FAQ

Is renter's insurance that important?

Yes it is! Could you afford to replace your personal belongings after a fire or a theft? What about relocation and the expenses you incur to temporary lodgings? A renter's policy will cover all these items. In addition and just as important is liability protection. What if you leave the bathtub running or cause a fire? How would you pay for your responsible actions? Renter's (tenant's) insurance provides personal liability protection to cover these actions, normally up to $2,000,000.
How can I tell if I am under-insured?

Contact our office immediately. WILLIAMS & ESBER will complete a replacement cost estimation to ensure you have adequate insurance protection. We use industry approved software to determine these values. This is not a professional evaluation.
I work from home. Does my insurance cover my business property?

Normally, residential insurance provides for a small amount of protection against loss or damage to business property. This coverage is normally restricted to loss at the residence only. Consult your policy wording for the limit of your protection. This coverage does not include business stock. Some insurers now offer a home-business protection, with increased limits on business property and extensions of coverage and including theft away from residence.
Fire prevention is an important issue. Do you have any helpful tips?

It takes only minutes for a fire to spread throughout your home. Here are some tips to help you prevent and escape a fire loss: •Install CSA approved smoke detectors on every floor of your home. Make sure that you change the batteries frequently to prevent malfunctions and test each detector at least once a month. If you have a security system, ask your provider to hook these up to your alarm system for additional protection. •Do not smoke in the house, period, especially in bed! •Keep a portable fire extinguisher on each floor of the house. •Plan a family escape route. •Keep all important documents in a fire proof box or in your safety deposit box. For further safety tips, you can access the Safety Council of Canada at http://www.safetycouncil.org/info/home/home.htm
What does no-fault car insurance really mean?

Quebec, accident victims that suffer bodily injury & related losses may claim from the Quebec government benefits for their injuries. The government runs a no-fault system, whereas the government does not determine fault. All persons injured in accidents in Quebec may collect benefits from the plan, if eligible. For more detailed information on these benefits, you may visit the government website at www.saaa.qc.ca. For all collision accidents, your insurance company will always determine fault to establish the application of policy deductible.
If I have an accident and I am not at fault, my insurance company recovers the loss from the other company, right?

Wrong. In Quebec, each insurance company pays for their insured own damages. This system is called the direct compensation agreement and is governed by the G.A.A. (Groupement des Assureurs Automobile du Quebec) . This system replaced the old tort (recovery) system in 1978. For more detailed information and a broader explanation of the program, visit the GAA's web site at www .gaa.gc.ca .
If I change my car, is it important to advise my insurance company right away?

Yes, most definitely. Although your Policy contains a 14 day substitution clause, this clause provides only for similar coverage. To ensure you have adequate protection, please contact your agent immediately.
How are some of the ways I can save money on my car insurance?

Most insurance companies have minimum deductibles, but you can choose higher ones in order to save money. Remember the higher the deductible, the lower your premium.
What are deductibles?

Deductibles are applied to losses on your car insurance, except in the case of liability and property damage claims, or if damage is caused by fire or lightning. This applies only as long as you have purchased insurance to protect against these perils.