melloInsurance

Serving our clients, Serving our community

Lyndon Block

What are the steps in filing a property claim?

There was an interesting and quirky video we watched the other day about how insurance is like the reverse lottery. It would be nice to win a real lottery and obtain millions of dollars. However, the opposite could occur and you are hit with a bolt of lightning or a tornado relocates your house or barn. These are acts of god that can happen to anyone at any time. Most recently, we were hit in our local area by a terrible hailstorm. Golf ball sized hail that damaged hundreds of homes and vehicles. A plow wind up north occured this weekend as well, which tore down tons of trees that landed on peoples cabins, vehicles and trailers. People didn’t ask for these things to happen, and there was nothing they could really do to prevent or prepare for it. Park your vehicle in the garage and hold on tight.  

Once the unfortunate event has subsided, it’s time to clean up the wreckage and file a claim. How do we do this exactly?

First, contact your insurance broker.
We will be able to take down the information of the claim, review your policy and deductibles with you, and explain what insurance information the adjuster is going to need when they phone to confirm the claim.

What information is my adjuster going to need?
The adjuster will need the following information (sometimes at a later date):

  • Date of Loss – this is important, as you are alotted a certain amount of time to start a claim. Usually 6 months to 1 year. It is always better to call in sooner, rather than later.
  • List of property that was damaged – if items were stolen or burnt up, the adjuster is going to need to know what items were lost or damaged.
  • Contact Information – Which is the best way the adjuster can reach out to you. Cell phone, Email, Text, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
  • Policy number
  • Location of Loss – Where did the loss occur? Your home, cabin, rented dwelling…
  • Any other people who need to be notified – If there are other parties involved in the claim. Such as a neighbour, relative, etc. That might need to be contacted, this will help with tracking them down.
  • Details of the loss – The adjuster is going to ask what exactly happened at the time of the loss. Be as accurate as possible so they can make sure the coverage is available on your policy.
  • Police Authorities – If the police were involved in a theft call, or other claim situation. Please let the adjuster know the police file number.
  • Quotes from Contractors – If a building or dwelling was damaged, you may need quotes from contractors to assess how much damage actually occurred. They will be able to give you a replacement value. It is important to use reputable contractors, as these contractors may be the ones doing the work.

What happens next?
The adjuster will take down your statement and based on the type of claim, they will schedule a date to come assess the damage. If it is a claim where they do not need to be on the premises, they will review the policy wordings and the coverage you have purchased to see if the loss is something that is insured on your policy. (This is where you hope you purchased the best coverage and not the cheapest.)

…if claim requires construction
After they review the coverage, and coverage is approved, they will proceed with the claim. If construction needs to take place, they may suggest which quote to proceed with. You may have the option to fix the damage yourself, however, this will be negotiated with your adjuster when you submit the contractors quotes.

…if claim is regarding equipment or machinery
If it is a machinery claim, you may need to have a service department appraise the damage in their shop or on the scene. If coverage is available, you will be entitled to either Replacement Cost Coverage or Actual Cash Value (ACV) – based on the value, coverage and age of the unit. Actual cash value is calculated by Replacement Cost minus depreciation (as machinery will wear over time).

…if claim is regarding your personal belongings
If the claim is simply for the replacement of your belongings, the insurance company will require a list of items that were damaged or stolen. If coverage is available, they will then give you an Actual Cash Value (ACV) settlement for those damaged items. Once you purchase the new items to replace the damaged ones, you can submit the receipts for those items to be reimbursed for the replacement cost on those belongings. Generally you have 6 months from the date of loss, to replace your belongings. This time frame can be negotiated if it is impossible to replace them in that time. For example, your house burns down and construction is delayed, so you have no place to put your new appliances.

What about a vehicle or trailer claim?
SGI handles all auto claims as they are registrable units. Please contact them at 306-683-2100 or you can file an SGI eClaim. If you are simply fixing a windshield, you do not need to proceed through this claims service. Please contact our office. We always recommend carrying an auto pak policy to insure the unit while unlicensed and in storage.

Wrapping things up
Each claim situation is different, so it is hard to tell you how every situation will play out. Generally, once the claim is started, your adjuster is the main contact for your claim. If you ever run into any difficulty with the claim, please contact us; we are here for you to help you through the claims process. We want to make sure your claim is handled smoothly and professionally.

 

Do I actually have a roof over my head?


There are many things we take for granted. A roof over our head is one of them. In Canada, the weather can change instantly. Hurricane windstorms to calm and sunny, to ice and snow. We rely on that roof quite a bit, and then we realize how frustrating it can be to fix an issue that starts in the roof and attic. Here is some information to make sure your roof is looked after and how insurance companies now assess claim damages to your roof.

I’m not going to explain how roof systems work, as there are so many different kinds of roofing. Shingles, Rolled Roofing, Metal, Tin, Clay Tile, Metal Tile, Shakes, etc. However, there are some things you can do to make sure you are looking after the necessities.

  • Inspect the roof twice a year; After winter and after summer. These are times of stress on a roof.
  • Keep the roof clean and free from debris.
  • If shingles are curling or free of granules, your roof may need immediate replacement or repair.
  • Make sure your shingles are properly sealed to the roof and that all flashings, rubber washers and other items where there is a seal are in good condition with no cracks – as these are the source of most leaks.
  • Keep eavestroughs and gutters clean – a build up of debris can cause water to not drain properly, potentially causing future water damage issues.
  • Make sure your ventilation is available. All the vents, ridge vents, wind birds, etc. need to be free and clear of debris and never blocked. Proper ventilation ensures heat and moisture do not build up in the attic area. This prevents ice damming issues.
  • Make sure downspouts are installed correctly (directed away from building) as a buildup of water right next to the house can cause seepage issues. (Not typically covered under insurance).
  • Remove branches and leaves from the roof as this can cause mold or moss issues on roof. Especially cedar roofs as they need to breathe.
  • Proper insulation in the attic is important to eliminate any moisture / freezing / condensation issues from occurring. Make sure you check near the edges of the attic as the wind can blow the insulation around creating bare patches.


How do insurance companies look at insuring a roof?

In 2018, insurance companies have started applying depreciation to roofs for wear and tear. Most companies start applying this depreciation on a roof that is around 16 years or older if you put in a claim for wind or hail damage. This means that you’ll be deducted a certain percentage of the claim based on the age and condition of your roof prior to the loss.

This doesn’t mean all roofs will be adjusted the same. For example, if you have a weather-resistant material like a metal tile vs 20 year shingle, the depreciation will be quite different. An asphalt shingle will depreciate at a rate of 10% per year after the 15 years to a maximum of 80% depreciation, regardless of age.

 

  • Asphalt/Fibreglass (Class 1 Shingle) – 10%
  • Asphalt/Fibreglass (Class 4 Shingle) – 7%
  • Membrane Roofing – 5%
  • Metal, Rubber, Synthetic, Slate, Tile, Concrete – 2%
  • Wood Shakes or Shingles – 4%
  • Tar & Gravel – 30%
  • Other – 9%
  • Soffit, Fascia, Eavestroughs – 5%

Example:

If you have a 20 year old roof with asphalt shingles (class 1), the insurance company will pay to have your roof repaired or replaced minus 50% depreciation (10% per year x 5 years).

If you have any questions regarding this coverage or the changes when settling a roofing claim; please contact us. We want to set you up to handle any risk management before a claim occurs. The best thing you can do is be prepared.

Canada Day 151 – Celebrating our freedoms


It’s the most wonderful time of the year….

I don’t know about you, but Canada Day weekend has got to be my favorite one of the year (yes, I realize the gravity of putting this on the level with Christmas and New Years).  I love the warm weather, the summer vibes, and the festivities that happen around the province. It’s the one weekend of the year where no matter what your political direction, you can celebrate all the amazing things this country, Canada, has to offer. We enjoy (in abundance) prosperity, peace, safety, and….

Freedom.


With freedom comes responsibility.  We get the freedom to choose our careers, our lifestyles, where to live, and what we will do in our spare time.  We are also free to choose what to celebrate: birthdays, anniversaries, pride, veterans, Christmas; and Canada Day 151 will be no exception. There will be those who will want to throw down, enjoy some weekend beverages in the sun with friends and family under a sky full of fireworks.  Perhaps you are someone that is waiting for a different type of thrill…such as legalized marijuana (cue elephant in the room). If you are waiting for the latter, with anticipation, please remember that this date has been pushed back until October 17th, for the leafy drug’s introduction to legal standing.  Until that legalization is complete, please obey the laws that are currently in force; drug possession still carries serious repercussions to anyone caught with it in their possession.

Following this rabbit hole of substances and freedoms, it begs the question: “how will one choose to use their freedoms while celebrating, and will we be responsible with that freedom?”  It seems like every couple of days, there is an article in the news about someone driving impaired which results in a serious injury or death.  There is great sadness that comes when we read these reports, because, why do we as a society, choose to take chances with our freedoms, and risk lives so unnecessarily.  Life is short, and we all have a responsibility to care for our lives, and those around us, which involves making plans ahead of time when celebrating.


The message this week is simple- no matter what freedoms you choose to exercise this upcoming Canada Day, plan to handle those freedoms responsibly, and within the boundaries of the laws that govern our great land.  Make plans to have a method of transportation to get home after celebrating. Give a sober friend your keys, call a taxi or a ride-share service, and have the courage to respect yourself and those around you by not driving impaired.

It’s one of the best times of the year- please don’t spoil it! Choose to be responsible with your freedom.  Celebrate this beautiful country, remember the ones who fought for it, and respect the ones that keep it safe, by following the rules.

“Need to know” information before you put the boat in the water.

As the days get longer and the summer approaches, our thoughts turn to relaxing days spent at the lake.  Nothing beats a day spent enjoying the water; whether you’re fishing, wake surfing or cruising the shoreline looking at lake property.  It’s always exciting to get out on the lake for the first boat ride of the season!

It’s a beautiful June day, the forecast is perfect, the yard work is done and the lake is calling your name!  Are you prepared? You don’t want to miss a perfect lake day on the prairies, because we all know mother nature can be stingy with how many you get.  Of course, you remember all the essentials: the cooler filled with snacks and water, fluffy towels, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. However, did you make sure the boat is filled with all the safety equipment, made sure the trailer plates are renewed and your boat is insured? Here are some quick tips and a short checklist to make sure your prepared.

How do I check if my vehicle/trailer is registered?
The easiest way to check this is to log into your MySGI account and look up your registrations or call your local Blocks agencies office. We also have an app as well that you can download and link your MySGI account to it for your convenience. Details here.

Is the boat insured properly?

Great question…did the boat get insured or was that on the “honey do” list. The common misconception is that the boat is insured on the trailer registration. That is not the case. Boats can be insured one of two ways, on your home policy or on a seperate recreation policy. You have the ability to choose the value and the deductible you are comfortable insuring at. If your boat is 10 years old or newer, you may qualify for replacement cost coverage on that boat. You will also want to ask about watercraft liability. This will protect you if you are negligent while operating the watercraft and accidentally injure someone or damage someone’s property. (Hit a floating skier, hit another boat, or run into someone’s dock). Give us a quick call and one of our brokers will confirm you are insured or we can set up a policy for you.

Do you have all the safety equipment?

Here is a quick check list to refer to

  • Life jackets or PFD that fit for everyone on the boat
  • A buoyant heaving line
  • Manual propelling device (oars/paddles)
  • An anchor with at least 15 metres of rope
  • Bailer or hand pump
  • Sound-signalling device
  • Navigation lights
  • Waterproof flashlight or Flares

Other notable items to check:

  • Fuel supply
  • Tubing, Surfing, Wakeboarding Boards & Ropes
  • Fishing Gear, Tackle, Bait
  • Cell Phone
  • Make sure the plug is installed on the boat before unloading
  • Make sure engine is in running condition before unloading
  • Keys for the boat (a float attached to the key, would also be smart.)

Once all of your safety supplies are loaded onto the boat, check that the weather is suitable for boating. You don’t want to get caught in a torrential windstorm with a 5hp trolling motor. There is a good chance you’re not going to make it back in time for that perfectly grilled steak.

 

Preparing for the amazing and horrific summer storms.

“I wish we had just a little more wind!” – said no one in Saskatchewan, ever. One thing about living in the prairies is that wind is inevitable. You can’t run from it, change it,redirect it or hide from it. However, due to the improved construction in today’s world, we are able to protect ourselves a lot better.

In many states down south, they have bunkers dug into the ground to protect themselves from tornadoes and other windstorms. We have basements in our houses that help protect us as well. Make sure you get yourself under the stairs and away from the windows if a tornado ever strikes near your home.

Lightning can also cause a fair amount damage, when lightning strikes from cloud to ground, it passes approximately, 1 billion (1,000,000,000) joules of energy. If that strikes your home, A nearby tree or power line, the damage can start to pile up.

So how can you protect yourself and your belongings from these types of natural disasters?

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from such events:

  • Installing hurricane straps to your trusses to protect your roof from blowing off the walls in extreme winds.
  • Installing a lightning rod to your house to protect yourself from a lightning strike/surge which would fry your appliances.
  • Have an electrician install some surge protection on your electrical panel to protect potential surges from hitting your appliances. (These have a limit on how many cycles/charges it can take.)
  • Check your roof to make sure you aren’t missing any shingles or any damage is present before the storm, and make sure you fix the roof after the storm to prevent further damage. Shingles/Roofing Material have a rating based on the size/severity of the wind/hail/storm damage it can take.
  • Install exterior siding on your house that can withstand this type of storm. Vinyl siding is fairly easy to blow off or get damaged by hail. However, hardiboard, stucco, brick or stone can withstand much more. There are all kinds of new and improved construction material available now, talk to a contractor or your local hardware store to find out what’s available.

What if I don’t have time to do those things and a storm is approaching,are there some things to do beforehand to prepare?

Some of the above things take a lot of money to do, or installing them on a finished home is hard to do. So you can’t always install those items, here are some quick tips on what to do when a storm is enroute.

  • Secure the Perimeter – Fasten down any loose equipment, move items indoors, remove any large trees or limbs that could damage any of your buildings or vehicles during a storm.
  • Fuel up – Make sure you have generators, equipment, fireplaces all fueled up with wood, gas and propane in case there is a long lasting power outage. Especially in the Saskatchewan Winter.
  • Protect the glass – you can purchase windstorm shutters, that are pre-fitted. These will help with preventing broken windows.
  • Backup/disconnect electronics – power surges can occur during storms make sure you have surge protectors installed or your electronics are disconnected.
  • Flood prevention – with most storms, comes a lot of rain. Make sure you have proper drainage, sump pumps, extended eavestroughs and remove any valuables off the floor in case this can’t keep up with the water.
  • Chemicals / Gas – Make sure any harmful chemicals or gas lines are disconnected in case of a breakage or some reaction that can occur during a storm.
  • Having a Plan – One of the biggest items on the list, is being ready and having a plan to carry out all these items above.
  • Understanding your Insurance Policy – Whether it’s for your business, farm, home or vehicles; make sure you understand the coverage you have beforehand. These policies are designed to protect you, but there are many different packages, deductibles and endorsements, and it is important to know what you have covered in the even that something terrible happens.

As always, we want you to enjoy this summer to the full potential. Protect yourself from the elements we cannot control; and to be as safe and prepared as possible. Have a great summer!

*Photo credit goes out to local photographers in Saskatchewan who posted publicly on Twitter. Thank you! 🙂

 

Easy Camping and Summer Vibes

What an amazing week this was! Warm weather, nice rain showers, a little thunder, a little lightning. Great for the farmers, gardens, grass and all without any bugs! I feel that is about to end very shortly, but that isn’t going to stop us from having an awesome summer. Since we live in Canada, we know that our summers are short. Like so many memes and posts on the internet suggest, “Last summer was amazing, I believe it fell on a Thursday.” That being said, we make the most of our short summer and here is some camping advice for you to use and hopefully make your summer an enjoyable one!

One of the groundbreaking things we heard of recently, was this thing called “Camp-Easy.”  The Saskatchewan Parks & Government have created “Camp-Easy” sites on certain Provincial Campgrounds which provides the equipment you need to camp, without you bringing all the major items. This is great for those people who want the full camping experience but can’t afford the equipment or you don’t want to purchase all the gear. The best part is, you don’t have to take anything down afterwards! “Lunch and no clean up! Can life get better?”

Where are these sites available?

You can call to book your Camp-Easy site by contacting one of the locations below.

(May 18 – Sept. 3, 2018 | 14-night maximum stay | $65/night):


What gear comes with these sites?

These sites include:

  • Large Tent on a wooden platform (14’x16’)
  • 2 Bunk Beds & 2 Singles (Sleeps 6)
  • Screened dining tent
  • Stove and Propane Tank
  • Lanterns – 2
  • Wash Bins – 2
  • Camping Chairs – 6
  • Roasting Sticks – 6
  • Axe


Other Camping information

There are many things to think about when you go camping. Here is a small checklist to make sure you’re prepared for your vacation.

  • Purchase your fishing licenses
  • Register and Insure your boat and camper trailers
  • Make sure you pack and have enough life jackets for everyone in the boat
  • Make sure your tubes and other inflatables hold air so you don’t have to find a patch
  • Go get bush pie makers! Now. Go get them…and Cherry Pie filling. You won’t be sorry!
  • Make sure you bring all the camp-easy food. Hotdogs, Burgers, S’more Kit, etc.
  • Sand toys for the beach. The kids will need it. And so will you.
  • Pedal Bikes to get around easily.
  • Barbecue, Table for BBQ, Lawn Chairs, and a few extra folding tables for convenience. We all know that picnic table gets filled up way to quick.
  • For the luxury camper, who can’t give up their electronics: your satellite dish, laptops, ipads, phone chargers, upgraded data plan. #Netflix #RainyDay
  • I recommend unplugging from the world, if possible, then you need: cards, games, books, toys, puzzles, bikes, and creativity! Enjoy the outdoors!
  • The essentials: toothbrush, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bug spray, various beverages & snacks (healthy ones of course), bedding/sleeping bags, thermarest or air mattress (for tenters), lanterns, matches/lighter, newspaper, paper plates and cutlery and water.

I’m sure I’m missing a few particular items, but that wouldn’t be camping if you didn’t forget something! Like your boat or your youngest child. 🙂

We hope this summer brings you a lot of joy and excitement. We hope you have warm days of fun in the sun and healthy rains to refresh your soul. That sounds cheesy, but we mean it. It is important to recharge in this busy life. Without taking time to “stop and smell the roses” once and a while, we will watch life pass us by. Enjoy this summer to the fullest, you deserve it!