New Coverage – Oegema, Nicholson & Associates Insurance

The Insurance You Need Now Just a Click Away at ona.ca

Oegema — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 11:43:00 +0000

Oegema, Nicholson & Associates is excited to announce that we now offer our clients the option to create and bind Contractors and Professional Liability Insurance policies through our website! This new feature means you can rest assured – and insured! – while you focus on your work! To get started, select the appropriate insurance policy type below! Contractors Insurance

As a self-employed contractor you want to protect your assets and your livelihood in the face of injury, illness, tool and equipment theft, damages caused by negligence or unforeseen occurrences, and more. We can formulate a commercial liability insurance program that will protect you of all of the above and more, whether you’re a plumber, electrician, carpenter, mason, or other professional tradesperson. As a contractor, you are the business, which makes protecting yourself all the more important. Get started today to let us ensure your livelihood is protected! Professional Liability Insurance

Professional consultants and engineers who provide the marketplace with highly specialized services are often held to a higher level of accuracy, duty, and accountability than their traditional or mainstream business counterparts. Whereas a general business liability insurance policy can cover you for property damage or bodily injury, a Professional Liability Insurance program from Oegema, Nicholson & Associates goes that much further by guarding against the “professional errors” that can be said to have caused financial losses that could lead to potentially expensive and lengthy litigation. Protect yourself from a variety of professional liability risks with a Professional Liability Insurance policy from Oegema, Nicholson & Associates today! If you’re not sure exactly which insurance policy best fits your situation, or if you have any questions, contact us for more information or to set up an appointment.

Auto Insurance and Uber – What to Know Before you Become a Driver

Oegema — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about becoming an Uber driver? Or do you know someone who is? There are a few very important things to consider before you start driving people in a personal vehicle. We understand that Auto Insurance can seem a bit tricky, but we want to make sure that you understand and are fully covered for anything that could happen. How does Uber Driving Auto Insurance work? Firstly, you need to tell your insurance broker that you are an Uber driver so they can help get you set up with the appropriate coverage. How does it differ from regular Auto Insurance? When driving for Uber the insurance policy changes when you have the Uber App open in the vehicle and you accept a ride. As soon as that ride is completed, and the passengers are dropped off at their destination, your insurance would then switch back to being your regular Auto Insurance. The expectation to this would be if you immediately accepted another ride. The Uber driving related Auto Insurance will stay intact as long as you have the App open in the vehicle with an accepted Uber ride or passengers present in the car. When the app is closed, you would be just operating under regular Automotive Insurance. What is the difference in the coverage? The coverage changes by including statutory accident benefits, uninsured motorist coverage, and third-party liability of up to $1 million while the app is in use, but no ride has been accepted, and up to $2 million after a ride has been accepted. However, each individual driver should talk to their insurance broker for a further more comprehensive understanding of the coverage and what works best under their personal policy. Will becoming an Uber driver actually help me make money? Well, we can’t answer that one for you! You’ll have to do some research and see if this business model makes sense for your lifestyle. But Uber.com offers a valuable resource for you to help make that decision, and we’re here to help make sure the right insurance policies are in place.

If you already are an Uber driver or have decided to become one, please contact us today for an Auto Insurance quote, so we can you on the road safely right away!

Your Home and Auto Insurance Claim Checklist

Oegema — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 11:57:00 +0000

Accidents happen, that’s why you have insurance after all! But even when you know you have the proper coverage, in the heat of the moment you may not be thinking clearly or even panic and not know where to start.

We’re here to help! Keep this list handy and you’ll always know what to do in case of an emergency.

If You’re Making an Auto Accident Claim:

Assess damage and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver (if applicable). Take photos of damage to property and of the vehicles involved in the incident.
Keep a clear record of this information:
1. the date, time and location of the accident
2. the extent of any injuries
3. the number of passengers involved
4. the extent of damage to the vehicle
5. your description of the accident
6. If another driver is involved:
  1. the licence plate and vehicle identification numbers of the other vehicles the name of the registered owner’s insurance company and his/her auto insurance policy number
  2. the driver’s name and driver’s licence number (if the driver is not the registered owner)
If you or anyone else has sustained injuries, if your vehicle is not drivable, if total of damages exceeds $2,000.00 OR a criminal act has been committed, you, and any other drivers involved are required to contact the police or go to a collision reporting centre.
Speak with the police or your insurance company before allowing your vehicle to be towed – you want to be sure to use a reputable towing firm. If you’re leaving your vehicle behind or it is being towed away, remove any valuables and personal belongings from your car
If you choose to make a claim, ask if your insurance provider has a list of preferred collision repair shops, review your policy and deductible, and arrange for a rental car should your insurance cover it

Note: Always contact your independent insurance broker to notify them of an accident, find out about your coverage and to get advice. Your policy premiums and rating are affected if you are at fault for the accident and a claim is made by you or any other involved party.

If You’re Making a Home Insurance Claim:

If you’re dealing with a fire or theft, or if you have any concerns with your safety, call 911 immediately and request assistance
Once it’s safe to enter your home, make sure you take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage including turning off electricity and water sources
Assess the damages and create a detailed list of damages or property that has been stolen and take pictures if it’s possible
Do not dispose of any damaged property until you’ve been given the okay by your insurance company
Immediately contact your insurance company to report the incident and be sure to have your policy number and relevant information about the incident ready If necessary, work with your insurance provider to find temporary accommodations or make temporary repairs to make the space liveable
Provide any supporting documentation to your insurance provider upon request. This may include a detailed proof of loss form, proof of ownership, estimate for repair of damages, or police report

Any questions? Contact us! We’re happy to help. You can learn more about our Personal Auto Insurance and Home Insurance options online.

Your Auto Insurance Policy Is Changing

Oegema — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 11:52:00 +0000

Your Ontario auto insurance benefits are changing to make your premiums more affordable and provide you with greater choice. Many of the changes affect the accident benefits you would receive if you were injured in a collision. Some benefit limits have been reduced, and some of the options for increased coverage have been changed or eliminated. If you renew or buy a new policy on or after June 1, 2016, it will automatically default to the new reduced benefits limits unless you purchase additional coverage. Here’s what’s different in benefits limits:

What do the changes mean? To reduce premiums, the Government of Ontario has introduced reforms to help reduce consumer costs and improve the system. These reforms ensure Ontarians have access to the treatments and benefits they need to recover from injuries caused by a collision. A key component of these reforms is more choice. The catastrophic impairment benefit will provide up to $1 million for combined medical, rehabilitation and attendant care. There is also an option to buy up to $2 million for this benefit, and the amount can be increased to $3 million when combined with the $1 million optional medical/rehabilitation benefit for all injuries. For less serious injuries, a maximum of $65,000 will be available in standard coverage for combined medical/rehabilitation and attendant care. How does this compare to other provinces? In Alberta and the Maritimes, the maximum combined medical/rehabilitation benefit for all types of injuries is $50,000. There is a new option to buy up to $130,000 in standard medical/rehabilitation and attendant care coverage or up to $1 million in added coverage. Ontario will continue to apply a $3,500 cap for minor injury awards. The cap includes the $2,200 that is pre-approved and available over 12 weeks. For more information contact your insurance representative. Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada

Cyber Security Insurance: What It Is, And Why You Need It

Oegema — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:16:00 +0000

We’ve previously covered the topic of Cyber Security and the Steps You Can Take to Safeguard Your Business From Cyber Threats, and as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’re continuing the trend with describing what Cyber Security Insurance is, and the importance of having the proper coverage.

What Is Cyber Security Insurance?

Insurance protection that covers the digital field can go by many names including:

There are many different types and combinations of coverage available, but all of these names cover the same key concept of protecting your business or organization from financial loss related to online data and network security. Much like you would want Professional Liability Insurance to protect you from any professional errors during your duties, Cyber Security Insurance can protect you from internet-based risk, and damages from the result of breached security or release of protected information. As more and more business processes are moving online, and more information is being processed over the web, cyber security will continue to be a growing concern, and Cyber Security Insurance can help alleviate the risk associated with your digital data.

Why Do I Need Cyber Insurance?

In the digital age, your business can be greatly reliant on internet networks, or heavily involve processing private data between your partners, employees, and clients. This reliance opens businesses up to outside threats from hackers. And it isn’t just large businesses that can be affected; 20% of all cyber-attacks hit small businesses with 250 or fewer employees. Approximately 60% of small businesses close within 6 months of a cyber-attack. If in the unfortunate even that your systems or security measures fail, and your organization is liable for major losses, cyber security insurance can provide a safety-net of funding to facilitate a smooth recovery, and return to normal operations. A loss of data can cause a company to breach its obligations under privacy and data legislation, which can lead to regulatory repercussions including fines, or can expose the business to the threat of legal action by the affected parties. Cyber Liability Coverage can be a great way to reduce the costs that can occur from a breach of your company’s data systems, by ensuring you are protected by Data Breach or Privacy Crisis Management Coverage. There is also Network Security Coverage, which can cover a broad range of incidents. Network Security can include costs or losses associated with unauthorized access to your network, viruses, unauthorized transactions, and Denial of Service attacks (D.O.S. attacks).

How Can I Protect My Business?

Because technology is ever evolving, and new digital threats are constantly emerging there can never be an all-encompassing defense against hackers who might do your business harm. The best way to protect your business from the risk incurred by breaches of security, hacking, or viruses is through a combination of digital security, and Cyber Security Insurance. There are a number of different coverage options for Cyber Security Insurance, so we recommend speaking with a qualified insurance representative to go over what coverage is best for your business. Contact your Ottawa insurance broker today to discuss coverage types, and allow us to craft a policy that ensures that your organization isn’t left scrambling in the event of a network security issue, or a data breach.

Now Offering Cyber Security and Privacy Insurance

Oegema — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 11:21:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce the new Cyber Security & Privacy insurance coverage which acts as an attachment to our professional liability insurance policies. Cyber security is a growing concern for many people, and we believe offering this risk solution will help protect your private data.

When we think of cyber security and privacy, we often think of complex internet technology or hacking. But not all cases are so complex. Take for instance the following example from Canada: “A hospital employee breached the organization’s policy by taking files home on a USB key, which was then misplaced or lost. The data included names of 25,000 patients, a summary of their medical records, the treatment they received, the date of the service and the name of the doctor they visited. The hospital likely had to incur significant remediation costs for this privacy breach, both to notify the clients and to retain a company to protect the privacy and identity of its clients. There is also a strong likelihood that one of the hospital’s clients may sue the hospital for damages.”

Coverage

This new professional liability insurance attachment is designed to protect professionals against Network Security Liability, Privacy Liability and Electronic Media Liability. It also covers remediation expenses that may be incurred as a result of infringement, security breach, privacy breach and data personal injury.

Eligibility

The new Cyber Security & Privacy endorsement is available for attachment to our following policy types:

Please contact us for more details or to take advantage of this new risk solution.

Introducing the ‘Maestro Home Warranty’ for Home Systems & Appliances

Oegema — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 11:31:00 +0000

You have insurance for your home and your valuables, but what about all the systems and appliances that keep your home operating? If your air conditioner were to cease working, would you need to purchase a new one out of pocket? Here at Oegema, Nicholson & Associates & Associates, we recognized this need to have a more complete coverage of your home, taking the worry out of replacing any critical components to your home should they fail. This is why we are now representing the brand new insurance product, called the Maestro Home Warranty. The product is called ‘maestro’ because this policy acts as the ‘conductor’ to the symphony of all your home systems and appliances.

More specifically, the Maestro Home Warranty is a breakdown insurance product for Home Systems and Major Household Appliances. It is a great product especially for clients with condo and homeowner insurance policies looking to have more complete protection for their residences.

What does this policy cover:

Do you think this policy might give you some needed peace-of-mind? An ONA insurance specialist is ready to speak to you when you are. Contact us today for a free quote.