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protect your family

Keeping your family secure with an Auto Pak.

There isn’t anything more important than family. That’s what I tell myself, when my newborn is screaming at all hours of the night or my Grandfather tells me that “I had it easy.” “Life was so much harder back then.” He’s not wrong. I just wish I didn’t have to hear about it all the time. I think today is easier in the sense of a “physical demand” on our bodies. However, with the online world, it brings its share of struggles as well. #CyberBullying #FailVideos – You make one mistake and you will relive it for the rest of time.

That is all completely unrelated to what today’s topic is about, other than the word family. We’re talking about “Family Security.”

What is Family Security?

It is a coverage that is usually included on every Auto Pak Extension Policy. When you purchase an auto pak and have this endorsement, it extends to your family in your vehicle while you are in operation. It covers you if you are a pedestrian and are hit by a motor vehicle, and it also covers you while you are riding in another persons vehicle.

What this coverage does is protect you in the event you are hit by an uninsured motorist or an underinsured motorist. For example: A drunk driver or someone with a suspended license.

If you are hit by someone like that, they will not have any liability coverage to pay for the damages you suffer. You will be taken care of by SGI, if you have the no fault coverage for injuries, but any additional income or pain and suffering would have to be collected through civil court, which may amount to nothing. This is where Family Security steps in. If you carry an auto pak with 2 million liability, you will have $2 million of Family Security coverage to pay for the additional costs incurred for you and your family as your recover from this accident. Any additional costs for trips to the doctor, medications, loss of income or other expenses in excess of what SGI, Workers Compensation or Disability plans would be covering can be claimed under this plan.

When you buy a package policy, you will automatically obtain liability coverage to extend to your vehicle operation in case you were ever negligent. The family security coverage matches the limit of liability you carry, up to $2 million.

This is something that is not “sold” to the customers who carry an auto pak. But it is a needed coverage if you are involved in an accident with a person who shouldn’t be on the road. This is a simple way to protect yourself and your family from potential costs that are not in your control.

Talk to us about adding a package policy to your vehicles. A liability/family security policy on your vehicle can be as little as $4-5 per month. It’s a small cost that could pay big benefits if something tragic were to happen.

Christmas Lights, Thieves, Tips and Safety – What you need to know this holiday season

This time of year is full of events, gatherings, food, family and friends. You are running from the mall, to the next turkey dinner, to work, back home and then to another get-together. This season is packed with shopping, decorating and christmas events. It is exciting and busy, and some people love it, while others don’t, but regardless, there are things you will do, or need to do, and we want to make sure you have your bases covered. 

First of all, the decorations. Some people go all “Griswold-like,” and decorate like mad men. Others don’t, but they will put up a tree and a few lights. Either way, it is important to take some precautions before you start.

  • Do not overload your power circuits / breakers and remember to use 3-wire ground extension cords outside. Contact an electrician if you are unsure about your capacity.
  • Inspect the lights beforehand, not only so you know they’ll work, but to make sure there aren’t any damaged bulbs or wires showing that could cause potential shocks, sparks or fires.
  • If you can, use LED lights as they burn cooler, which will help reduce the chance of overheating and causing a fire.
  • Never leave your tree on when you leave the house.
  • If you are using a real tree, make sure you keep it watered, so it doesn’t dry up.

Next concern, why don’t thieves ever seem to take time off around Christmas? In fact, it seems like they are more busy this time of year. Naturally, it is because people fill their houses with toys and gadgets all in one convenient place – under their tree. Many shop in large quantities, so if you leave your vehicle, you are leaving many new possessions inside of it. Some tips to avoid potential issues include:

  • Don’t leave a message on your voicemail that you are “Gone to a wedding in Jamaica, be back in 2 weeks.” This is an easy opportunity for burglars to access your house while you’re away.
  • Leaving a key in the flower pot or under the doormat. This isn’t the burglars first rodeo and they likely have some experience checking these convenient places.
  • Make sure your windows and doors are locked while you are away.
  • Installing a security system is always a good way to deter unwanted traffic. This also benefits you by giving you a discount on your home insurance.

Lastly, here are some shopping tips for you:

  • Be careful when you purchase gifts online from stores you are unfamiliar with. Quickly do a google search to check out some reviews beforehand. Check your credit card to make sure you have fraud protection.
  • Buying gifts when the prices have dropped significantly. This can result in fake items, or the sale of much older models that they have had for many years.
  • Keep your wallet and purses well protected while walking in crowded stores and malls.
  • Park your vehicle in a busy, well lit location so your belongings are safe in your vehicle while you continue to shop. Make sure you keep your purchases out of sight.

Some insurance information for you:

  • Most home insurance policies include identity theft coverage, so if your wallet or purse goes missing and this becomes an issue – check your policy to see if you have this coverage to protect yourself.
  • Theft coverage on belongings, again, most home insurance policies will include theft of your belongings, check to make sure your policy has this coverage. Some items, like jewellery have a cap on the value of coverage when it results from theft, so if you have high-end jewellery or lots of it, make sure you talk to your broker about making sure it is properly protected.
  • If you have a copy of your policy, you can check your coverage by matching your policy coverage in your companies wording booklet. We have them available on our website for your convenience.

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, full of love, joy and laughter; and a Happy New year.

Getting the protection you need for your family, home and business.

Remember the days when you could leave your vehicles unlocked, your front door open and your tools in your truck box? Yes, those days have come and gone. Unfortunately we are no longer privileged with that level of trust, in our society. Whether its petty theft or gang related initiation, there are certain people who choose to do bad things to make a profit. Therefore, it is important to take measures to protect your family, your home and your prized possessions.

We have recently partnered up with Reed Security to help our clients, friends and family get a security system in place that will keep them protected. Reed Security was established in March 2000, right here in Saskatoon. This is important, because they are a part of our community and will do their best to look after you.

Technology has come so far, and what you can design in your house to make it “automated,” is simply amazing. Whether it’s a sensor in your basement to measure moisture levels, a doorbell that has a motion sensor camera built in it; or a thermostat you can control from your phone; you can make your house smarter than ever. You join all of these things together and the best value you’ll leave with, is Peace of Mind. So make sure you ask questions about all the options available to get those services that you value the most.doorbell

Since we have partnered with Reed Security, we have a promotional code you can use to obtain a “Free Smart Security & Automation System.” When you book your appointment or consultation, make sure you use the promo code: BLKSBORD.  The best part is, after it is installed and operational,  you can send in the security certificate to your insurance broker and they will apply a security intrusion discount on to your home insurance, this could result in a savings of up to 20%.

reedsecuritylogo2So how do you get this started? You can call Dan Mulhall at Reed Security: (306) 716-9943 or email him at: dmulhall.dsss@gmail.com. Remember to use the promo code BLKSBORD.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact one of our branches for more information.