Most people get the winter blues when the cold temperatures set in and the nights get longer. But did you know that the winter blues can be brought on by other things like stress? There are a number of unforeseen situations that tend to happen in the wintertime that can bring on the winter blues and cause a lot of pain and frustration for people. To find out what these are and how to avoid getting the winter blues this season, read on.
Properly Close Down Your Cottage
Discovering that your cottage has a burst pipe, collapsed roof or pest invasion can really put a damper on your mood. To avoid any costly and unpleasant situations at your cottage this winter, be sure to drain your pipes, clean out the gutters, and board up the windows before closing it down. You should also make sure your cottage policy is up to date so it can provide you with the coverage you need to pay for any repairs or damages.
Keep Your Walkways Clear
Landlords and homeowners are required by law to clear snow and ice from their walkways and the adjacent sidewalks to their property. If you own a property or are managing one and happen to neglect these areas, you are putting yourself at risk. If someone slips and falls on your property, you could be held liable for their injuries. This includes paying for their medical bills and loss of wages if you are found to be negligent. Don’t make this mistake. Instead, check that you have the appropriate insurance in place to provide you with the coverage you need in the event of liability on your property.
Securely Store Your Snowmobile
Did you know that millions of dollars’ worth of snowmobiles and motorsport equipment is stolen every year in Canada? To ensure you don’t become a victim of theft, keep your snowmobile safely stored inside a locked garage or shed. And if you don’t have insurance on it, now might be the time to talk to a local agent to explore your options. Standard coverage can take care of any damage to your snowmobile in a collision or if it rolls over, cover against loss or damage for things like theft or vandalism and protect you from bodily injury caused to others.
Get Your Fireplace Inspected
Nothing compares to a warm fire during the wintertime, but fire also comes with many risks. Before you light the first log this winter, make sure that you have your fireplace inspected by a professional first. Then call your insurance provider to find out if you have all the right protections in place in the event that a fire does happen – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Check If Your Policy Covers Your Ice Rink
Skating is everyone’s favourite Canadian past time. But if you’re considering creating an ice rink in your own backyard, you might want to check that the homeowner’s policy provides coverage in the event that a neighbor hurts themselves on your rink. If you’re not covered, you could be held responsible for their injuries.
Get Those Winter Tires Installed
All season tires are not designed for areas that receive significant amounts of snow and ice. Winter tires are designed with deeper tread depth that can disperse snow and ice and shorten braking distances in order to avoid a collision on slippery surfaces. They are an absolute must in the wintertime if you want to protect yourself and others when out on the road. People often take collision coverage off their policy to save a little on their premiums. But it’s necessary since it will protect your car when you’re at-fault for hitting another vehicle, object or if your car rolls over. Without it, you could be held liable.
Put Your Boat in Proper Storage
The winter elements can really do a number on your boat if you don’t put it away. If you don’t want to pay for costly repairs in the spring, you need to put your boat in dry stack storage, or indoor storage. Even if your boat is properly stored, you should never remove your insurance. If a fire breaks out or someone or something breaks in and causes damage to your boat, you’ll want to make sure you have coverage in place to pay for the damages.
At MLS Insurance we’re in the business of helping people avoid the winter blues. Contact us today and we’ll go over all your insurance policies to make sure you have all the right protections in place. We’ll also check your rate to ensure you have the best plan for your lifestyle and budget. Contact us today!