While 1.9% is certainly good news, the commission has ruled a 2.4% decrease!  The further reduction is due to ICBC’s continued efforts to reduce expenses - they have seen a 2.8% decrease this year.

ICBC was quick to point out however that while there has been fewer crashes in BC, the average costs of injury claims is going up.  This could make continued reductions difficult.

The new rated take effect for policies effective November 1st and later.

We’re asking people to share ideas to create positive change in their community. The most popular ideas, as chosen by Canadians, will have a chance to share the $1,000,000 Aviva Community Fund.

The competition gets underway soon, so check out http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/.

In insurance, we partner together with companies like Aviva to provide the expertise to protect customers and communities. Aviva Insurance Company of Canada is extending that partnership through the Aviva Community Fund to help make community-focused ideas reality and bring positive change to your community.

The forest fire season hit with a vengance.  At one point there were over 400 fires burning in the province.  There was even one not to far from the office, just off the Northlands Golf Course.  Thank you to all our fire fighters for keeping everything under control.

We hope that you all enjoy the rest of your summer.  Stay safe on the roads, and where ever your travels may take you.

While this seems to be a fairly minor event, it serves as a good reminder that the lower mainland is overdue for a major event.  Are you ready?

Check out our friends at QS Quake Safe and make sure that your insurance policies include earthquake coverage!

A new tool developed by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) aims to assist homeowners.  The Home Assessment Checklist explains the most troublesome yet important points of a home in clear, easy to understand language.  Check out the IBC website for this “checklist” and much more valuable information on your home insurance.

Top 10 excuses for using a cellphone while driving

It’s been five months since B.C. implemented the ban on using a hand-held cellphone while driving and police have issued more than 8,000 tickets. But despite the danger and the fines, people are still choosing to break the law.

ICBC asked police across B.C. to share drivers’ top excuses for using a hand-held cellphone while driving:

1. It was an urgent work call! A real emergency would be if your car were flipped over in a ditch because you weren’t focused on the road. Let callers know on your voicemail that you may be driving and there may be delay before you return their call.
2. But I was stopped at a red light. Let’s put a stop to this misconception right now: the rules apply even if you are stopped at a light.
3. I was just checking my voicemail – I didn’t make a call. Under the new law, drivers can’t use hand-held electronics while driving. Let voicemail do its job – call back later when it’s safe to do so. Better yet, turn your cellphone off or put it in the trunk to avoid the temptation to pick it up.
4. Driver: But I have it on hands-free! Police officer: Sir, it’s not hands-free if it’s in your hand. Hands-free doesn’t equal speakerphone. Under the new law, a driver cannot use a hand-held electronic communication device and this includes hand-held cellphones, iPods and other electronic hand-held devices.
5. But it was my mom calling! In order to help our drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) become safe drivers for life, they are banned from using all phone and electronic devices, including hands-free. The only time a GLP driver is permitted to use a phone or electronic device in a car is if they’re safely parked and off the roadway or are making an emergency call to 9-1-1. So parents, do your teenagers a favour and don’t call when you know they’ll be driving.
6. I didn’t know I’m not from here. I’m from Maple Ridge. Wow – police really do hear it all! According to an Ipsos-Reid poll done in January 2010, 98 per cent of British Columbians are aware of the new law. And FYI, the law applies to the whole province.
7. I drive better than most people – not like the ones that eat while driving. Anything that takes your attention from the road is dangerous. Studies show that drivers who talk on a cellphone lose about 50 per cent visually of what’s going on around them and are four times more likely to get into a crash .
8. I was just setting up my hands-free device. You’ll probably do a better job of setting up your hands-free (or eating, or applying makeup) when your car is parked and not moving. Make sure that you’re ready for your trip before you start driving.
9. But it’s my first time. Can’t I just get a warning? Police didn’t start handing out tickets until a month after the ban went into effect – that’s more than enough time to get the message. Consider your $167 fine and three-point penalty your warning, so make that first time your last.
10. It was my wife calling and I didn’t dare ignore her. Would she rather hear that you’ve crashed the car and you, or someone else, is hurt because you were distracted by her call? Pull over before you answer or return a call. Your life, and the lives of people around you, are much more important than your phone call – even if it’s someone you love on the phone.

If you find yourself making similar excuses, think about the influence your smart driving decisions can have on others. They can help create a culture where friends, family and colleagues don’t expect you to pick up right away.

For more information on the new law and smart driving tips, visit drivecellsafe.ca.

The rate change still needs the approval of the BCUC.  You can read ICBC’s new release here.

Generally forest fire is covered by your home insurance, however as we live and play in an “interface zone” (where the forest meets the city), there are several things you should do to protect yourself from the threat of forest fire.  See below for just some of the things you can do at home, and your cottage to protect yourself.

Prune tree branches to a height of 1 or 2 metres
Store fire wood well away from the house
Remove trees within 10 metres of house
Branches are clear of power lines (if possible bury power service)
Remove brush, mow and water lawn
Dispose of fireplace ashes into an approved container.
Chimney installed to code complete with spark arrestor screens
All soffit vents and gutters should be screened
Position propane tank with valve pointing away from house
Fire resistant exterior roof and walls
Protective drapes and or shutters on windows to protect interior from radiant heat

Wildfire news can be found at http://www.bcwildfire.ca/Situation/

Drivers who blow over the legal limit 0f 0.08 per cent BAC or refuse to provide a breath sample will face:

1) an immediate, 90-day driving ban

2) a $500 fine

3) a $250 fee to have their license reinstated

their vehicles impounded for 30 days

4) a $700 bill for towing and impoundment

5) Mandatory participation in a $800 drivers rehabilitation program

6) a $1420 bill for one years use of a an ignition interlock device (requires a breath sample to start the vehicle.

Total bill: $3670 PLUS transportation costs while they can’t drive.

You could still face criminal charges above all this.

In addition, drivers who blow in the “warn” range (between 0.05 and 0.08 BAC) will face stiffer penalties

Fist offence in a 5 year period: three-day driving ban and a $200 fine;

a second time, a seven-day ban and a $300 fine;

and a third, a 30-day ban and a $400 fine

Those caught 3 times in 5 years will also be required to participate in the rehabilitation program and install the interlock device.

The new rules are expected to come into effect in the fall.  You can read a BC Government press release here.

If you forget, you will be required to purchase coverage from a Cuban insurer prior to being granted access.  The concern here is that the premiums may be much more than what is charged here, and the coverage will likely be very limited.  Repatriation is a big concern (air ambulence back the US or Canada for treatment).  Cuban policies are expected to only cover about $7,000 and the actual costs could easily exceed $25,000.

Plan be fore you go.  We handle a full range of travel medical policies that will cover your needs.