Your Premium News - May 2018
I drive a large truck and can’t purchase higher liability or a lower deductible with MPI due to its weight. Do I have any other options?
Yes, you would be able to purchase your extension products through the Special Risk Extension (SRE) division of MPI. A separate insurance application is completed and submitted to SRE. In most cases, brokers have the binding authority and rate tables to determine the vehicle class and premium. If the truck is used for farming or commercial use, then the operating radius and use of the truck will also factor in the determination of premium.
More Autopac questions? Visit us in store for Autopac services or call 204-262-6065.
I am heading out on a trip soon, do I have to purchase travel insurance now or can I buy it later?
It is important to purchase vacation package plan insurance as soon as you book your travel arrangements to ensure you have trip cancellation coverage in place. Whether your trip value is $400 or $4000, the unexpected can happen to ruin your travel plans and it is better to be safe than sorry.
Call us at 204-262-6000 for a travel insurance quote or get a quote online.
Will my home insurance policy cover my home-based business?
In today’s age of artisanal goods, multi-level marketing businesses, and unique hobbies, it has become increasingly popular for people to use their talent and ideas to start their own home business. With these home businesses comes tools, equipment, furniture, electronics, and even stock that are used to create and deliver these ideas into products and services to be sold.
The question is: will your home insurance policy cover your home business? Home insurance policies are designed to insure your personal property and liability. And while some insurance companies offer a small special limit for business related books, tools, and equipment, this coverage is often insufficient, and is limited to assets located on the insured premise only. This means that there is automatically no coverage once the business-related property is off premises. In addition, most home insurance policies exclude any business-related liability exposures. It is important to inform your broker about your home-based business. Many insurance companies offer a home-based business rider for select types of businesses to help fill gaps of coverage. Your broker can review your insurance needs and find the coverage you require, whether it is a home-based business floater or even a commercial policy for larger or more specialized business operations.
Call us for a home insurance quote at 204-262-6065 or get a quote online.
What are the most common questions you get about travel health insurance?
The most common questions that I receive about travel health insurance are about the number of times someone travels, concerns about safety in certain travel destinations, and what to do when travelling with a large family. These questions have been outlined below along with answers to help you better understand what type of travel insurance you would need for your own trip.
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“I’m 60 years old and I go across the line for 1-4 day trips at least five or six times a year, what would you recommend I get for travel insurance?”
The plan that I recommend and that would suit your needs would be the 4-day Annual Plan. You are a frequent traveler and this policy will cover you for 4-days per trip for a whole year. Also, when travelling within Canada you will have unlimited days for coverage.
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“With all the unrest happening around the world and not knowing what could possibly happen, can I get any kind of terrorism coverage with my travel insurance?”
Yes, as of February 8, 2018 our CAA Travel Insurance offers coverage for an act of terrorism provided it does not consist of anything biological, chemical, nuclear or radioactive in nature.
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“I have a big family and in the summer we like to travel together. Does CAA offer any group insurance coverage?”
Yes, CAA offers group coverage for groups of 10 or more people travelling together.
Call us at 204-262-6000 for a travel insurance quote or get a quote online.
The Puppy Patient
There's nothing more exciting then bringing home a new puppy for the first time! And no matter how hard you prepare to make things perfect for your new addition, in reality, it sometimes just doesn't work out that way and many things can go wrong. As we like to say, accidents can happen, and pets get sick!
Here are some common puppy insurance claims:
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Parvo and/or Distemper Virus: Parvo is a highly contagious viral illness that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies are the most at risk. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract, usually affecting dogs with persistent vomiting and diarrhea, causing rapid dehydration, damage to the intestines & immune system. Distemper is another highly contagious virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system. Puppies often become infected through airborne exposure such as sneezing or coughing from an infected dog or other animal. A visit to your veterinarian for Parvo or Distemper could cost up to $2,000.
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Foreign Body Ingestion/Obstruction: Puppies explore their surroundings with their mouths, which is why it's so important they don't get the run of the entire house to pick up and chew on whatever they please. A foreign body is an item or object that enters the body easy enough but will get stuck or lodged during its exit. Commonly seen puppy foreign bodies include, kid's toys, socks/underwear, stuffing from a toy or pillow, shoe material and sticks.
Tip: It's important to confine puppies to a crate, pen or puppy-proof room if they can't be supervised. Provide adequate & safe puppy chew toys and always keep your pup on a lead when out for a walk or in the backyard.
A visit to your veterinarian for a foreign body could cost up to $5,000.
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Parasites: Intestinal parasites and/or worms are a very common illness seen in puppies. The most common types are Giardia, Coccidia, Roundworms, and Tapeworms. Most of the time the effects of parasites are short-term, however if not diagnosed and treated can lead to serious issues. External parasites like fleas, ticks and mites live in the fur, biting and feeding on the blood of their host. This can cause severe itching, pain and hair loss as well as spreading infections and/or disease.
Tip: It's important to see your veterinarian so they can rule out any external or internal parasites to keep you and your pup safe!
A visit to your veterinarian to treat parasites could cost up to $500.
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Fractures: The leading cause of bone fractures in puppies is trauma. This usually results from being hit by a car, a fall, being stepped on or rough housing with other pets in the house. Depending on the location and type of fracture depends on the treatment required and can vary in cost. Surgery is commonly required to fix most fractures, followed by weeks of rest and sometimes rehabilitation – not a very fun time for your newly acquired pooch or your wallet!
A visit to your veterinarian for a fracture repair could cost up to $5,000.
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Gastroenteritis (Vomiting/Diarrhea): Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the intestinal tract (stomach and intestines). Most causes of gastroenteritis are unknown, but with puppies it's important to rule out any parasites as mentioned above. It's also important to remember that until your puppy adjusts, it can be a very stressful and high anxiety time, which could also be a causing factor. In most cases, with supportive treatment, this gastro upset will clear up within a few days.
A visit to your veterinarian for a gastrointestinal upset could cost up to $1,000.
It's important to take your puppy to see the vet for an overall health check within the first 48-72hrs of bringing them home. This allows your veterinarian to check for any birth defects, hereditary disorders, and/or abnormalities.
Every pet owner wants their pet to be happy & healthy and insuring your puppy early helps you get the best coverage possible. Accident & Illness coverage means you're as prepared as you can be.