All of our staff recently had the opportunity to attend a seminar dealing with ICBC Liability coverage.  While there, I learned a few interesting facts from ICBC claims files in 2008:

1) 26% of ICBC customers carry $1,000,000 or less of third party liability - this does NOT included those carry only the basic compulsory!

2) ICBC recorded on average 695 crashes a day.  Keep in mind that most crashes involve 2 or more claimants, and this also does not include thefts, fires, etc.

3) Over $2.46 billion was paid in claims - which breaks down to $6.7  million per day!

4)  More than once a week a claim exceeds $200,000.

5) Once recent claim involved a single vehicle colliding with a power pole.  The suprising part was that the final payout exceeded $1,000,000!

What people forget to consider is that there could many claiments.  The power pole case involve power being knocked out to over 800 homes and business.  The resulting power surge knocked out computers, televisions, freezers (think how much you have in your freezer!).  This all falls back onto the responsible driver.

It all serves to underscore the need for higher liability limits.  Many people carry $2,000,000 - is that really enough?  You make that decision.

Only 9 more days…wow. Where has the time gone.

At Fawcett Insurance we are very excited for the games to begin.  While it might cause some inconveniences in our daily lives, it will be business as usual for the most part.  We are planning to close for a short time on February 10th when the Olympic Torch Relay is scheduled to pass by the office - the staff can’t wait to get out and show our pride.  There may be the odd day during the games we are forced to close early, as some of our staff have chosen to taken time off both to enjoy and to volunteer during the games. We fully support them in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Don’t forgot that many roads in and around downtown are closed or restricted.  These restrictions also carry over onto the North Shore, especially around the Lions Gate Bridge.  Also don’t forget that Capilano University is being used as one of the departure hubs for buses heading up Cypress.  You can expect traffic delays in these areas especially in the mornings and late afternoons as everyone tries to get to their events. Transportation/road closure info can be found here.

ICBC is expecting a large spike in claims due to the number of visitors expected that may not know the rules of our roads.  If you do need to contact ICBC, consider calling at night - Dial A Claim is open 24hrs year round!

All in all, get out and enjoy this time as we welcome the world. GO CANADA GO!!!

Based on the number of enquiries we’ve received from people who have rented out their homes suggests to me that either a) people haven’t rented it out or b) the message still is not out that it may affect your insurance policy!

If you have rented your home, even a portion of it, it is very important that you call your broker as soon as possible!  Every insurance company is handling this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity differently.  Make sure you have the coverage you need.

Whether your staying in town and attending events, or avoiding them, enjoy the Games!

By now everyone should know that cell phones are now banned while operating a motor vehicle in BC.  Have we you changed your driving habits?

Police have stated that until the end of January, they will only hand out warnings.  But starting February 1st, talking on your cell phone will get you a $167 fine.  Texting or emailing will also get you 3 penalty points.

What surprises a lot of people is that this ban also extends to other electronic devices including MP3 devices, GPS systems, and DVD players.  You are permitted to use some of these items, however there are restrictions.  GPS for example must be preprogrammed before you start your trip.  For a complete list of the restrictions, click here.

With the holiday season in full swing, I thought it might be helpful to remind everyone of some basic Christmas safety tips.  So, instead of 12 days of gifts, here is our 12 safety tips!

1. Keep your real Christmas tree away from floor heaters, fire places, or other heat sources.
2. Use only UL-listed lights, and no more than 3 strands linked together. Use miniature lights which have cool-burning bulbs.
3. Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you leave your home.
4. Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the ones you have and test them!
5. Use only outdoor lights outside your home.
6. Never use indoor extension cords outside.
7. Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords.
8. Keep outdoor electrical connectors above ground and out of puddles and snow.
9. Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember, hot wax burns kids.
10. Extinguish candles prior to going to bed.
11. Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.
12. Remember to keep your walkways & driveways clear of ice & snow.  This includes the sidewalk out front!


Wishing everyone a very safe and happy holiday season!

With only 77 days to go until the 2010 Olympics, the scramble for private accommadation is reaching it’s peak.  Have you decided to open your home?  Are you renting our part, or maybe the whole thing?
Allowing a rental in your home affects your insurance coverage.  Please make sure that you contact us to make sure that you have the proper coverage.

Check out this idea submitted to the Aviva Community Fund.

Accu-Chek Cyclebetes has set out to transform people’s lives through a platform of unreal cycling events and leadership programs. It directly benefits youth, leadership, your community, health and wellness and those people living with Type 1 Diabetes.

This charity was founded by local North Shore resident and business owner Willie Cromack of John Henry Bikes.  We encourage you to check it out, and consider supporting this cause.  All it takes is a few clicks!

Do you have a great idea to make a positive change in our community?  Now is your chance to make a difference!

We are excited to tell you that Aviva Canada Inc., one of our insurance business partners, is giving Canadians the change to voice ideas that will create lasting change in their communities.

Through the Aviva Community Fund competition, the most popular ideas as chosen by Canadians will have a chance at sharing in the $500,000 Aviva Community Fund.
It’s so easy to do.  Just visit www.AvivaCommunityFund.org to enter your idea on what would make a positive change in your community.  There are so many ways - big or small - every idea can make a difference.

Even if you don’t have an idea to submit, there are still plenty of ways to help.  You can help bring someone else’s idea to life by voting online to support your favourite idea, and by encouraging the people you know to do the same.

Don’t delay.  Enter your idea online at www.AvivaCommunityFund.org by November 16th.

One small piece of good news on the HST front.  It appears that private sales of used vehicles will not be affected, and the tax rate will remain at 7% (higher rates for “luxury tax” will presumably still apply) of the purchase price.

Vehicles purchased from dealers will get hit with HST; currently they charge both taxes anyways.

HST will not affect insurance directly as in BC it is not currently subject to GST or PST.  It remains to be seen how it will indirectly affect rates through higher costs to the insurance companies.