ALIGNMENT Matters | Insurance Insights & News | Reopening? Changing direction? Shifting online?
COVID-19 has changed everything including how all businesses (including our own) operate, think about and/or manage risk. However, what will never change is our willingness to fight on our clients’ behalf and our passion for helping others!
Like you, we’ve been battling through these challenging times. As a 100% Canadian, employee owned and fiercely independent organization, we deeply appreciate the support, loyalty and opportunities we’ve experienced in the last few months.
Our amazing team works incredibly hard each and every day to support your business insurance needs. Above all, we remain ready and keen to help you and/or anyone you know with any business insurance needs, issues, questions and/or concerns!
More simply said…we are here for you…LET’S GO!!!
Reopening? Changing direction? Shifting online? Across Canada, businesses are adapting to the new normal during COVID-19. Governments are setting out guidelines such as the newly released Ontario COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan.
While the past few months haven’t been easy, in many ways, they have been inspiring. Our clients have pivoted in ways they never anticipated. Distilleries are making hand sanitizer; companies are now selling and/or manufacturing personal protection equipment, restaurants have shifted to take-out or patio meals and we’ve been honoured to help guide and manage the related insurance implications.
Regardless of your industry, COVID-19 has and will continue to have a significant impact on how you do business. Whether you’ve adapted as an essential service, are about to reopen or have shifted to online retail, your workplace and risk exposures have fundamentally changed. And when change happens, you need to contact us.
In this issue of ALIGNMENT Matters, we’re also highlighting how you can get your new workplace risks ALIGNED with the best possible coverage
1. Changing your business? It’s time to contact your insurance broker.
3. New e-business? Get online retailer insurance now.
4. Why using an insurance broker is the best way to buy insurance.
5. Moving locations? Know why vacant property insurance is a must.
6. How to buy your cannabis retailer insurance in Canada.
If you have any questions about managing new risks, please call us toll-free at 1-866-287-0448. Leave us a Live Chat message on our homepage, send me an email or contact any of us. Please also visit us on alignedinsurance.com as well as via Twitter and Linkedin.
As the Canadian workplace continues to change and adapt, the ALIGNED Insurance team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Sincerely,
Andrew Clark, MBA, CAIB, RF, FCIP, RPLU
President & CEO, ALIGNED Insurance
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Some reporting tips and requirements that you need to know
Adding property? Material change in risk? Changing revenues? When do I need to contact my insurance broker is a common and important question. Ultimately, the insurance industry is the built upon principle of utmost good faith which is an expectation that complete and accurate information is shared amongst all parties so that proper insurance can be secured for clients. Most importantly, this principle impacts you as an insurance buyer and as an ALIGNED client.
There are a number of expectations and/or conditions that must be adhered to, some of which require reporting to your ALIGNED Insurance advocate by your organization as soon as possible/practicable. If reporting requirements are not met, coverage could be denied in the event of a claim or the policy in some instance may be cancelled. Keep reading…
Why your online business needs e-commerce insurance
While your roots may be bricks and mortar, your online retail e-commerce store also faces tangible risks. Customer data being hacked, a faulty product claim and products damaged while in storage or transit are just a few examples of e-commerce risks.
A 2019 survey finds that online product categories continue to evolve in Canada. Specifically, “While computers and electronics, women’s apparel and books still dominate the top three, more segments are growing. Footwear, collectibles, both perishable and non-perishable groceries, automotive, pet supplies, even furniture are among the segments making traction online.” Keep reading…
Why using an insurance broker is the best way to buy insurance
Advocacy. No matter how well you plan and prepare, when things go wrong for your business, you need to know there’s an advocate on your side. As a result, it’s the number one reason why a Canadian insurance broker is your best choice.
Unlike an insurance agent who represents one or more insurance companies in Canada, most importantly, an insurance broker only represents you, the insurance buyer.
You can expect more from an insurance broker in Canada. Most importantly, insurance brokers:
- “Offer a wide choice of products and price comparisons from a number of insurance companies
- Give advice on your specific risks and suitable insurance protection
- Provide clear information and explain the policy details
- Support and represent you if you need to make a claim”
Here at ALIGNED, above all else, we are always advocating for our clients. Keep reading…
Closed? Your vacant property needs insurance. Here’s how to get it.
Tick tock, tick tock. Yes, time is money. If you own or rent a commercial property, anytime it sits empty or unused costs you money. A building you own may be a vacant property for any number of reasons. Perhaps your tenant suddenly declares bankruptcy due to unforeseen circumstances.
On the other hand, maybe an extreme weather situation caused significant damage that requires a complex rebuild that can only be done by specialty trades. In addition, you might be renovating to attract a new tenant who wants a high value property rental. Or you may simply be closing your doors temporarily due to a difficult economic situation.
In short, it doesn’t matter why your commercial property is vacant, it still needs insurance coverage.
Even if your property is empty, no employees or clients are on site and operations are shut down, unforeseen events can still happen. Keep reading…
How to get the best insurance for your cannabis retail store
Ontario cannabis retailers are excited about growth opportunities. As a result of the provincial cap on retail cannabis stores lifted, licensed producers are able to sell products to bigger audiences.
If you are in the market for cannabis insurance you know it’s not the easiest to secure. However, not every insurance company in Canada is interested or willing to insure cannabis related risks. So with 2.0 legislation for the sale of edibles, extracts and topicals now legal and new opportunities popping up, the market for cannabis products keeps expanding.
In short, if you’re kickstarting, incubating or expanding your cannabis business, now’s the time to look into risk management and explore insurance options with brokers who know the industry. Keep reading…
We’re ALIGNED. Above all, we’re here to help you manage your insurance.
- Insurance claim? Report it 24/7/365. Call 1-844-890-3213.
- Have a question? Call your ALIGNED Advocate or us toll-free at 1-866-287-0448.
- Need insurance? Get your quote started now using our simple online form.
- Get many fully online commercial insurance products on alignedinsurance.com.
- Need to pay an ALIGNED Insurance invoice? You can pay online here.
In conclusion, we’d like to thank you for reading ALIGNMENT Matters Issue 44! Find out more about our story and connect with one of our Canadian business insurance brokers today at 1-866-287-0448! To sum up, our experienced commercial insurance brokers are here to help you to determine the types of coverage you need most.
