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, October 25, 2011 — Canadians spent an estimated $140 million on motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in 2010, according to the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council. With winter soon approaching, these vehicles — along with convertibles and other seasonal cars — will need to be stored. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada offers owners advice on storing a vehicle properly during the winter in order to protect their investment and to ensure it will run smoothly come spring.

Karen Benner, spokesperson for Allstate Canada, says that while insurance policies for motorcycles are typically pro-rated to cover the months when owners cannot ride, this is not the case for most automobiles that are only driven in warm weather. Benner recommends owners speak with their insurance agent to learn what adjustments might be made to save on insurance while the vehicle is off the road. As well, if an owner is keeping it in a storage facility, they should ask about the facility’s insurance coverage before signing any contracts. “It is important for owners to know before they store their vehicle who will pay for repairs if it is damaged over the winter. This way there will be no hassles over reimbursement when you pick the car or bike up and discover it’s been dinged or scratched,” says Benner.

To help Canadians better protect what they have today, Allstate Canada offers the following winter storage advice for cars, motorcycles and ATVs from goodhandsadvice.ca:

1)      A good thorough cleaning, inside and out, will ensure the vehicle is free of any debris and unpleasant surprises in the spring. Plus, a breathable cover is a good option to keep the vehicle clean during storage.

2)      Fill the gas tank and add stabilizer to it, then run the engine for five minutes. Doing this will prevent moisture from collecting and creating rust from the inside out.

3)      Change the vehicle’s oil before storage as old oil can become acidic and cause damage over the winter.

4)      Put the vehicle up on a jack or on blocks to prevent flat spots on the tires. If the vehicle will not be on a jack or blocks, then inflate the tires to the maximum pressure as this will also help prevent flat spots.

5)      Either remove the battery or invest in a battery tender to maintain its charge throughout the winter months. A battery tender is an easy way to keep the battery fresh while the vehicle is not in use.

Save money on insurance while the vehicle sits idle

Allstate Canada recommends owners speak with their insurer to discuss money-saving options during the time the vehicle is stored. “If no one is driving the car during the winter, you may be able to save money by modifying your coverage while the vehicle is not in use,” says Benner. “For example, you could suspend all but the comprehensive coverage on the insurance policy if the vehicle will not be driven. This means the vehicle will be insured if it is damaged while in storage, but you will not be paying for coverage that you would normally need when actually driving the car. Once the warm weather arrives, don’t forget to call your agency to resume coverage before you take your car out for a spin.”

For additional tips and useful advice on winterizing vehicles, visit goodhandsadvice.ca, or contact your local Allstate Agency.

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.

For more information about car storage 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

TORONTO — May 17, 2011 — Wedding season is upon us, and with all the planning and preparation that goes into the big day, it might be easy to overlook simple modifications you can make to your insurance policy that can help save money. Knowing what insurance options are available to you and your partner will assist you in making wise choices to ensure you are properly protected.

“Getting married is an exciting, yet stressful time, so you don’t want to have to worry about insurance on top of everything else,” says Karen Benner, official spokesperson for Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “By making simple adjustments to your home and car insurance policies you can better protect your belongings and property, giving you one less thing to worry about as you start your new life together.”

To guarantee newlyweds protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow, Allstate Canada offers these tips:

• Home insurance — Whether moving in together for the first time or moving to a new home, you should create a new insurance policy with both partners names on it. If you plan to renovate your current home after the wedding, then it is important to review your current policy before the renovations begin and again once they are completed to protect your investment. Renovations can affect the amount of coverage you will need on the policy.
• Auto insurance — Work with your insurance agent to find the best policy for you and your partner. If you are now sharing a car, your spouse’s driving history may affect your rate. If you both have cars, but are insured by different companies, think about consolidating the policies with one insurance provider. A multi-vehicle discount will help save you money.
• Jewellery and gifts — Engagement and wedding rings, expensive watches and jewellery or valuable wedding gifts should be added to your home insurance policy. Most home or tenant policies will insure these items, but often with limitations. If your valuables exceed this amount, you will need an additional policy to add to your home insurance for the item(s). In addition, engagement and wedding rings must have a current appraisal document (less than two years) to be insured.
• Wedding day and honeymoon — While your wedding celebration should be wonderful all around, it is prudent to consider that unfortunately wedding crashers may attempt to walk away with gifts in hand. It is a good idea to ask a trusted friend to look after the gift table.  Before heading on the honeymoon, install a home alarm system, or pay a subscription fee to an alarm company, to monitor your house while you’re away and protect your valuables and wedding gifts from theft. Newlyweds should be cautious about what is shared on social media networks such as Facebook, Foursquare and Twitter, as thieves can use information from these sites to see when people will be out of town.

For more information about saving money when you tie the knot, 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 Karen Benner, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Media 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