Steers Insurance Blog

Halifax Small Business Week is fast approaching! Beginning October 19 and running through the 23rd, the week is dedicated to raising awareness of and supporting the over one million small business throughout Canada. Nova Scotia is home to nearly 30,000 small businesses and they employ 98% of workers here.

In the late evening of September 7, 2019, Hurricane Dorian made landfall on the east coast. While it was no longer technically a hurricane when it hit land, the storm resulted in over $105 million in insured damage, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. 70% of that was damage to personal property, 25% was damage to commercial property and the remainder of the damage was to automobiles.

Every day business owners rely on our computers, smart phones and tablets to keep them connected with their business and to their clients. If your business spends any time online, make sure it is protected against cybercrime.

As employees continue to work remotely and spend a lot of time online, it may come as no surprise that cyberattacks continue to worse as the pandemic continues. Increased cyber losses mean businesses have a lot to learn when it comes to protecting their data and need to be proactive in understanding the financial impact a cyberattack can have.

As warmer weather gives way to what is shaping up to be an eventful hurricane season, we are asking all our friends, followers and clients to keep their eyes on the weather as Hurricane Teddy remains a threat for this upcoming week.

Before returning to your property after evacuating due to a hurricane, it’s important to take time to consider what you need. Return to your property or business only after authorities advise it is safe. Keep informed and up-to-date on any changes in weather, related conditions, or any guidance from authorities, by tuning into the radio, TV, or social media. The hurricane may result in hazards and other potentially unsafe conditions, such as downed wires/power lines, gas leaks, flooded areas, damaged trees, and other debris. Be cautious when you return to your home or business.

Cargo theft tactics are growing. From food and beverages to high-end electronics, cargo thieves continue to target commodities that are sold easily on the black market. Opportunistic thieves can make most goods fair game. Knowing about emerging tactics can help businesses recognize their vulnerabilities and prevent potential cargo theft.

The real estate market is booming – especially in Halifax where it is a sellers’ market. Buyers are often faced with paying above asking and competing with multiple buyers. This means you need to be ready to move fast – from being pre-approved on your mortgage, to being able to turn around a letter of insurability in a timely fashion and do a quick thorough assessment of the house. Aluminum wiring is one of those features that might make it hard to get a mortgage or insurance, so understanding the implications now will be helpful if you find a great property that has Aluminum wiring.

In today’s sharing economy, peer-to-peer rentals are making their name as cheaper (and trendier) alternatives to traditional hotels. But if you’re considering entering the market as a homeowner, there are a few things you should know about home insurance for short-term rentals.

Hurricanes can create widespread devastation and can have lasting effects on commercial properties. Hazards such as flooding, storm surges, and high winds can cause extreme damage to any size building. Proper planning and preparation can minimize the effects a hurricane can have on a commercial property.