Recent blog posts - Hubbard Insurance News

May

Secrets and Tips for Seasonal Property Insurance.

Picture this. It’s finally beginning to warm up – spring is in full flow and summer is just around the corner. You’ve had a good year and your eyes are fixated on that cottage you’ve always wanted. It’s finally time. However, once that little slice of heaven is in your name, it’s time to insure it to make sure that unwanted repair and repla...cement bills don’t turn this dream into a nightmare. Here are some tips to help you sleep soundly at night! Water Damage Many people think that the biggest danger to a cottage is fire damage or theft; however, that might not be the case. If the cottage is being used year-round, the possibility of water damage often turns into reality. This is why it is important to install temperature and water alarms – if there is potential for the pipes to freeze or for flooding to occur, you want to know before it happens. Moreover, it is important to shut off the water supply and drain your pipes during the cooler months – when the cottage is closed – so that you don’t come back to a disaster during the warmer months. Don’t Become Complacent. Insurance exists so that if something was to happen that was out of your control, you would be covered. If massive gusts of winds and wild environmental occurrences cause damage to your boat, for example, you will most likely be alright. However, if you simply forgot to tie your boat up and it floats away with the tide, that’s on you. It is important to be alert and on top of things – complacency can cost you in more ways than one down the line! Fire Services Something that many might not actively consider is the distance from the cottage to a fire hydrant or fire hall. It seems obvious when laid out – if your cottage catches on fire, and there is no resource nearby to put the fire out, then you’re in a world of trouble. The longer the blaze rages on, the more damage it does, the more your insurance costs – you get the idea. This is why it is important to be mindful of such resources and services as they can me a sizeable difference to your insurance premium! Heating Methods Speaking of fire, one thing insurance agencies have in common with cottage-owners is that they would rather a cottage not catch on fire. Fire may have been the catalyst for all human advancement, but it is frowned upon in this context. This is why it is important to keep in mind how you will heat up your cottage. Using oil heating is generally a no-no because of the potential of a leak and a wood burning stove that is not WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified might even lead to insurance agencies outright refusing to insure you. Sticking with gas, propane, or electric heating is the way to go. Investing in a maintenance plan is also a great way to avoid common claims – something that will easily pay off in the long run. Cottages can be quite expensive if left to their own devices – but it is pretty easy to keep your paradise from turning into a disaster with the right help. At Hubbard Insurance, we are determined to help you make the best decisions for you and your family. The tips and secrets listed above will hopefully go a long way in helping you make those tough decisions for a prosperous future. To learn more about seasonal property insurance or to get a free quote, contact one of our brokers now at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloak4a642704e3b6b2cec2f1b5eea5f71a9e').innerHTML = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy4a642704e3b6b2cec2f1b5eea5f71a9e = 'better' + '@'; addy4a642704e3b6b2cec2f1b5eea5f71a9e = addy4a642704e3b6b2cec2f1b5eea5f71a9e + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_text4a642704e3b6b2cec2f1b5eea5f71a9e = 'better' + '@' + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak4a642704e3b6b2cec2f1b5eea5f71a9e').innerHTML += ''+addy_text4a642704e3b6b2cec2f1b5eea5f71a9e+''; or give us a call at 905-696-9090. Source: Economical. More

May

How to Spot and Avoid Water Damage

When it comes to forces of nature, water can do a great deal of damage. Whether it’s a small leak that grows overtime or a cascade that leaves destruction in its wake; the consequences can often be severe. With spring upon us and the environment peaking in wetness, now is the time more than ever to be mindful about water damage and how to prevent ...it. Ideally, this is an area where you want to recognize problems before they turn into full-blown disasters; so here are some signs that you might have water damage! The Accumulation of Water Perhaps the most obvious thing on the list – if you see standing or pooling areas of water, there is a pretty good chance of water damage. In general when an area that is meant to be dry is wet, there is a problem. Staining or Mold Growth Slow leaks that are consistent are one of the more dangerous things to have because of how difficult they can be to spot. It’s pretty easy to tell your house has water damage when your door floats past you; but smaller leaks tend to be sneaky and cause long-term damage. A good way to tell if there is a leak in your house, though, is by observing yellow-ish stains that are irregular in shape as well as the presence of mold. Fungus loves moisture and will latch onto surfaces with potential water damage to expand. The Stench Have you ever entered a room and been blasted in the face by a heavy, musky odor? That is an almost sure-fire sign of mold and mildew – which, in turn, means there is water where there shouldn’t be! Since water damage can be difficult to observe visually, catching a strong whiff of mold is often a good way to tell that there is potential damage. Sudden Increase in Utility Bills Utility bills, for the most part, are pretty consistent. There will be minor fluctuations here and there but they remain within the same ballpark. If you have noticed a sudden upwards spike – and your usage has remained the same – that is a sign that a leak exists. Catch it before it does more damage to your house and wallet! Now that you have discovered the water damage, it is time to fix it! Here are tips on how to do that. Clean Your Gutters! This isn’t a glamorous job. No one wants to spend their weekend sweating away over their gutters trying to make them glisten. However, unmanaged overflow can cause damage to the foundations of the house and that is when things get really bad. Make sure that the downspouts are clean so water can easily flow through! Check Your Appliances One of the easiest ways to prevent water damage is to simply conduct regular checks of your appliances to make sure they aren’t leaking all over the place. A little maintenance goes a long way! Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drain If grease, fat, and oil find themselves going down the drain, they are going to cause a lot of trouble. Fat and oil build up over time causing blockages and back-ups. This isn’t just limited to fat and oil either; sometimes we get lazy and throw things down the drain instead of disposing of them in the proper manner. Doing this, though, will cause major headaches in the future because of the inevitable damage that follows. Dispose of things properly! Landscape with Purpose Not all water damage will be on the inside of the house – in fact, most of it will be in the area most exposed to the environment. Especially with spring in full flow, it is important to take precautions for the outside of the house. A great way to prevent water damage is by making sure water is being diverted way from the home in a natural fashion – using slopes and shrubbery to get the job done. This way your house will look fabulous whilst also being purposeful! Ultimately, water damage is something that cannot always be prevented. This is why home insurance is so important – it is crucial to have that safety net. If you want to make sure your home is covered properly and that you are safe from water damage, contact one of our brokers today at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloakcf1441b83297c1a3fceb208a945c6d1c').innerHTML = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addycf1441b83297c1a3fceb208a945c6d1c = 'better' + '@'; addycf1441b83297c1a3fceb208a945c6d1c = addycf1441b83297c1a3fceb208a945c6d1c + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_textcf1441b83297c1a3fceb208a945c6d1c = 'better' + '@' + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloakcf1441b83297c1a3fceb208a945c6d1c').innerHTML += ''+addy_textcf1441b83297c1a3fceb208a945c6d1c+''; or simply call us at 905-696-9090. Let us take your future headaches away. Sources: Economical, Autohomeboat, Resolve More

May

Sewer Backup Prevention

Damage to your property can be done multiple ways and sewer backup is one you’ll probably want to avoid the most. Sewer backup is not only a health hazard, but the clean-up process is extensive and costly. Here’s some information on what causes a sewer backup and what you can do to prevent it. What causes a sewer backup? When something block...s the normal flow of wastewater from your house to the city’s sanitary sewer, sewage will start to back up into your home. There are many ways that contribute to a sewer backup such as the following: • Aging sewer systems• Too much rainwater or melted snow entering the sewer system at once• Broken or collapsed sewer lines• A cracked or deteriorated sewer lateral (the pipeline between the city’s sanitary sewer main and your home)• Tree roots entering sewer lines• Blockages in city sanitary mains• Blockages in plumbing inside a building• Sump pump failure Here are some simple things you can do to prevent a sewer backup: 1. Never flush items like diapers, wipes, cigarette butts, paper towels, facial tissues, or personal hygiene products down the toilet (even if the box says they’re “flushable!”). The only things you should flush down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. 2. Grease and other clog-causing materials should always be thrown in the garbage – not down the sink. This also includes bacon fat, coffee grinds, and food waste. 3. It’s important to install a backwater valve (sometimes called a backflow valve). Doing so will reduce the likelihood that sewage will flow into your basement when the main sewer system begins to back up. It’s crucial to understand how to recognize the signs of a potential sewer backup before it’s too late. Make sure to contact a plumber right away if you notice the following: • Seepage at basement floor drains• A foul smell coming from your drains• Toilets aren’t flushing like they should, and plunging doesn’t help• More than one drain in your house is clogged• When you use one piece of plumbing (like a toilet), water backs up somewhere else• Bubbling after you flush a toilet or when a sink is trying to drain (and it happens more than once) If you notice sewage flowing into your drains, toilets, bathtubs, or showers, most likely a sewer backup is already coming on in full force. In that situation, stop using your water, turn off the main water supply, and contact a plumber right away. Basic home insurance policies usually don’t cover sewer backups, but most insurance companies do offer it as an optional add-on. If you don’t already have this coverage, contact your broker to add it onto your current policy. It’s better to be safe than to clean up the mess on your own. For more information or to get a quote today, call our office at 905-696-9090 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloakc288065e2d751d575f7bb1b9793bbfca').innerHTML = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addyc288065e2d751d575f7bb1b9793bbfca = 'better' + '@'; addyc288065e2d751d575f7bb1b9793bbfca = addyc288065e2d751d575f7bb1b9793bbfca + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_textc288065e2d751d575f7bb1b9793bbfca = 'better' + '@' + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloakc288065e2d751d575f7bb1b9793bbfca').innerHTML += ''+addy_textc288065e2d751d575f7bb1b9793bbfca+''; Source: Economical More

Apr

Insurance You Need For Your Startup

If you’re running a startup, your main focus is probably how to grow your business. But it may be time to consider getting insurance in order to protect your business. Here are some of the essential insurance products you will need for your startup: Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL)CGL Insurance is made to cover your company in the even...t that you are sued for bodily injury or property damage to other people or businesses. This would also cover any property in the form of office equipment, stock, IT hardware, etc. Coverage also usually includes legal defence. It’s also important to note that you should purchase enough liability coverage. Most contracts require $2M but some larger clients may require $5M liability coverage or more. Errors and Omission (E&O) InsuranceFor anyone offering professional services, this type of insurance is essential. Doctors, Lawyers and Accountants are usually ones who need this insurance but most startups now require Errors and Omission coverage – especially if your startup involves any type of consulting or technical work. A good way to know if you need this coverage is to ask yourself “does anything my business does, or neglects to do, have the potential to harm a client?” If the answer is yes, you should get this coverage and your clients will likely require it by contract. Cyber InsuranceCyberattacks are becoming more common especially in an increasingly digital world. If your startup has any client data at all, then you need to consider Cyber Insurance. Coverage for this typically includes liability for stolen client data, legal defence and crisis management. Directors and Officers Insurance (D&O)This liability insurance protects C level Executives, Officers and Directors in the event that they’re sued for actual or alleged wrongdoing when managing your startup. You may purchase first and third party coverage to protect such things as wrongful acts, shareholder or M&A lawsuits, and class action lawsuits. Employment Practices Liability (EPL) InsuranceMost businesses that purchase D&O insurance also purchase Employment Practices Liability – especially for smaller companies that don’t have an office human resources department. This liability covers your business in the event of an employee lawsuit such as wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination by gender, race, age or sexual orientation. There are countless other types of coverage a business may want to purchase as they grow and a good insurance broker should be able to advise you on the right decisions. To get a quote on your startup, call our office today at 905-696-9090 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloak8b4a31ae484e71b485f0badb5b30d09c').innerHTML = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy8b4a31ae484e71b485f0badb5b30d09c = 'better' + '@'; addy8b4a31ae484e71b485f0badb5b30d09c = addy8b4a31ae484e71b485f0badb5b30d09c + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_text8b4a31ae484e71b485f0badb5b30d09c = 'better@hubbardinsurance.com ';document.getElementById('cloak8b4a31ae484e71b485f0badb5b30d09c').innerHTML += ''+addy_text8b4a31ae484e71b485f0badb5b30d09c+''; More

Apr

What To Know Before Planning Home Renovations

Taking on a renovation project is both a challenging and rewarding experience. It may be easy to picture what your new updated kitchen or new bathtub will look like when the work is done, but it’s important to know that renovations are complex and can be prone to unforeseen issues and expenses. Give some thought to the process so that you’re well ...prepared. Think of who is going to do the work, how much it will cost, and if it will impact your home insurance. We’re always here to help so here are some things to consider before you renovate: Use a ProfessionalWhile it may be tempting and less expensive to DIY, there are certain jobs that should be to left to professionals. Things such as intricate tilework, cabinet installation, and countertop replacement can actually decrease the value of your home if it’s not done correctly. So while getting a qualified professional can be more costly – they will be able to get the most bang for your buck by helping you select quality material and install them properly. It’s also important to note that specialized renos that affect the guts of your home (including its structure, electrical, plumbing, gas, and heating or air conditioning) should always be done by licensed professionals who are equipped to meet today’s safety standards. Prepare for unexpected expensesWhether you come across a problem before the rest of the work is done (such as electrical or plumbing issues) or an error is made in the measuring process and you need to purchase additional material, unplanned expenses should be expected in any home renovation project. It’s a good idea to set aside an additional 10% to 20% of your total budget to avoid breaking the bank if any surprise costs should come your way. Permits!Depending on where you live or the kind of renovations you are doing, it may be required for you to obtain building permits from your local government before any work is done. It’s your responsibility as your property owner to make sure you have the right permits, whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring a professional. Visit the website for your municipality or contact the municipal office to see what types of projects require a permit. Talk to your insurance broker before you get startedSome home renovations can impact your insurance premium or compromise your coverage – such as structural changes – so it’s crucial that you reach out to your licensed broker first to ensure that you have the right coverage before you start working on renovations. For more information or to speak with a licensed broker today, call us at 905-696-9090 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloak2c35159dc9d35655fc457c4acfb4fdac').innerHTML = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy2c35159dc9d35655fc457c4acfb4fdac = 'better' + '@'; addy2c35159dc9d35655fc457c4acfb4fdac = addy2c35159dc9d35655fc457c4acfb4fdac + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_text2c35159dc9d35655fc457c4acfb4fdac = 'better' + '@' + 'hubbardinsurance' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak2c35159dc9d35655fc457c4acfb4fdac').innerHTML += ''+addy_text2c35159dc9d35655fc457c4acfb4fdac+''; Source: Economical More