Posted on: December 10th, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
Looking to plan an office party during COVID restrictions? With many Ontario cities entering the red zone, office parties may look a little different this year. If you are not able to gather your team together in-person, we have some fun virtual tips for businesses looking to keep spirits up and celebrate with staff this year.
For the following tips, we recommend using Google Hangouts, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams for virtual meeting platforms. Make sure to test your internet connection, video and audio prior to the festivities.
Ideas for a remote holiday office party
Plan an interactive activity for the office
Think Christmas movie trivia or holiday bingo for a fun staff activity. There are a ton of online platforms your office can utilize for games and activities. Some online services offer virtual escape rooms or scavenger hunts your office can participate in for an interactive experience.
You can even go a step further to organize a virtual experience for your staff, such as a virtual wine tasting or cooking class. If you have the means to do so, you can send a small care package with the necessary items to each of your employees prior to the virtual event.
Host an ugly sweater competition
Your office can get creative with their attire for a virtual holiday party by hosting an ugly sweater competition. Have your employees take a picture in their most festive attire or ugly sweaters and set up a poll for voting for your favourite participant.
Virtual Secret Santa
Another way you can keep spirits up in the office is by organizing a virtual secret Santa. Use an online matching service such as Draw Names or Elfster to get started. Have your employees mail out their gift or limit to online gift cards and vouchers for the exchange.
Remember to keep your office and employees safe and don’t be afraid to get creative with your virtual holiday party this season. Happy Holidays from Ives!
At Ives Insurance, we appreciate that each business is unique with exposure to unique risks. Contact us today for a professional conversation as we get to know your business, your unique business risks and exposures. Our brokers will help you find the best coverage for your business, no matter how small or large.
Did you know – Ives Insurance Brokers Ltd now has digital services available, where you can access and view all of your policy documents and information at the click of a button 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! If you are interested in this service or would like more information, please contact us.
Posted on: December 3rd, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
The holiday season is fast approaching and many families may be celebrating their festivities virtually. With Ontario cities entering the red zone, the holidays may look a little different but you can still keep traditions alive with these quick tips for celebrating the holidays from home.
Have a Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, or another virtual meeting app downloaded on your laptop, computer, tablet, or phone to connect with loved ones.
Make sure your internet is working by testing a call or virtual meeting prior to your festivities. Be sure to test audio and video.
Plan a timeline for your festivities: cooking a traditional meal together, eating together, carolling, or virtually exchanging gifts sent by mail or by other means.
Let’s keep traditions alive from home this holiday season. Stay safe, healthy, and spread cheer. Happy December from team Ives!
Did you know – Ives Insurance Brokers Ltd now has digital services available, where you can access and view all of your policy documents and information at the click of a button 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! If you are interested in this service or would like more information, please contact us.
Posted on: December 1st, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
Due to Ontario cities entering the red zone, our offices will only be taking clients by appointment as a safety measure against the spread of Covid-19. This is a temporary precaution until re-entering the orange zone.
While in our offices, our staff and clients are asked to follow COVID-19 protocols which include physical distancing of 2 meters and wearing a mask. Our common areas will be sanitized frequently after use, as well, daily COVID screening will be completed prior to entering the building for both staff and clients. Please stay diligent, safe, and healthy.
For appointments, please call 519-776-7371 or email service@ivesinsurance.com. Did you know – Ives Insurance Brokers Ltd now has digital services available, where you can access and view all of your policy documents and information at the click of a button 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! If you are interested in this service or would like more information, please contact us.
Posted on: November 10th, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
The weather may be warm right now, but winter is right around the corner. With this in mind, changing your tires will help to keep you safe while driving this upcoming season.
When should I change my tires?
Changing your tires in the months of November or early December is your best bet. While the temperature is un-predictable in Ontario, it is better to be on the safe side and prepare now for the colder months.
Changing back to all-season or summer tires can be done in March to April months depending on consistent weather above 7°C. The general rule of thumb is that between Thanksgiving and Easter, you’ll likely need winter tires. Between these holidays, the temperature will more regularly be at or below 7°C, which is when you should have winter tires installed.
Why should I change my tires?
You should change your tires each season to match the weather conditions for a reduced risk of getting into an accident. Winter tires are designed to perform better in icy or snowy conditions but also provide increased traction, braking, and handling for driving on cold pavement.
Be sure to change all four of your tires for optimal control of your vehicle. If you only changed the back tires, you would only have the increased traction in the back which can interfere with the stability of your vehicle.
Remember to drive safe and take precaution for the winter weather to protect yourself and others on the road.
Did you know – Ives Insurance Brokers Ltd now has digital services available, where you can access and view all of your policy documents and information at the click of a button 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! If you are interested in this service or would like more information, please contact us.
Posted on: July 30th, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
Our offices will be closed on Monday August 3, 2020 to recognize Civic Day. Please note that our offices will be closing early at 3pm Friday July 31, 2020.
We thank you for your continued support and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Stay safe, and enjoy your weekend!
Posted on: July 20th, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
If you are a RIBO licensed broker with at least one year of experience, we want to hear from you to discuss an employment opportunity in our Essex head office!
Posted on: July 15th, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
Contact us at service@ivesinsurance.com to get access to your insurance documents, print liability slips (pink slips) and review your payments from the comfort of your home or office any time, any day!
Posted on: July 10th, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
We are busy creating a 2021 Calendar for our clients. Each month we choose a winning photo to be printed in our calendar, and runner up photos that were oh, so close, to winning!
We are lucky enough to have a three way tie for runner up photos this month. Congratulations to LeeAnn Kimmett in our Waterloo office and Gale Pimentel for her two photo submissions. Incredible photos are submitted each month confirming to us that our brokers are not only extraordinary in their broker role each and every day, but also talented photographers!
Today’s photo posts are credited to the keen photographic eye of Gale Pimentel!
Posted on: July 9th, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
Congratulations to Heidi Frey in our Waterloo office for her winning photo! This photo will be kept “top secret” until our calendar is printed later this year.
We are lucky enough to have a three way tie for runner up photos this month. Congratulations to LeeAnn Kimmett in our Waterloo office and Gale Pimentel for her two photo submissions. Incredible photos are submitted each month confirming to us that our brokers are not only extraordinary in their broker role each and every day, but also talented photographers!
We will post all three photos today and tomorrow so check back often. Today’s photo is taken by LeeAnn in our Waterloo office.
Posted on: June 22nd, 2020 by Ives Insurance Brokers
Written by Economical Insurance | Published on: April 29, 2020 | Categories: Car insurance
Whether you’re no longer making your daily commute or you’re planning on putting your vehicle in storage because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be wondering how your car insurance could change. Let’s look at a couple of scenarios and break down the factors that go into determining whether or not changing your policy would save you money.
How your insurance premium could change if you’re no longer making your daily commute
If you no longer have the same daily commute as you did when you bought your policy, consider updating the annual kilometres on your policy to reflect that change in your driving habits. Changing the kilometres listed in your car insurance policy may or may not lead to a reduction in your payments. Factors like the length of your commute and where you live impact your premium. If you previously had a long commute, you’re likely to save more by reducing your annual kilometres than someone who drove less to begin with. But it’s also worth noting that commute length is only one of the factors that goes into your premium calculation, so the amount you save by changing your kilometres may not be as much as you might expect. Your licensed insurance broker can find out exactly how much you could save by temporarily adjusting the kilometres on your policy.
After the kilometres are reduced on your policy, you can still use your vehicle for essential errands like grocery shopping or a visit to the pharmacy. When you start commuting again, let your broker know right away so they can make sure you have the coverage you need for your commute.
How your car insurance premium could change if you put your vehicle in storage
If you’re planning to take your vehicle off the road entirely, there are a couple of ways your broker might go about adjusting your coverage, and both can lead to significant savings. Depending on your situation, your broker will likely either remove all of your coverages except comprehensive coverage (for things like theft, vandalism, and other damage that could occur while your vehicle is in storage) or add an to your policy to suspend all of your road coverages. Either of these changes could result in much greater savings than just adjusting the length of your commute, since you won’t be driving at all while your vehicle is in storage (not even to the grocery store).
If you decide to go the storage route and significantly modify or suspend your coverage, you can’t drive your vehicle for any reason, as it’s illegal to drive in Canada without certain insurance coverages. You also won’t have any protection if you decide to drive and have an accident. When you’re ready to take your vehicle out of storage and start driving again, remember to let your insurance broker know so they can restart your coverage before you hit the road.
Always get insurance information from a trusted source
Have you ever heard the saying, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”? This is exactly why it’s so important to get your information from a trusted source — especially in a time like this. While some sources are reporting that Canadians may see premium reductions of up to 96% if they stop driving because of the pandemic, the reality is that the vast majority of customers won’t see such a drastic change.
When you’re looking for information about insurance (and especially when you’re wondering about potential changes to your premium), always contact your trusted broker or your insurance company for the most accurate information.
