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

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

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada reminds Canadian homeowners that alterations to their property should be discussed with their insurance provider to ensure they are protected if their house is damaged or if someone is hurt during the renovation. “Extending your main floor to create a larger kitchen, or even making changes to your plumbing, can affect your insurance policy,” said Karen Benner of Allstate Canada.

Allstate Canada wants to help Canadians better protect their property by providing homeowners with the following list of tips and advice to consider before they start their renovations:

• Review your homeowner’s policy with your insurance agent and ensure that your liability insurance is sufficient for the number of workers that are on your property during construction. If someone is hurt on the job, you can be deemed responsible. You want to be sure your level of coverage provides adequate protection should such an unfortunate event occur during your home renovations.
• Only hire licensed contractors, particularly when these people will be doing electrical or plumbing work. Ask friends and neighbours to recommend contractors who have done similar work on their homes. If you are in a condo, your building may require the contractor’s licence number before work can begin.
• Once the renovations are complete, meet with your insurance agent again to assess your home insurance policy and determine whether or not it needs to be adjusted. The policy should cover the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing its contents. If you have spent $50,000 to renovate your kitchen, make sure your policy accounts for the cost of the upgrades to your home.

“Your insurance agent can serve as a valuable resource when the time comes to make repairs or renovations to your home,” said Benner. “We all need to be aware of unlicensed contractors who may take your money to make repairs or renovations that could either be poorly done or in some cases never completed. Before signing a contract or allowing someone into your home, check with your insurance agent to verify that the contractor is legitimate.”

More information about protecting yourself during a home renovation can be found at 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 94 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.

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For more information or to book an interview with Karen Benner, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Media Contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
(416) 515-7517, ext. 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

 CALGARY,  May 10, 2011 — Wildfires are a natural hazard in any forested and grassland region in Canada. Typically, the wildfire season in Canada runs from April through to October. The months of June, July and August see the most fires and the fires that burn the largest amount of land. As we enter another wildfire season, and since wildfires can leave us with little warning before they spread, it is important to take the proper precautions and remind ourselves of what to do if a fire is headed our way.

“In Canada, 55 per cent of all forest fires are caused by people, while lightning causes the remaining 45 per cent,” says Eric Michalko of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “Understanding how fires begin is crucial to preventing them; however, we also need to know what do to when faced with one.”

Each year there are approximately 8,000 wildfires in Canada, destroying approximately 25,000 square kilometres of land. Fires can threaten public health and safety, destroy property and cause economic hardship. British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario have the most wildfires due to the terrain and elevation. The Maritimes are particularly vulnerable to wildfires due to the windy weather this region experiences. Winds supply fire with additional oxygen, further dries potential fuel and pushes fire across the land at a faster rate.

To help protect what Canadians have today and to better prepare for tomorrow, Allstate Canada offers these preparation and safety tips for keeping your home and surrounding area fire free:

To Prepare for a Fire:

• If you live near a wooded area, a debris-free lawn around your home can be your best protection during a wildfire, as it acts as a natural firebreak between the house and the surrounding woodland. Keep the perimeter of your home free of fire hazards such as dead leaves, brush or other debris. Store firewood and other sources of fuel at least 10 metres away from the walls of your home.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and install smoke detectors on every floor of your home. Be sure that your fire extinguisher is labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). Test the smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries on the same dates twice a year, such as daylight savings time. 
• Homes that are located in or near a forested area are at the greatest risk of wildfire. When building or upgrading your home, consider using fire resistant material such as metal, asphalt and ULC-treated shakes for roofs and stucco, metal, brick and concrete for the foundation. The most fire resistant glass is tempered glass.
• Create an emergency preparedness plan and kit in case you have to evacuate your home or town. This kit should have a three-day supply of food, water and other essential items. For a full list of what to include visit goodhandsadvice.ca/en/build-an-emergency-kit.
• Practice your emergency preparedness plan with your family to ensure that they know what to do in the event of a fire. Rehearse the Stop, Drop and Roll drill in the event their clothes catch on fire.

In the Event of a Fire:

• Smoke is the cause of the majority of fire-related deaths.  In addition to deadly carbon monoxide, smoke carries poisons such as hydrogen cyanide and irritants such as formaldehyde and acetic acid. Be sure to stay low and cover your mouth and nose and if available, breathe through a damp cloth to avoid smoke inhalation.
• Protect exposed skin with clothing or non-flammable material. If you are spending time outdoors, like camping, consider wearing natural fibres such as wool or cotton. Synthetic fabics, even if worn as underwear, will melt.
  • If you are indoors, keep doors and windows closed and all lights on to aid visibility.
  • Be ready to evacuate at any time. When you need to leave, gather all family members and pets and head to the neighbourhood meeting place listed in your emergency preparedness plan.

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 94 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.

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For more information regarding for wildfire safety tips or to arrange an interview with Eric Michalko, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, or a regional spokesperson please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
(416) 515-7517, ext. 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

A good quality bicycle lock is something every bike owner should absolutely invest in. But what else can be done?

 “Bicycles are covered up to a certain dollar amount under your tenant or home insurance policy,” says Eric Michalko, official spokesperson for Allstate Canada. “If the bicycle’s value exceeds the maximum coverage amount, then you can buy an additional policy to cover the full value. It also doesn’t matter if the bike is stolen from your porch or off the street. With home or tenant insurance, the bike is covered no matter where the theft takes place.”

May is Bicycle Safety Month in Canada. “Cycling is a great fitness or recreation activity for Canadians of all ages,” adds Michalko. “But we want Canadians to know that there is more to bicycle safety than remembering to wear a helmet.”

To guarantee Canadians protect what they have today and to better prepare for tomorrow, Allstate Canada offers important advice that every cyclist should know:

• Insured or not, you must have records of the manufacturer’s name and the model and serial numbers of your bicycle. If your bike is stolen, you will need this information in order to file a police report or insurance claim. It also helps to have a picture of you with your bike as proof of ownership.
• Personalizing your bike can also act as a theft-deterrent. This makes it more difficult for thieves to resell it. Removing name brand decals or placing stickers or decals on your bike makes it unique and adds your own personal touch.
• Make it impossible for a thief to ride away with your bike by removing the seat or the front wheel and take these parts with you when you lock your bike in a public place. It only takes a few moments and makes your bike undesirable to thieves.

To learn more about bike safety and other ways to protect your bike from theft, visit 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 94 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.

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For more information or to book an interview with Eric Michalko, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

 Media Contact:
Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
(416) 515-7517, ext. 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca