Barbecue Season Is In Full Swing: Don’t Go Up In Flames
The joys of outdoor cooking also bring fire and associated risks. Here are some safety reminders for gas and propane barbecues to protect you and your property from harm or damage.
• Never operate a barbecue in an enclosed space, close to a structure, or near combustibles. Have a one metre radius around it free of obstructions.
• Keep your barbecue in tip top shape. Check for hose breakage, valve leaks, and other parts before securing the tank well and turning on the gas.
• When in use, never leave the grill unattended, and when finished turn the tank off before the burners so the remaining gas in the lines can burn off. This can help prevent a flash the next time the BBQ is in use.
• Make sure your fire extinguisher is easily accessible and in good working order.
Additional Tips
• Propane companies use an additive to create an unpleasant odour like rotten eggs to make a propane leak easier to detect, so you can shut off supply immediately, stop using the grill, and clear the area.
• Although the risk of carbon monoxide is low when using a BBQ outdoors, it is not entirely eliminated. Learn to recognize the signs of CO2 poisoning and take appropriate action.
• Store propane tanks in an upright position, in a spot where they are unlikely to be knocked or bumped to prevent any safety risk.
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| Are You Getting a Claims Free Discount? | |
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Are You Getting a Claims Free Discount? Most insurance companies offer a claims free discount if you have not put in a claim against your habitational insurance for a minimum of three years. Depending on the company, the discount can range from 10% to 20%, thus reducing the policy premium by the given percentage. Some markets may offer a discount for being 12 or 15 years claims free. Unlike other discounts which you may qualify for, such as a renewal/loyalty discount or mature citizen discount, the claims free discount is removed from the next renewal, once your habitational policy has incurred a claim of any size . As long as you remain claims free for three years from the date of the claim, the company will reinstate the discount. In the meantime, the premium will increase because the discount has been deleted. It is important to consider the deductible amount on your policy as well as the estimated cost or size of the claim before deciding to put in a property claim. It may be in your best interests to absorb the loss on a small claim rather than lose your discount. Your broker is there to advise you given your particular circumstances.
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Are You Getting a Claims Free Discount?
Most insurance companies offer a claims free discount if you have not put in a claim against your habitational insurance for a minimum of three years. Depending on the company, the discount can range from 10% to 20%, thus reducing the policy premium by the given percentage. Some markets may offer a discount for being 12 or 15 years claims free.
Unlike other discounts which you may qualify for, such as a renewal/loyalty discount or mature citizen discount, the claims free discount is removed from the next renewal, once your habitational policy has incurred a claim of any size . As long as you remain claims free for three years from the date of the claim, the company will reinstate the discount. In the meantime, the premium will increase because the discount has been deleted.
It is important to consider the deductible amount on your policy as well as the estimated cost or size of the claim before deciding to put in a property claim. It may be in your best interests to absorb the loss on a small claim rather than lose your discount. Your broker is there to advise you given your particular circumstances.
                                                            Who’s At Fault in Caution Light Crashes?
Canada’s dreaded amber light is the source of numerous intersection crashes, resulting in untold insurance claims. Because of this, be especially vigilant when turning left against yellow caution lights at intersections. Although the outcome of a given case will be determined based upon the facts that are unique to that case, a driver making a left-hand turn will generally not be able to rely on an assumption that the other driver will stop for the yellow light.
Fault for the resulting collision will likely be found in such cases on the part of the left-turning driver.Â
Drivers have a legal duty to stop for a yellow light, but only if they can do so safely. Otherwise, they are allowed to proceed through the intersection with caution.
The Highway Traffic Act states that a left-turning driver must ensure the turn can be safely made, so it is the responsibility of that driver to make sure it is safe to proceed through the intersection.Â
Some drivers attempting to make a left turn on a yellow light may assume that an approaching vehicle will stop; however, this assumption does not lessen or negate liability for left-hand turning drivers in the event of a collision.
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W.H. Williamson & Co. Limited
