance with us, bundling home and auto coverage can help lower your costs and simplify your renewals—all with one broker and one point of contact.

5. Connect With a Broker Who Knows Your Name
We don’t just file policies, we build relationships. You can expect straightforward advice, honest conversations, and coverage that fits your needs.

For over 40 years, Merit Insurance has been helping individuals and families across Ontario protect what matters most to them. We treat our clients like people, not policy numbers. When you work with us, you’ll always speak with someone who listens, knows the right questions to ask, and takes the time to get it right. Buying this spring? We’ll help you check insurance off your list before the boxes are packed. Get in touch to start the conversation.

How Weather Trends Are Changing Insurance Risks

At Merit Insurance, we talk a lot about protecting what matters most. But what happens when the risks themselves start to shift?

That’s precisely what we’re seeing with the weather. It’s no secret that storms are getting stronger, floods are becoming more frequent, and wildfire seasons are stretching longer. These trends aren’t just headline news—they’re changing how we think about insurance and how we help clients protect their homes, businesses, and livelihoods.

So, let’s look at how today’s weather patterns are reshaping tomorrow’s insurance risks—and what that means for you.

The New Normal: More Extreme, Less Predictable

From once-in-a-decade floods to back-to-back windstorms, extreme weather is no longer the exception. It’s becoming the norm. And with each event, insurers see more claims—often for higher amounts.

For homeowners, this could mean unexpected repairs, temporary relocation, or replacing significant systems like roofing or HVAC. It might mean property damage, supply chain disruptions, or income loss from downtime for business owners.

The big shift? Many traditional policies weren’t built with today’s climate in mind. Gaps in coverage are more common than people think—and often discovered too late.

Flooding Where You Least Expect It

If you’ve always thought, “We’re not in a flood zone, we’re fine,” it might be time to take a second look. Urban developments, aging drainage systems, and increasingly intense rainfalls combine to create surprise flood risks in places that never used to worry about.

Overland water coverage—which protects against flooding caused by heavy rain and spring melt—is one of the most overlooked add-ons. Although it’s not standard in most policies, it’s becoming more essential yearly.

The Wildfire Ripple Effect

Wildfires used to be a rural concern. Not anymore. As fire seasons expand and smoke travels farther, even businesses and homes hundreds of kilometers away are feeling the effects—whether it’s air quality concerns, HVAC damage, or evacuation orders.

And while you may not think wildfire damage applies to your location, insurers are already starting to factor these risks into their models, which can affect coverage eligibility and pricing.

Rising Claims, Rising Costs

More claims mean higher costs—not just in terms of premiums but also in how insurance is structured.

Some providers raise deductibles, narrow coverages, or adjust underwriting in high-risk areas. That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a broker who monitors your complete insurance picture, not just one policy at a time.

At Merit, we believe in proactiveness. We help our clients review their coverages regularly, identify potential blind spots, and consider bundling options to save money while improving protection. (This is also how we make intelligent cross-coverage recommendations that work better together.)

What You Can Do

The best defense is preparation. That might mean:

• Installing a sump pump or backflow valve
• Creating a disaster response plan for your business
• Reinforcing your roof or sealing basement cracks
• Reviewing all your insurance policies—yes, even the “boring” ones.

Little steps today can make a huge difference when the unexpected happens.

Weather isn’t what it used to be—and neither is risk. But with the proper insight and a strong insurance partner, you don’t have to face it alone.

If you’re wondering whether your current coverage is keeping up with the times, we’re here to help. Let’s have a conversation, review your policies, and ensure you’re protected against tomorrow’s risks—not just the ones we grew up with.

Insurance-Based Tax Deductions You May Be Missing in 2025

Tax season is here, and with the 2025 filing deadline landing on Wednesday, April 30, Canadians are once again sorting through receipts, paperwork, and online forms. If you’re self-employed or your spouse or common-law partner is, you’ve got a little more breathing room, with your deadline extended to June 15, 2025.

Whether you handle your taxes or work with an accountant, understanding what qualifies as a deductible can significantly maximize your return. One area many people overlook? Insurance premiums. Some policies you’ve been paying for might be partially deductible, depending on your situation.

Let’s take a closer look.

What Kind of Insurance Can Be Claimed?

Insurance policies are part of everyday life—car, home, health, and life coverage. However, only certain premiums may qualify as deductions or credits, depending on whether you’re self-employed or earning employment income.

Health and medical insurance is the most commonly deductible category, especially for small business owners and sole proprietors. If you pay into a private plan, the CRA may allow you to claim those premiums as a business expense.

Other eligible medical expenses, such as travel for necessary treatment or the added cost of gluten-free products for individuals with celiac disease, can also be claimed. The medical expense tax credit covers these costs. It’s always worth checking the CRA website to confirm eligibility.

Self-Employed? You May Have More Options

If you run a business or do freelance work, here are some deductions to keep in mind:

Car Insurance & Expenses:
Are you using your vehicle for work? If so, you can claim a percentage of your car insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs based on business use. Just make sure to keep a detailed log of your mileage.

Home Insurance (If You Work From Home):
Have a dedicated workspace at home? You can deduct a portion of your home insurance under business-use-of-home expenses. The percentage is typically calculated based on the square footage of your workspace.

Rental Property Insurance:
Own a rental unit? You can deduct the entire insurance cost for that property. Only a proportional amount is claimable if it’s just part of your primary residence (like a basement suite).

Life Insurance:
In most individual cases, life insurance isn’t tax-deductible. There are limited situations where business owners offering group policies might qualify, but this isn’t an option for most self-employed individuals.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Beyond insurance, there are other innovative ways to increase your return in 2025, such as RRSP contributions, claiming all allowable business expenses, and checking to see if you qualify for refundable credits like the Canada Workers Benefit.

Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Speak to a licensed accountant and contact your Merit Insurance broker with any questions about your coverage. A little planning can go a long way.