Steers Insurance Blog

Water damage to a business, regardless of how it happens, can lead to mold growth, costly litigation and financial loss. In addition to direct costs associated with cleanup, material replacement, equipment repair and mold remediation, water damage incidents may lead to significant indirect costs associated with construction delays and business interruptions.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there are about 1.17 Million employer businesses in Canada, and of these 1.14 Million (97.9%) were classified as small businesses. Now, most of them are forced to work from home.

Technology is ever evolving. Because of this, cyber and economic crime has also evolved and increased. According to Stats Canada, in 2017, one in five Canadian businesses reported a cybersecurity incident that affected their business. A 2018 PwC study found that 55% of Canadian companies experienced economic crime in recent years. It is because of the steady increase in crimes that many insurance companies now recommend Crime protection in addition to traditional business insurance. The enhanced commercial lines Crime offer provides higher limits, broader coverages, and coverages that were either not previously available to all customers or required endorsements.

Does your business insurance include a land and water extension? Most businesses have Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance that may protect them in the event of a third party claim for bodily injury or property damage arising out of their premises and operations, but while some CGL  policies include limited coverage for environmental losses, relying on a CGL  to fully cover environmental exposures is not prudent risk management and additional coverage may be required.

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.

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 frequency of hail storms has been on the rise, and with every storm comes damage – to vehicles and buildings. You should never underestimate a hail storm's destructiveness, even if your area is not prone to hail. The good news is that you can take steps to help reduce the risk of damage from hail storms.

OTC Broker, President, Christine Gaudreau was recently recognized for her hard work and dedication by Insurance Business Canada in their Insurance Business Magazine (IBC), issue 8.03. This IBC issue celebrates 45 of the Canadian insurance industry’s foremost female leaders and Christine is one of them. She broke through the glass ceiling in a sector traditionally dominated by men.