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

 “The holiday season is busy for everyone, so we often forget to take the time to plan ahead and ensure our home and our valuables are protected,” says Eric Michalko, official spokesperson for Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “Whether you are planning on taking a vacation, hosting a party or just staying home, plan to keep your house safe this holiday season from thieves as well as potential accidents or fire hazards.”

 Allstate Canada offers the following tips to ensure you have a safe holiday season: 

If you’re going on vacation:

• Always keep valuable jewelry, which according to Allstate Canada data is one of the most common items stolen from homes, in a safe or hidden in a separate area of your home, ideally away from the bedroom. If it’s all kept in one place, in a jewelry box, it makes it easier for a thief to find.   
• Don’t give thieves an open invitation to visit your home.  Be mindful when posting personal information on social media sites, such as Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare.  The information posted on these sites is public and can be easily accessed even if you think your profile is protected. Do not post that you are going on vacation or upload pictures while you are away.
• Make your house look occupied. Arrange to have snow removed from your driveway or sidewalk while you’re away. Suspend newspaper subscriptions and ask a neighbour to collect mail and flyers. Use automatic indoor and outdoor light timers.

If you’re hosting a party:

• Keep in mind that the safety of your guests is your responsibility. If they drive home intoxicated, you could be blamed, or worse, sued.  Plan ahead by having a guest room ready for overnight guests, handing out taxi phone numbers for your area and having cash available.
• Reduce hazards around your home for your guests.  Shovel snow from your driveway and walkway and keep both free of ice. To help melt ice, consider using a natural, environmentally friendly product such as alfalfa meal or sand. 
• Childproof your home if you expect young guests to visit. Cover electrical outlets, block staircases and remove furniture and decorations that can be tripped over by little feet. 

If you’re staying home:

• Carefully inspect Christmas light strands.  Each year, remember to dispose of any defective lighting such as frayed cords, cracked bulbs or loose connections. Do not overload electrical outlets with lights.  Be sure to turn off or unplug any decorative lights before you go to bed or leave your home. 
• Do not use candles with open flames.  Candles that are forgotten or burn to the end can be a fire hazard.  Consider purchasing battery operated candles and lights.  Remember decorations such as wreaths, trees or paper decorations are flammable.
• Be prepared. Check the smoke detectors on every level of your home. Change the batteries if you have not done so in the past year.
• Cut up the boxes from your presents and put them in your recycling. Don’t advertise to thieves that you have a new stereo or TV in your home.

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About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada produces and distributes home and auto insurance products across Canada. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-allstate.

 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

Allstate Canada’s claim data also corresponds with the severity of the winter, with more claims made during harsher winters than milder ones. With The 2011 Old Farmer’s Almanac predicting an early snowfall this year, Allstate Canada offers these reminders to Canadians on how they can prepare for bad weather driving and how they can stay safe on the roads this winter.

In the fall…

1. Have your mechanic check your battery fluid levels, battery posts and cable connectors.  Bad connections can keep your car from starting.
2. Worn windshield wipers reduce visibility in bad weather conditions. Replace them annually to keep visibility clear.
3. To avoid problems with visibility, ensure that your defroster and heater are working properly.
4. Invest in snow tires for the winter (they’re mandatory in Quebec). The deep treads give you more control while driving in the snow or on slippery roads. Make sure your tires are also properly inflated as tires lose a pound of pressure for every 10 degrees the temperature drops.
5. In Canada, blizzards can come out of nowhere. Put together or purchase a winter safety kit that includes a warm blanket, flashlight, gloves, boots, flares and water. Don’t forget to keep a good ice scraper, washer fluid and non-perishable foods in your trunk.

When the bad weather hits…

1. Clear ALL the snow on your car, not just the snow on the windows. Leaving snow on the roof of your car can be dangerous for other drivers if it lands on their windshield and reduces their visibility.
2. Plan your route in advance and give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you can drive at a safe speed and not worry about rushing.
3. Leave extra space between you and the car ahead. It takes longer for you to come to a complete stop on slippery roads.
4. Turn on headlights if visibility is poor. Do not rely on just your car’s running lights. This helps you see and be seen.
5. If the weather is severe, pull over until it is safe to drive or avoid driving at all if you can. Before driving in bad weather, make sure to bring a fully charged mobile phone with you so you can call for help if you get stuck.

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About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada produces and distributes home and auto insurance products across Canada. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate through one of 93 community Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-allstate.

 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

As the air becomes crisper and leaves start to change colour it is hard to ignore the fact that fall is coming.  For many Canadians this time of year also means it’s time to close the cottage for the season.

“According to Allstate Canada data, the top two cottage insurance claims are due to damage caused by water and wind during the winter and early spring,” said Amy Woods of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “Taking a few extra precautions at the end of the cottage season may save you unnecessary grief in the spring.”

To help close up and protect your cottage, Allstate Canada has prepared the following checklist:

1.  Inspect your roof.  Roof leaks make up the majority of water damage claims. Replace any missing or broken shingles.
2.   Cover your windows to deter thieves. Close all the window blinds and curtains. If you have windows without blinds or curtains consider using a bed sheet. Take valuables home with you.
3.   Shut off and drain plumbing. Lingering water can freeze in the pipes over the winter which could cause them to burst.
4.  Trim over-hanging and dead branches. Weight from snow can cause branches to snap which may result in damage to your cottage.
5.  Pack up all food, including canned goods. Dry food and canned goods can still attract animals if left behind over the winter months. To prevent animals from making a home while you are away, throw a few mothballs around and remove all food from the cottage.
6.  Defrost the refrigerator. Leave the door open a little to prevent mildew from growing. An open box of baking soda placed inside the fridge will also help neutralize odours.
7.  Remove fire hazards. Remove loose papers, newspapers, old rags and chemicals. Turn off all utilities and unplug all appliances.
8.  Block off the flues, stove pipes and chimneys. Make sure you have closed the flue on your stove. Chimneys from fireplaces or woodstoves should be professionally checked to ensure they don’t have hazardous amounts of creosote accumulation. Also, sealing flues, stove pipes and chimneys with a metal cap should keep the birds out.
9.  Clean out eavestroughs. Make sure they are clear of leaf buildup and saplings which can obstruct drainage when the snow melts in the spring.
10.  Say goodbye. Have one last walk through before you leave and check for anything left outside that should be stored for the winter.  Ensure sheds, bunkies, garages, windows and doors are properly locked, and finally, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your place with regular security checks.

For more information or to book an interview with Amy Woods, Allstate’s official spokesperson, please contact:

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