When you own a condo in Ontario, there are typically two layers of insurance involved: the insurance carried by your condominium corporation and the personal condo insurance you purchase for your unit.

The corporation’s policy helps protect the building and common areas, but it doesn’t replace the need for your own coverage. Understanding where one policy ends and the other begins can help prevent unexpected costs after a claim.

At Merit Insurance, we believe the best way to insure you is to know your story. That includes understanding your condo, your belongings, any upgrades you’ve made and the responsibilities you may have as an owner.

What Does the Condominium Corporation Cover?

In Ontario, condominium corporations are required to maintain insurance for certain risks affecting the corporation’s property. This generally includes the building and common areas, such as hallways, lobbies, elevators and other shared spaces.

The corporation’s policy may also cover the standard unit, but what qualifies as a “standard unit” depends on the condominium corporation’s governing documents.

This is an important distinction. The corporation’s insurance protects the condominium property, but it does not necessarily protect everything inside your individual unit or every financial responsibility you could face as an owner.

What Does Your Personal Condo Insurance Cover?

Although your condominium corporation insures the building and common areas, individual owners need their own condo insurance.

Your policy can protect personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, artwork, collectibles and electronics. Special Limits may apply to certain types of property, so it’s important to understand how much coverage you have for higher-value belongings.

Your condo policy can also provide protection for upgrades you’ve made to your unit, additional living expenses following an insured claim and certain costs you may be responsible for as a condo owner.

Without appropriate personal condo insurance, these expenses could otherwise have to be paid out of pocket.

Two Types of Coverage Available

Merit offers two main coverage options for your personal property:

Comprehensive (All Risk) covers risks unless they are specifically excluded by the policy, subject to the applicable limits and deductibles.

Named Perils covers only the specific hazards listed in your policy, also subject to the applicable limits and deductibles.

Personal belongings can be insured under either option. The right choice will depend on your property, needs and the level of protection you are looking for.

Condo Coverage Goes Beyond Your Belongings

Condo owners have insurance considerations that go beyond what you might find in a regular tenant insurance policy. Some of the important protections to understand include:

Personal Contents: Covers your belongings as well as possessions belonging to others while they are in your care, on your property or temporarily removed.

Unit Contingency: Can provide coverage for damage to your unit when the Condominium Corporation’s insurance is inadequate or unavailable.

Betterments and Improvements: Helps cover insured damage to upgrades or improvements you’ve made to your unit.

Loss Assessment: Can help pay your share of certain special assessments following a direct loss to shared condominium property.

Personal Liability: Helps protect you financially if someone is injured or their property is accidentally damaged and you are held legally responsible. Merit’s personal liability coverage applies worldwide, subject to the terms of the policy.

Additional Living Expenses: Helps with eligible additional costs if an insured claim means you temporarily cannot live in your condo while repairs are being completed.

These coverages help fill some of the important gaps between what the condominium corporation insures and what remains your responsibility as an individual owner.

What About Upgrades to Your Condo?

Upgrades are one area where the difference between the corporation’s policy and your personal policy becomes especially important.

For example, you may have replaced the original flooring, installed custom cabinetry or upgraded your countertops. Depending on your condominium’s standard unit definition, those improvements may not be fully covered by the corporation’s insurance.

Betterments and Improvements coverage is designed to help protect the investment you’ve made in those upgrades.

Keeping your broker informed when you complete significant renovations can help ensure your coverage continues to reflect your unit.

Could You Be Responsible for Damage Outside Your Unit?

Potentially.

Condo ownership comes with shared spaces and shared responsibilities. Depending on the circumstances of a loss and your condominium’s governing documents, you may face costs related to damage involving common property or other units.

There can also be situations where the condominium corporation makes a special assessment following a covered loss to shared property.

This is why protections such as personal liability and loss assessment coverage are important parts of a condo insurance policy.

Why Your Condo Documents Matter

Not every Ontario condominium operates the same way.

Your declaration, bylaws, rules and standard unit definition can help determine what the corporation is responsible for and what falls to you as the unit owner. The corporation’s insurance deductible and insurance certificate are also worth reviewing.

Understanding these details can help your broker identify potential gaps and recommend appropriate limits for your personal condo policy.

Know Where the Corporation’s Coverage Ends, and Yours Begins

Owning a condo means sharing responsibility for a building while still protecting your own home, belongings and finances.

The condominium corporation has insurance for the building and common property. Your personal condo insurance is there to protect what belongs to you and address additional risks that come with being a unit owner.

At the core of our Merit Difference is helping keep our clients informed. We can help you understand how your condominium corporation’s coverage works alongside your personal policy, so you know what is covered before you need to make a claim.

Have questions about your condo insurance? Speak with a Merit broker to review your coverage and make sure it reflects your unit, belongings and individual needs.

At Merit Insurance, we believe protecting where you live starts with understanding what’s actually covered. Suppose you’re renting a home or apartment in Ontario. In that case, tenant insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a practical way to safeguard your belongings, cover unexpected expenses, and avoid costly surprises.

Many renters assume their landlord’s insurance will cover everything. In reality, a landlord’s policy only protects the building itself, not your furniture, electronics, clothing, or any personal liability you may face.

What Is Tenant Insurance?

Tenant insurance, sometimes called renter’s insurance, is specifically designed for people who don’t own their homes. It provides financial protection for the things you own and the risks that come with living in a shared building or rental unit.

Whether it’s a break-in, a fire, or an accidental overflow from your washing machine, tenant insurance ensures you’re not left dealing with the aftermath on your own.

What Does It Cover?

Your Personal Belongings
From your laptop to your couch, tenant insurance covers the cost to replace or repair your possessions if they’re damaged or stolen due to events like fire, theft, or certain types of water damage.

Liability Protection
If someone is injured in your unit or if you accidentally cause damage to another person’s property, such as starting a kitchen fire, liability coverage helps cover legal and medical expenses.

Additional Living Expenses
If your rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, tenant insurance can help cover the cost of temporary accommodations, meals, and other necessary expenses while repairs are made.

Why It’s Worth Having

Even a minor incident can result in significant bills. Replacing everyday items or handling a liability claim without insurance can be financially draining. That’s why more and more landlords in Ontario are requiring tenants to carry insurance as part of the lease agreement.

Regardless of whether it’s mandatory, tenant insurance is a wise choice. It gives you financial protection and options when things don’t go as planned.

Choosing the right coverage isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about finding a policy that fits your life. That’s where the Merit difference comes in.

We take the time to understand your needs, clearly explain your options, and match you with coverage that actually works for you. No call centres. No confusion. Just real advice from people who care.

Not sure if you have the right coverage? Starting fresh in a new place? We’re here to help.

Connect with a Merit Insurance broker today and ensure your rental property and everything in it are protected.

Bundling Your Insurance Lines for Optimal Coverage – The Merit Difference

In today’s fast-paced world, managing various insurance policies across different providers can be a daunting task. Keeping track of premiums, renewals, and policy details can quickly become overwhelming. With Merit Insurance, you’re not just another policyholder – you’re a valued client, and we take pride in understanding your unique needs and concerns. In this blog we will explore the advantages of bundling your insurance lines and how our brokers can create a custom protection plan for you.

1. A Comprehensive View of Your Insurance Needs

Our experienced brokers gain a holistic understanding of your lifestyle, assets, and liabilities when you consolidate your insurance lines with us. This comprehensive view allows us to identify potential gaps in coverage and recommend tailored solutions to ensure you’re adequately protected.

2. Cost-effective Bundling Options:

Bundling your insurance lines with Merit can lead to increased savings. By combining policies like auto, property, recreational, or business under one roof, you unlock the potential for multi-policy discounts. This means more value for your hard-earned money without compromising on coverage.

3. Simplified Management and Administration:

Dealing with multiple insurance providers can be time-consuming and confusing. By consolidating your policies with Merit, you streamline the administrative process. Our tailored approach makes it easy for you to access policy information, make changes, and handle claims efficiently with one broker.

4. Tailored Solutions with the Merit Difference:

We understand that every client’s insurance needs are unique. That’s why we offer personalized, one-on-one service that we call the Merit Difference. Our brokers take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and craft insurance solutions that align with your goals.

5. Access to a Wide Range of Insurance Lines:

We’re proud of the relationships we have with a variety of Canada’s top insurers and the extensive insurance offerings to our clients. Whether you’re safeguarding your family home, protecting your business assets, or auto, we have the right coverage for you.

6. Guidance for Informed Decisions:

Our seasoned brokers are well-versed in the intricacies of the insurance industry. We stay up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations, and products to provide you with informed recommendations. You can trust us to guide you towards the most suitable coverage options for your specific circumstances.

Entrusting Merit Insurance with all your insurance lines offers you a host of advantages, from a more complete view of your needs to potential cost savings through bundling. Our personalized approach and wide range of coverage options make us the ideal choice for safeguarding your assets and securing your future.

Experience the Merit Difference today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having all your insurance needs met under one roof. Contact us to explore how we can tailor a comprehensive insurance solution just for you.

Most Common Months To Rent Are Between May To September

Merit Tenant Insurance

Canada is predominantly a nation of homeowners. The majority of Canadians own their home, and it is estimated only 32% of the population is renting. However, Toronto has one of the lowest rates of homeownership per city in Canada. The unprecedented real estate market has forced many millennials and other generations to turn to rental properties. As the name would imply, home insurance isn’t just for homeowners. It is important for savvy renters as well. In this blog, we explain why it is important to protect your assets even if you don’t own your current home.

What is tenant insurance?

We often associate home insurance with protection against physical damage to your house, such as burst pipes or a collapsed roof. If you are a renter, it can be easy to overlook insurance thinking it only applies to the physical structure and therefore the responsibility of your landlord. However, in the event of a claim, their insurance won’t cover your personal belongings such as furniture, electronics, or jewelry.

What does it cover?

Tenant insurance, commonly referred to as renters’ insurance, is tailored towards protecting your personal property within the home, liability and additional living expenses if you have to make a claim.

Liability

Personal Liability is a coverage designed to protect you legally if you accidentally injure someone, or they are hurt on your property. In most circumstances, the landlord’s insurance will not protect you if someone is injured at your rental home. Personal Liability is a part of renters insurance that is designed to protect you legally if there is an accident resulting in injury while on your property.

Personal Belongings

Items in your home can quickly add up. Think of the cumulative cost of your wardrobe, furniture, electronics, and jewelry to name a few! Contents coverage can be purchased to cover a specific dollar amount to cover the cost of either repairing or replacing items in a claim. This insurance would cover your belongings against common risks such as theft, fire, loss, and much more.

Some items may be subject to limits, so it is important to speak with your Merit broker about which items are not covered. Your broker can help you create a tailored coverage plan for expensive items such as costly fine art or an engagement ring to ensure you are always protected.

Additional Living Expenses

Another added benefit of tenant insurance is additional living expenses. If your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss, tenant insurance can assist you in the cost of damage to your personal property and offer compensation for additional living expenses until your home is ready to be lived in again.

Is tenant insurance legally required in Ontario?

Although tenant’s insurance is not mandatory, it offers peace of mind for an unexpected uncovered loss. There has also been an increasing trend in landlords asking tenants to obtain renters insurance as a condition on the lease. According to TD’s 2021 Tenant Insurance Survey, 41% of Canadian renters do not have tenant insurance. This leaves individuals open financially and to legal liability. We know you work hard to buy the things in your life, why not protect it with tenants’ insurance? Contact us today and we will build the right coverage for you!

Will My Homeowner’s Policy Cover My College Student?

As the summer comes to a close, many college/university students are excited to return to in-person learning. Whether it is their first year or last, post-secondary back-to-school shopping is always more expensive than their previous grade school years. Older students might require new electronics such as a new laptop computer, cell phone, headphones, and a printer. Or some even purchase décor items to make their dorm feel like home.

With all of these valuables heading to school with them, how can you protect their belongings? The accumulated items are undoubtedly worth a pretty penny, and the cost of replacing them would take quite a bite out of your bank account. Simply put, a student who is enrolled in and actually attends a school, college, or university and who is dependent on you for support and maintenance is also insured even if temporarily living away from your premises. Some policies have a limit on the amount of content the student can have with them, so make sure to discuss this with your Merit broker.

Insurance Risks on Campuses

Many university students share a room with other co-eds. Living with other students can increase the potential risk of theft and vandalism to their personal property. Tenant insurance can protect a student if their possessions are stolen, or if there is damage done to their property.

When evaluating insurance for your college student, you may want to consider liability protection. A student can be sued for deliberate or in deliberate actions such as damaging property on campus or someone being harmed in their dorm room because of negligence. Liability coverage can offer an extra layer of protection when it comes to legal or medical fees associated with the incident.

Liability from your policy may also extend to premises in Canada where a student insured by your policy is temporarily living while attending school.

Renter’s Insurance, Dorm Insurance, or Your Homeowner’s Policy

Talk to your Merit broker about your homeowner’s policy to find out how much coverage you’ll have for your student’s belongings while they are away.

Auto Insurance
Many parents create an auto policy under their name, even if their child is the main driver. Especially if your child plans on taking their car with them to school, make sure to remove your child as a secondary/occasional driver and amend to the primary. If the car remains in the parent’s name, as the owner of a car, they are legally responsible for the acts of the driver regardless of if they were present during an accident or pulled over by the police.

Sending our kids off to school can be an emotional but exciting time for parents and students alike. To put your mind at ease this school year, talk to your Merit broker about how to protect your child while at school.

Protect Yourself Against Flood Damage

Spring brings many good things to winter-weary Canadians, such as warmer weather, gardening, and getting together with family and friends around the BBQ to celebrate the season of renewal.

However, the warmer weather also melts the snow that has accumulated over the winter months. Coupled with hard seasonal rain, this often creates an excess of water that can leak into your home, leading to several issues such as flood damage to possessions, a buildup of mold, and foundation damage that will lead to expensive repairs or lowered property value.

Fortunately, you can take steps to waterproof your home and protect it from flood damage, and also give your family added peace of mind by making sure your insurance policy gives you the best protection in case water does get in.

How Can I Waterproof My Home?

Waterproofing your home is an investment that not only adds value to your property but may also qualify you for a higher coverage limit or a reduced insurance rate.

Here are just a few things you can do to help protect your home from flood damage:

• Seal all cracks: Have you noticed any cracks in your foundation walls or basement floors? Cracks are a magnet for overland, ground, and other types of water, so be sure to seal them up. You can easily do this from the inside of your home without digging around your foundation or hiring a contractor.
• Install window wells and covers: Window wells promote better drainage of water in a direction that’s away from your home and also protect your window sills from rot. A less expensive option to installing window wells would be to use plastic sheeting.
• Add weeping tile or foundation drain: Adding weeping tiles or a foundation drain to your property will help divert water away from your home and protect your foundation from water damage. Installation involves digging along the foundation wall by professional contractors, but the investment will be well worth it in the long run.
• Install a vapour barrier: If there is little room between you and your neighbour, or if digging around your home would disturb external fixtures, structures, or landscaping, you can install a mold-resistant vapour barrier in your basement to prevent humidity from seeping through your basement walls.
• Use downspouts properly: Your downspout should be moving the water that comes gushing out of it at least six feet away from your home to a more absorbent area, such as your lawn or garden, or you can collect it in a rain barrel. Don’t connect it to your weeping tile or foundation drain as heavy rain could clog the system and lead to municipal sewer backup, which could cause water to enter your home.
• Add a Sump Pump: A sump pump will help divert excess water away from both your home’s foundation and the municipal sewer system during heavy rainfall. A contractor can install one with minimal intrusion, and can also advise as to the municipal guidelines on where the excess water should be diverted.

Your insurance broker can tell you which flood prevention tools will bring your insurance rate down, and ensure that your policy offers you the most protection.

What Should be in My Homeowner’s Policy?

To properly protect your home and property from flood damage, make sure your homeowner’s policy covers the following:

• Sewer backup: Protects you from damage from municipal sewer systems that have backed up due to very heavy rainfall
• Water and sewer lines: In the event, you have to repair or replace your water service line and/or sewer line in the event loss results from a leak, break, tear, rupture, or collapse of the line
• Overland Water: Covers your home and property for flood damage due to a lake or river overflow, heavy rain, or rapid snowmelt if the water enters your home at or above ground level
• Ground Water: Optional coverage for flood damage from water entering your home suddenly and accidentally at below-ground levels, such as through your basement walls, floor, or foundation.

Be sure to speak to your broker about your homeowner’s policy today, so you can worry less about potential flood damage and enjoy the warmer weather with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re fully protected.

Start Saving with Merit Today!

Make sure that you, your family, your property, and your business are protected during the winter and throughout the year! Call your Merit broker for a quote today at 1-800-563-3383. We’ll customize a homeowner and property, vehicle, or business insurance policy with affordable rates and deductible options that meet your needs.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risks Increase in Winter

Every year, Canadians turn up the heat to combat the chilling effects of the Canadian winter. But if we’re not careful in doing so, we also increase the dangerous emissions that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

We often hear about carbon monoxide during the winter months, but do we know why we’re exposed to this lethal gas? What are the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, and what can we do to protect ourselves against it?

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas that is produced when you burn fuel. If carbon monoxide builds up indoors without proper ventilation, it can kill you.

It’s been estimated that 150 Canadians die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning, but without a national database tracking this information, the number could be much higher.

Naturally, the risk is highest during the winter, because that’s when we tend to run our furnaces and other fuel-burning heating appliances the most.

What are the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

People who are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning often display “flu-like” symptoms, and may also complain of:

• Headache or dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset Stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest Pains
• Confusion

Breathing in a lot of carbon monoxide can lead to unconsciousness or even death. This is part of the reason why it’s called the silent killer: it can take you while you’re sleeping before you show any symptoms.

If you or someone in your family seems to be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, head directly to your nearest emergency room or call 911.

Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You can’t stop your fuel-burning appliances from emitting carbon monoxide, but there are some steps you can take to make sure your family is protected from its harmful effects. Here are seven easy ways to make your home safe from carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Install a carbon monoxide detector: An essential part of home safety, install a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector in your home where it will wake you if it sounds the alarm, such as outside your bedroom. Detectors with digital readouts can tell you the highest level of carbon monoxide concentration in your home. Change the batteries twice per year when you change your clocks, and replace the entire unit every five years.
• Regularly service fuel-burning appliances: Your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or fuel-burning appliances should be serviced every year by a qualified technician. If you detect an odour from these appliances at any time, they could be leaking carbon monoxide and need servicing.
• Clear your vents: Ensure that all ventilation systems, such as floor and dryer vents, are clear of debris or obstructions. This goes for both inside and outside vents that are crucial to directing carbon monoxide outside.
• Keep the barbecue outdoors: We all miss barbecuing outdoors, but because they’re designed to be used in open-air environments, running that barbecue inside can be dangerous. This also goes for outdoor heaters, generators, and stoves that burn fuel.
• Clean the chimney: Leaves, dirt, and other debris can block your chimney and cause carbon monoxide buildup in your home, so have it completely cleaned every year.
• Be careful with heat sources: Using gas ovens or ranges to heat your home can also cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, so use them only for cooking.
• Careful running the car: Even if your garage door is open, it’s dangerous to run your vehicle inside a garage that is attached to your house. If the garage is detached, open the door to let the fresh air inside while running your vehicle.

Remember to also apply these tips to your cottage, cabin, or camper to keep your family safe when away from home too.

What to Do If Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off

First of all, don’t ignore it! Here’s what you need to do when your alarm sounds:

1. Check for signs of poisoning: If anyone in your family is showing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (see above), call 911 and get them to a hospital immediately. Fire services will let you know when it’s safe to return home.
2. If no one in your family seems sick, open the windows to vent the house.
3. Turn off all fuel-burning appliances, such as your furnace or gas oven.
4. After the home is ventilated, reset your carbon monoxide detectors.

If your alarm doesn’t sound again, call a qualified technician to examine and service your appliances.

If it does go off a second time, and no one in the home shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, open the windows again and call fire services. They will inspect your home and let you know when it’s safe to return.

Stay Safe and Start Saving with Merit Today!

Make sure that you, your family, your property, and your business are protected during the winter and throughout the year! Contact your Merit broker for a quote today at 1-800-563-3383 or send an email. We’ll customize a homeowner and property, vehicle, or business insurance policy with affordable rates and deductible options that meet your needs.

Staying InTouch Fall/Winter 2017

Tips, strategies, and advice to help you choose the right insurance coverage from your insurance broker

4 Surefire Ways TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOF THIS WINTER

As a Canadian homeowner, you know all too well the damage harsh weather can have on the exterior of your home.

More often than not, however, you focus your snow and ice removal efforts on the areas of your home that are at eyesight level–like your driveway, porch, and windows. But, have you ever thought to look up and see how your roof is faring under the weight of all that snow and ice?

If you are like the average homeowner, you may not think of your roof as vulnerable to cold weather conditions.  However,  even the best roofing materials have a  load capacity that can be compromised by the weight of heavy snow and ice. Left to linger on your shingles, heavy snow and ice can take years off the life of your roof, create damaging leaks, and in the worst case, collapse your roof.

By following these surefire winter maintenance tips, you can avoid costly roof  repairs:

1. Assess the situation using binoculars: Climbing up onto your roof after a heavy snowfall or ice storm is not in your best interest. To get a good look at what is going on up there, pull out your binoculars instead.  More than likely, you will be able to see any issues and address them before they become problems.
2. Take out your rake: In most single and 1 ½  story  homes,  a  long-handled  rake is effective in removing  snow  and  ice from the shingles along the perimeter of your
3. Call a  professional when necessary: If you live in a two-story home, clearing heavy snow from your roof will require skills and tools the average homeowner does not have. Be safe and smart by hiring a company that specializes in snow removal.
4. Install a radiant heat system before winter arrives: Installing an ice melting system beneath the shingles of your roof is a smart way to keep your roof from freezing and accumulating heavy snow loads. Armed with these winter savvy tips,  you are in the best position to help your roof survive winter in tiptop shape.

Logistics Insurance Outlook: THE HIGH COST OF DISTRACTED DRIVING

Most fleet owners are aware that distracted driving is the primary cause of accidents involving commercial truck drivers. Despite high fines of up to $1,000 for distracted driving, commercial drivers continue to pay attention to their gadgets–whether cellphone, GPS or the radio–while on the road. To turn up the heat on this potentially life-threatening behavior, in recent years, Saskatchewan authorities have resorted to impounding vehicles for a week to help drivers feel the gravity of their actions. This precedent has left some trucking industry insiders wondering if Ontario will follow suit.

In Saskatchewan, the controversial impoundment law gives authorities the right to hold a vehicle for a week no matter who owns it. While the loss of one truck for a week may not be catastrophic for logistics companies with large fleets, it can be extremely problematic for small companies that rely on every truck being operational.

Educating Your Drivers About Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driving while distracted increases the risk of an auto accident or other road hazard by 23.2 times. That alarming statistic reveals why it is critical for logistics companies to continually stress to their truck drivers the importance of not using banned devices while on the road. Check the Ontario Government  Highway  Traffic  Act for a complete listing of the display screens and hand-held devices that should never be used while driving and make sure your drivers know the latest rules in Ontario and the other areas they travel through.

Are Tougher Laws on the Horizon in Ontario?

For now,  logistics companies in  Ontario are not subject to impoundment. However, the fact that the Ministry of Transportation nearly doubled the fines for distracted driving in 2015 is a sign that officials are looking to impose tougher penalties.   It is best not to wait for stiffer penalties to launch an internal campaign against using cellphones or other devices while driving. Consistently communicating the dangers with your drivers is a smart risk aversion plan year-round.

Know the Rules Beyond Your Borders

If you cross into other provinces or into the United States, it is important to educate your drivers about the distracted driving regulations and unique issues they may encounter there.  Several areas still have not banned the use of devices while driving, which means even though your drivers may not be distracting themselves with devices they will be on the road with other drivers who are. Training drivers to be on alert for distracted drivers in other areas can help keep them and your cargo safe.

For more tips on implementing a strong campaign against distracted driving, talk to your Merit Insurance broker.

Protect Your Home from Flood Damage

It’s springtime in Ontario, which means rainfall and potential flooding are imminent. With Lake Ontario water levels higher than normal and continuing to rise in the coming weeks, homeowners will be smart to know the steps to protect their property, should a flood come your way.

Before listing out some important steps to take, do you know where the water main shut-off valve is located in your house? If you live in a region that is at risk for flooding or sewer back-ups, here are some precautions you can take:

1. Clean catch basins and eavestroughs.
2. Check the areas surrounding your house to make sure they’re not causing water to drain toward the house (driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc).
3. Remove water from window wells and check these areas often.
4. Seal any cracks in the foundation and around windows and doors.
5. If you can, build up the ground surrounding the house, so that water can drain away from basement walls.
6. Inside the house, move valuable items off the floor.
7. Install a sump pump with battery back-up, and backflow valves on drains.
8. Raise large appliances onto platforms, on either wood or cement blocks.
9. Anchor fuel tanks to the floor.
10. Keep an emergency kit on-hand, with First Aid items, a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, water, battery flashlights and radio, and cash.

As for your vehicles, if you have purchased comprehensive or all-perils auto insurance, water damage to your cars is usually covered. Be sure to check your policy, though: this coverage isn’t mandatory.

Review your current homeowner’s policy to understand what’s covered, and not covered, in the case of flood damage. Overland flooding and sewer back-up are not automatically included in your home insurance policy. Call your Merit broker to find out if they may be offered as optional coverage.

If you find yourself in rubber boots, take photos of any damage to your property so that you’re prepared when you speak with your insurance broker. And once the water levels start to go down, be careful walking around, and never walk in a flooded basement if the power is still on.