Wicker & Son Insurance Brokers Limited
Wicker & Son Insurance Brokers Limited
Wicker & Son Insurance Brokers Limited
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WICKER & SON INSURANCE BROKERS LTD

PROVIDING INSURANCE SERVICES TO OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1931

Learn How It Works With Our Insurance Tips

We’re happy to provide you with the information you need about the coverage we offer. You may click on the links below to view some of our handy insurance tips:

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Auto

As a vehicle owner, you need to make safety your priority. Here are some tips you must follow:

Tips for Preventing Auto Theft

Reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen by keeping in mind these easy steps:

  • Lock your vehicle.
  • Do not leave your keys.
  • Turn off your ignition before you leave the car.
  • Avoid parking on the street.
  • Secure your valuable items.
  • Park in a well-guarded area.
  • Ask neighbors to watch out for your vehicle.
  • Install an anti-theft deterrent.

For tips and more information to help you avoid having your car broken into or stolen, you may contact the appropriate industry organization in your area.

Car Auto Alarm
Mechanics Checking Car

Tips for Vehicle Safety and Maintenance

Stay safe while on the road with these maintenance tips:

  • Read your vehicle owner's manual to understand its maintenance needs.
  • Maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
  • Get a qualified mechanic to check your vehicle when needed.
  • Consider taking a recognized driver safety course.

Signs of Brake Failure

Avoid causing harm to yourself and other people by giving your brakes proper care and maintenance. You may check out these warning signs below to stay ahead of brake problems:

  • When you hear squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises, it means that your pads are worn out.
  • When your brakes stick, they may not be releasing properly.
  • When you hit the brakes and the car pulls, there may be a caliper problem.
  • When the brakes grab when lightly applied, it can be caused by loose brake parts.
  • Your brakes need replacement when they take a lot of pressure to work.
  • When you step on the brakes and the brake pedal, steering wheel, or the car vibrates, it could be a rotor failure.

Child Restraint Safety

It is important to ensure the safety of babies and children while in a vehicle. Here are some important tips to follow:

  • Install a child’s restraint seat properly.
  • Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions thoroughly.
  • Consider attending some programs conducted by police departments for proper installation.

For tips and information regarding child seat safety, you may contact the following organizations:

Little Girl In Car Seat

Road Safety

Your safety when on the road should never be taken lightly, especially in today’s crowded roadways. Please contact Transport Canada for statistics and information regarding road safety. You may also learn about its impact on social and medical costs.

Airbags and Seatbelts

Airbags are an important safety innovation. They provide crucial cushioning for people during vehicle accidents. For information and guidelines on the use and safety issues of airbags and seatbelts, you may contact the following organizations:

Drinking and Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) is responsible for a large number of unfortunate accidents. The following organizations can provide statistics and information on drinking and driving:

Cell Phones and Safety

Having a phone inside the car is important in the event where you need to call for assistance. However, it can be a distraction when used while driving. For that reason, many jurisdictions are considering restrictions on the use of cell phones while behind the wheel.

For your safety, we highly encourage you to stop the car safely away from traffic if you need to make a call. The following organizations can provide information on the use of cell phones in the car:

Preparing for Winter Driving

Winter weather can be dangerous, especially to people driving on icy or snowy roads. The following organizations provide tips and information to help you prepare for safe winter driving:

Man Calling While Tow Truck Picking Up His Broken Car

Things You Need to Do After an Accident

Being prepared and knowing what to do after being involved in an accident is important. It can help you protect both yourself and your interests, so we have provided these basic tips:

  • Contact the police immediately and an ambulance if necessary.
  • Do not admit liability.
  • Record details of the accident, including the location, date, and time.
  • Get the details of the other party, including name and vehicle.
  • Obtain the insurance information of the other driver.
  • Have a copy of the police report for future reference.

These tips are general rules of thumb only and may not fit all situations. For the definitive word, contact your insurance broker for more information.

Business

As a business owner, you want to ensure the success of your company. Here are some tips to protect your investment:

Tips for Preventing Commercial Crime

  • Ensure that every door outside has a secured deadbolt lock.
  • Pin exposed exterior doors to prevent removal.
  • Protect grade floor glass through the use of bars, metal screens, or burglary-resistant glazing materials.
  • Install a burglar alarm system, which is monitored off-site. Systems that are certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) are highly recommended.
  • Check unsafe work conditions and practices continually.
  • Provide a complement of serviced, multi-purpose fire extinguishers on your premises and instruct all staff in their use.

Tips for Protecting Computer Equipment

  • Lock your computers to desks or workstations.
  • Back up your data and programs on a regular basis and store them securely off-site.
  • Do not leave your laptop computers unsecured or unattended.
  • Maintain your records of the serial numbers for all of your computer equipment.
Female IT Engineer Working In Monitoring Room

Tips for Preventing Business Interruption

  • Employ the services of a professional accountant to prepare financial statements and perform an annual audit of your books.
  • Maintain a list of secondary suppliers of materials
  • Be prepared with a plan of action to service your customers continually while your premises are being repaired after a loss.
  • Reduce the physical and moral hazards of your business.
  • Duplicate your business records and store them off-site.

Tips for Preventing Contractors’ Loss

  • Focus on pre-job and pre-task planning and make sure to follow it.
  • Keep all tools and equipment in a secured area when not in use.
  • Stamp all tools with an identification number and paint them with recognizable colors.
  • Post warning signs to limit access and indicate the safety equipment required to gain entry.
  • Secure all electrical cords that pass through pedestrian areas.
  • Clean all mud or water on public traffic areas regularly.
  • Contact local utilities to locate underground services.
  • Store all flammable liquids in approved safety containers.
  • Control all hot work and remove combustibles at least 11 meters from the hot work area. If not possible, use non-combustible shields.
  • Follow all hot work permit regulations.
  • Clean all combustible refuse created during the work regularly.
  • Ensure the availability of fire extinguishers at all times.
  • Obtain certificates of liability from subcontractors.
  • Inspect all new equipment when the work is completed.
  • Ensure that the project complies with all applicable codes and standards.
  • Maintain the records of all jobs, including plans, documents, and approvals.

Tips for Preventing Office Loss

  • Avoid overloading of electrical outlets.
  • Ensure that any required electrical modifications are done by a professional electrician.
  • Ensure that safety features, such as fire alarms, are operational.
  • Clean all spills or wet floors immediately and check floor surfaces for potential hazards.
  • Use non-slip rugs during the winter months.

Tips for Preventing Commercial Vehicles Loss

  • Obtain pre-employment checks when hiring drivers for your vehicles.
  • Ensure the type of your vehicle is suitable for your needs.
  • Inform your driver about safety measures, including picking up unauthorized people.
  • Hire an experienced mechanic to complete proper maintenance of your car.
  • Inspect your vehicle every day against a standardized checklist.
  • Equip your vehicle with a flashlight, good spare tire, and jack and flares.
  • Drive on well-maintained roads and travel at the right speed.
  • Lock your vehicle and take the keys with you.
  • Do not leave the engine running when your car is unattended.
  • Conceal your valuable items, including cash and cheques.
  • Do not make deliveries unless the receiving party signs them for.
  • Park in a well-lit area or protected location.
  • Choose your anti-theft devices carefully.

Tips for Preventing Repair Garage Loss

  • Prohibit the customers from entering the service bay area.
  • Ensure that you always get signed customer work orders that outline the authorized repairs.
  • List all completed repairs when preparing a customer’s work order.
  • Make sure that the front, rear, and interior of your business premises are well-lit.
  • Store overnight storage of customers’ vehicles inside if necessary. If outside storage of vehicles is required on a regular basis, ensure the area is well-lit and padlocked overnight.
  • Establish a key control procedure with employees.
  • Limit the amount of cash in the till by using a safety device.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records for all stock.
  • Obtain driver abstracts for all employees on a regular basis.
  • Establish guidelines for employees on test driving customers’ vehicles.
  • Ensure that test drivers follow a predetermined route.

Tips for Preventing Retail Loss

  • Do not store combustible material near electrical equipment and remove combustible waste on a regular basis.
  • Keep stock more than 18 inches below the sprinkler heads in sprinklered building.
  • Avoid overloading of electrical outlets.
  • Keep all of your stock off the floor, stored skids, shelves, or racks.
  • Ensure the front, rear, and interior of your business premises are well-lit.
  • Arrange the interior layout of the store to make it visible from the outside.
  • Limit the amount of cash in the till by using a safe money-limiting device.
  • Consider the installation of closed-circuit television cameras and hold-up alarms.
  • Make regular bank deposits, but vary the timing of the deposits and the route taken.
  • Install anti-shoplifting devices and surveillance equipment.
  • Keep high-priced merchandise under lock and key in display cases.
  • Ensure that safety features, such as fire alarms, are operational.
  • Do not block exits with stock or equipment. Ensure that all exit doors are unlocked during store hours.

Tips for Preventing Slip and Fall

  • Inspect the interior of your premises regularly for unsafe conditions and maintain a daily log.
  • Keep your floors clean and dry at all times. Post a “Caution-Wet Floor” sign if needed.
  • Ensure that aisles are kept clear and free of fallen merchandise or stock.
  • Use non-slip wax on floor surfaces and non-skid flooring materials for slippery surfaces.
  • Use absorbent non-combustible cleaning materials for spills involving industrial materials.
  • Ensure that entranceways and aisles are clear of obstructions and/or promotional displays.
  • Drive on well-maintained roads and travel at the right speed.
  • Inspect the exterior of your premises regularly for unsafe conditions and maintain a daily log.
  • Repair any damage to stairs, sidewalks, and pavement immediately. Post signs and barriers until repairs are completed.
  • Implement a snow and ice removal program.
  • Have the appropriate equipment, tools, and materials in the case of a weather-related emergency.
  • Hire professional snow removal contractors to plow, sand, and salt parking and walkway facilities.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts and ensure that melt water is directed away from sidewalks and walkways.
  • Establish and maintain a daily garbage removal program.

Home

As a homeowner, you want to be aware of potential security risks to keep your house and family safe. Here are some tips you need to know:

Interesting Facts About Burglary

  • Most burglars attack during the daytime when bushes and trees protect them from view.
  • One-third of burglars enter from the basement, one-third force entry through a window or door, and one-third gain access from an open door or window.
  • The best way to protect your home is by looking at it from a burglar's perspective.

Tips for Protecting the Inside of Your Home

  • Close blinds and curtains at night.
  • Ensure to lock all doors and windows before leaving.
  • Install a burglar alarm system.
  • Make your home look occupied at all times.
  • Use timers to maintain normal lighting patterns.
  • Leave a radio on when you are away from your home for a short period.
  • Consider engraving your valuables with your driver’s license or insurance number.
  • Take an inventory of your home with a videotape or photographs.
  • Keep your jewelry and negotiables in a safety deposit box.

Tips for Protecting the Outside Your Home

  • Keep your shrubbery cut back.
  • Secure window air conditioners from the inside.
  • Illuminate as much of your property as possible.
  • Ensure your exterior doors are solid, not hollow.
  • Use a fencing style that would not conceal a burglar's activities.
  • Secure any glass that is less than 40' from a door lock.
  • Have a non-removable center pin for outside door hinges.
  • Install deadbolt locks.
  • Consider putting a "Beware of Dog" sticker.
  • Place hinged security bars over basement windows.
  • Pin sliding patio doors together when closed.
  • Ensure that a burglar cannot access the roof from high trees or a ladder left outside.

What Not To Do

  • Do not put a nameplate outside the house with your full name.
  • Do not leave a note on the door or in the mailbox that you’re not inside.
  • Do not place a spare key in an obvious place, such as under the doormat.
  • Do not leave cash and handbags inside that can be seen from outside.
  • Do not forget to lock the doors even when you are just in the yard.

What To Do During Vacation

  • Stop deliveries, including mails.
  • Use electronic timers to maintain normal lighting patterns.
  • Ask a neighbor to put a garbage bag in front of your house on collection day.
  • Leave a radio on with a timer if necessary.
  • Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
  • Arrange for a neighbor to pick up your flyers and cut the grass or shovel snow.
  • Do not talk about the details of your vacation with strangers.
  • Use your work address on your luggage tags.
  • Remove valuables from your home and store small valuables in a safety box.
  • Lock your garage door.
  • Tell a trusted person some details of your trip.

What To Do if Your House Is Broken Into

  • Do not stay; put your safety first.
  • Never confront a burglar or block the exit route.
  • Go to a neighbor’s house or a safe location immediately and call the police.
Wicker & Son Insurance Brokers Limited