TORONTO — April 11, 2012 — Seventy-one per cent of Canadians admit they are not very familiar with their insurance policies, shows a study by Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, and this confusion can lead to people not having enough coverage or not getting the full benefits of their coverage when they need it most. Allstate Canada believes that Canadians can make better decisions about their home and car insurance if they better understand how rates are calculated. 

“Predicting the future with any accuracy is not an easy task, but that is exactly what insurance companies must do for all Canadians to be protected,” says Saskia Matheson, spokesperson for Allstate Canada. “The information we gather from customers, such as what kind of car they drive and how far they drive each day, helps us to make the best predictions possible.”

For example, while the purchase price of a full-size luxury hybrid SUV may be significantly higher than a standard pickup truck, the difference in the cost of insuring one vehicle compared to the other is actually quite small.  Luxury SUV’s are equipped with advanced technology that can assist drivers while on the road, and their safety features also provide more protection which means passengers are less likely to be injured in the event of a collision.  A standard pickup truck, not equipped with the technology or safety features of a luxury vehicle will be cheaper and easier to repair if a collision takes place, but it will not provide the same level of protection to passengers.

What determines car insurance?

There are two main categories when an insurer like Allstate Canada sets a car insurance quote: you and your car. 

The Driver

• Experience: A good record of collision-free driving will help lower insurance rates. Insurance companies will consider a driver’s record, including the number of years he or she has been licensed and accident free, whether there will be multiple drivers on the vehicle and if the car will be lent or borrowed, among other factors.
• Environment: How and where a driver is driving will also affect insurance costs. Does the driver live in a rural or urban area? Will the car be driven on a gravel road or on a highway? Will the driver use the car daily, for business or just for pleasure?
• Policy: In addition, a driver’s deductible, liability limit and any additional coverage will factor into the cost.
• Appetite for risk: Speeding tickets, collisions, fender benders or a history of convictions will increase the cost to insure the driver.

The Car

• Type, year and safety rating:  How much a car costs to repair, how likely it is to be damaged in an accident, as well as how safe the car is for its occupants are all factored into the cost of insurance. While two cars may cost the same amount of money, their safety features—or lack thereof—can mean a significant difference in insurance.

Most Canadian insurance companies use the Vehicle Information Centre of Canada, which collects data from insurers across the country to classify cars by cost to repair, risk of damage, passenger safety and history of theft, to calculate insurance rates. More information on how car insurance is calculated can be found at How Cars Measure Up.

What determines home insurance?

“A home is among the largest financial commitments a person will make, and the best way to protect it is to understand what your home insurance covers and what options are available to you,” says Matheson. “Plus, understanding how the premiums are calculated will inform you as to how much coverage is needed.”

Similar to auto insurance, Allstate Canada considers the home and the homeowner to determine home or tenant insurance premiums.

The Homeowner

• Policy: How much coverage is enough depends on how large your home is, how much it would cost to rebuild, and of course how much  and what kind of belongings are in the home. Taking the time to consult an insurance professional is the best way for homeowners to decide what coverage they need. A homeowner’s checklist can help keep track of the more expensive items and highlight belongings that may require additional coverage.
• Use of home: Do you operate a business out of your home? Are you renting out an apartment?
• Type of owner: Does the homeowner keep up with mortgage payments and maintenance of the home?   

The Home

• Type of home: Apartments, condominiums, semi-detached and detached homes are each considered separately because of size and possible threats to the home and its residents.
• Features of home: Older homes that have not been upgraded will be more expensive to insure. Electricity, wiring, sources of heat, the condition of the foundation and roof are all important considerations. Whether or not the home has a security system can also factor in.
• Location: Some neighbourhoods have higher theft rates or are in low-lying areas with a higher likelihood of sewer backups. Other areas are at risk of wildfires, tornados, high winds and hail storms.

“Of course there are factors, like natural catastrophes and the increasing costs of fraud, that  affect insurance rates, because unfortunately, when claim rates go up,  insurance companies are forced to increase rates to cover the costs,” says Matheson. “The important thing to remember is that the more transparent and accurate you can be with your agent when talking about your protection needs and concerns, the more accurate both the rate and the discounts can be that are applied, and most importantly, you will get the right coverage for you.”

To find out more about calculating insurance, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 92 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates. This year, Allstate Canada celebrates 25 years of partnership with MADD Canada in the effort to protect us all from impaired driving. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to create future community leaders through the sport of hockey. Learn more about this program at www.allcanadians.com. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca.

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For more information about calculating insurance rates or to speak with Saskia Matheson, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
C: 416.473.9565
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

TORONTO — March 13, 2012 — Water escape is becoming a growing problem for Canadian homeowners.  According to data from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, sewer backup accounts for 39 per cent of water-related claims. Since flooding can lead to extensive and devastating damages to a home and property, Allstate Canada wants to help Canadians prepare for the upcoming spring thaw and the rainfall that comes with the season.

“Water seems to be the new fire as it is now the leading cause of property damage in Canada,” says Karen Benner, spokesperson for Allstate Canada. The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates losses related to water damage cost insurance companies and Canadian policyholders at least $1.7 billion every year. “Even if your neighbourhood has never experienced problems with basement flooding or sewer backup, your home can still be at risk. Overloaded sewers can back up through household sewer lines and flow into basements or ground level apartments,” says Benner.

Sewer backups can happen during intense rainstorms when aging municipal sanitary and storm sewer infrastructures become overloaded. While there is no flood insurance in Canada that protects against rising water levels outside the home, Allstate Canada recommends that Canadians contact their insurance provider to find out what additions can be made to their basic homeowner’s policy to protect them from sewer backup and other damage. To further reduce the risk of water damage, Allstate Canada suggests that Canadians take the following precautions from goodhandsadvice.ca:

Safeguard your possessions

• Create a flood file containing information about household possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safety deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have a copy of insurance policies and contact information for the insurance agency.
• Conduct a household inventory. Be sure to keep a list of all major household items and valuables. Keep receipts from major appliances and electronics purchases. These documents are important when filing insurance claims. Allstate Canada provides a homeowner’s checklist at http://bit.ly/AllstateInventory.

Prepare for Water Escape

• Install a backwater valve to prevent sewage from overloaded sewer lines from getting into the house. As well, connect a sump pump, an electric pump placed in the basement of a home, to pump water from the basement outside, and install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also indicate if water is accumulating in the basement.
• Disconnect the house’s downspout from the sewer system by extending it 6 feet away from the house. A downspout is a home’s rain-carrying system and is designed to catch rainwater and melting snow from the roof and funnel water away from the foundation. Doing this will help reduce the amount of storm water that is sent through the combined sewers. Less storm water in the system will help prevent wastewater from backing up through sewer pipes where it can escape through floor drains or any other low lying plumbing fixtures in the basement.
• Don’t use washing machines and dishwashers during rainstorms since they will add more water into an already full sewer system. 
• Raise electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) and appliances at least 12 inches above the home’s projected flood elevation.

Develop an Emergency Plan

• Have a safety kit on hand with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio and a flashlight. Allstate Canada provides a helpful list of Emergency Preparedness Kit Essentials online at goodhandsadvice.ca/en/build-an-emergency-kit.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route. Have a safe location to stay, such as a loved one’s home or a hotel. 

Water escape is a common challenge that many homeowners will face. However, by keeping a home in good repair, moving valuables out of water’s way and creating good drainage around the home, potential water damage can be prevented or reduced. Homeowners should contact their insurance agency to learn more about water damage and their homeowner’s insurance or visit www.allstate.ca.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 92 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more about this program at www.allcanadians.com to learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca or www.allstate.ca.

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For more information about water damage or to speak with Karen Benner, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

TORONTO — December 6, 2011 — ’Tis the season to make expensive gift purchases and be out of the house celebrating the holidays. According to Allstate Insurance Company of Canada’s data it’s also the season for robberies—with theft as the second most common claim made during the winter months. With that in mind, Allstate Canada wants to remind Canadians of ways to reduce the risk of theft and also make sure their valuables are properly protected by reviewing their insurance coverage this holiday season.

“Getting an alarm system is a great first step to protecting your home, but it’s a good idea to take some extra precautions in the event that the unexpected happens,” says Karen Benner, official spokesperson for Allstate Canada. “At this time of year, the valuables in your home often increases as you receive holiday gifts, so you’ll want to ensure any new items are properly insured.”

Although contents insurance within a home or tenant insurance policy covers expensive items like jewelry and electronics, there may be limits to the coverage. “A person’s policy should reflect what they own,” says Benner. “If someone recently bought or was given jewelry worth $10,000 and they only have a $5,000 limit for coverage under their current policy then an adjustment needs to be made.”

Benner recommends Canadians consult their insurance agent to determine any additional coverage they may need to protect items like a new computer, an engagement ring or expensive sporting equipment.

“We encourage Canadians to get into the habit of reviewing and updating their insurance when what they own has changed, particularly after the holiday season when they’ve received expensive gifts or made big Boxing Day purchases,” says Benner. Allstate Canada offers a Homeowner’s Checklist to help Canadians keep track of what they own and to calculate if they have enough insurance.

Allstate Canada wishes all Canadians a safe and happy holiday season and shares the following tips from goodhandsadvice.ca to protect their home and belongings:

• Do an inventory of recent purchases and holiday gifts received to estimate how much they are worth and check if additional coverage is needed.
• Take note of important information such as an item’s make, model and serial number where applicable. This information is important in the event it is stolen.
• Have expensive items received as gifts properly appraised to ensure they are covered by the appropriate amount of insurance.
• Keep sales receipts or any other purchase documents for larger items.
• Take photos or videos of your valuables and save the files to an external hard drive or online backup website so they are safe. Photos or videos can help later on when you make a claim.
• Store valuables in a secure location in the home.
• Make appropriate arrangements if you and your family plan to be away for the holidays, such as having a neighbour check the house while you are gone.
• Don’t discuss when you will be out of the house on social media—not everyone needs to know when you’re away from home!

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more about this program at www.allstate.all-canadians.com. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca or www.allstate.ca.

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For more information about protecting your valuables during the holidays or to speak with Karen Benner, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

TORONTO, August 30, 2011 — As students prepare to hit the books this fall and pack up laptops, cellphones, iPods and other valuables, an important question for them to consider is how much would it cost to replace everything they owned if it was stolen or damaged? Allstate Insurance Company of Canada wants post-secondary students to be prepared as they start another school year and consider including tenant insurance on their packing checklist.

“Students might be surprised at the value of all the items they have when they move away for school, such as clothing, laptops, or jewelry. Many even bring musical instruments or sports equipment, so it’s really important their belongings are protected in the event that they are damaged or stolen,” says Karen Benner of Allstate Canada.

Benner also points out that renters can be held accountable for damage done to an apartment and the safety of their visitors as well. “Tuition and supplies are expensive enough, so students who rent should ask themselves if they can afford to replace damaged or stolen items out of their own pocket or be held financially responsible if a guest is injured in their apartment,” says Benner.

 Thousands of students rent accommodations each year while pursuing their education. Yet Statistics Canada reports that fewer than 50 per cent of all Canadian renters have tenant insurance. For parents who have kids going away to school, their personal home insurance policy will likely cover children while they are full-time students. However, young Canadians who are not full-time students or who have made a permanent move from their parents’ house may need their own insurance coverage. In either case, parents should check with their insurance provider.

Allstate Canada’s recent Get to Know Your Insurance study revealed that only seven per cent of 18–34 year olds said they were very familiar with the specifics of their tenant insurance and 29 per cent didn’t know if their home or tenant insurance covered them for loss or damage from a fire. Fire damage coverage is included in all home and tenant insurance policies, and Allstate Canada claims data shows that fire damage, along with theft and water damage, account for the majority of claims made by renters. Tenant insurance will also protect students for these situations:

• Vandalism and lock replacement;
• Leaving water running and flooding the apartment or a neighbour’s apartment;
• Living expenses if the apartment or house is so damaged the student must stay elsewhere while repairs are made;
• Medical expenses if someone is hurt on the property.

To help students protect what they have today and help them better prepare for tomorrow, Allstate Canada advises that students and parents speak with the family’s insurance agency to determine what coverage they have and learn what they may consider adjusting. Parents must also be aware that extending their home insurance to cover their children away at school may change their policy. Other considerations for student renters:

1)      All roommates require their own insurance: Roommates sharing a property should have their own insurance coverage and everyone should be named on the lease. If only one person is listed, they will likely be held accountable if someone is injured or if damages occur to the rental unit.

2)      Campus Accommodation: Students living on-campus will notice that most rental agreements state that the school is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal property. Students living in a campus residence should also have their own insurance to cover theft or damage.

3)      Expensive Items: Students should be aware that there are limits for coverage on some items. If a student is covered under their parents’ home insurance, or if they purchase tenant insurance, they should consider adding extra protection for expensive items with a personal articles floater, which provides special coverage for items such as jewelry and sporting equipment.

Consider student Danielle’s story: she returned to her apartment after spending the holiday break back home, only to discover that a crack in her radiator released steam into her room for a week, causing mould to grow everywhere and ruining all of her belongings. But because she was covered, her insurance policy paid to replace her belongings and provide accommodations while her apartment was restored. Visit goodhandsadvice.ca/learnmore to watch Danielle’s story and to read Allstate Canada’s Starting Out on Your Own guide to insurance for more information.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more at www.allstate.all-canadians.com.

For more information about tenant insurance or to speak with Karen Benner, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

Every year thousands of Quebec residents pack up and relocate on July 1st, and yet fewer than 50 per cent of Canadian renters have tenant insurance, Statistics Canada reports.

“Insurance is not just for homeowners,” says Jacinthe Perron of Allstate Canada. “Even if you don’t own your residence you probably own everything in it, and those possessions added together can hold a lot of value. And it’s not just about your stuff; people are often surprised at how much tenant insurance covers them for in comparison to how little it costs.”

Allstate Canada reports that theft, water and fire damage account for the majority of claims made by renters. Renters without insurance would have to pay most, if not all, the costs of repairing or replacing their valuables out of their own pocket. Renters without insurance can also be held liable for the safety of their visitors. “People who rent should ask themselves if they can afford to be held financially responsible if a guest is injured on their property or if they can replace everything they own if it’s damaged or stolen,” says Perron.

If you think you don’t need insurance, consider this:

• Who will pay for the damages caused to your neighbour’s apartment if you accidentally leave the water running?
• Who will pay for you to stay in a hotel if your apartment is damaged in a fire?
• Who will pay to replace your laptop if it is stolen?

Every renter needs insurance. You can’t afford to be uninsured. Before visiting your Allstate Canada insurance agent to discuss tenant insurance, you need to ask yourself three important questions:

1. How much coverage do I need? — Tally up the cost of your possessions. Is a $25,000 policy enough to replace your clothes, shoes, furniture, linens, dishes and electronics?
2. What kind of coverage do I need? — You can tailor your coverage to suit your specific needs. If you live in a basement apartment, for example, you may want to add coverage for sewer back up to your policy.
3. Do I have special items to consider? — Do you have items that are of greater value than your policy will cover? For example, do you own a $5,000 engagement ring that is only protected by a $1,000 limit for jewelry on your current policy?

Allstate Canada wants you to protect your home and belongings. In addition to purchasing tenant insurance, here are a few helpful tips to remember during your move:

1. Make a checklist of all your belongings. Note both the condition and value of each item and even take photos if you can.
2. Set up your tenant insurance in advance so you will be covered the moment you move in.
3. If you are using professional movers, confirm the company has insurance and can pay if your belongings are damaged during the move.

For additional tips and useful advice, visit goodhandsadvice.ca, contact your local Allstate agency or call 1-800-Allstate.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more at www.allstate.all-canadians.com.

 For more information about protecting yourself before and after Moving Day or to speak with Jacinthe Perron, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca