Protecting What Summer Holds
Summer always has a way of reminding us of what matters most. Time at the cottage, a long weekend with family, or an evening with friends that runs a little later than planned — those are the moments we’re really trying to protect. I hope this summer gives you lots of them.
Changes to Ontario Auto Insurance
As of July 1, some important changes to Ontario auto insurance are now in place. A few coverages that used to be automatically included are now optional, which means the choices you make at renewal matter a little more than they used to. Nothing to panic about, but it is worth taking a few minutes to understand what has changed. Our brokers are walking clients through this as renewals come up, so we can make sure your coverage still makes sense for you and your family. If your renewal is coming up, or if you just want to talk it through, please reach out to your broker. We are happy to help.
Weather Worth Planning For
On Canada Day, severe storms moved through much of southern Ontario. Ottawa saw record rainfall, but it was not just an Ottawa issue. Trees and power lines were down, roads were closed, basements flooded, and more than a hundred thousand households lost power. No one plans their holiday around a storm like that, but that is the point. Severe weather can show up quickly, and often without much warning.
We have seen it before with tornadoes, windstorms, hail, and flooding across the communities we serve. It is a good reminder to know what your policy covers before you need it, especially when it comes to water damage, which can be confusing. If you have a cottage, boat, trailer, or any other seasonal property, now is also a good time to make sure everything is properly insured before the busiest part of summer.
If you were affected by the recent storms and need help with a claim, please reach out. We have in-house claims support, along with strong partnerships with 24/7 emergency restoration companies across the regions we serve. We are here if you need us.
Gifford Carr in the Community
Summer is always a busy time for the causes our team supports, and getting out into the communities we serve continues to be a big part of who we are.
In June, some of our team attended Taste for Hope in support of Shepherds of Good Hope, an organization we are proud to support each year. The evening brought together some of Ottawa’s best chefs and raised more than $437,000, a record for the event, to support programs for people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.
Later in the month, we were also part of the fifth annual Wilbert Keon Memorial Golf Tournament at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club. The tournament supports patient care, research, and education at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, a place that has meant a lot to many families across our region, including many connected to our own team.
These are the kinds of events our team cares about. Showing up matters, and we are always proud to do our part.
Make the Most of the Season
Whatever your summer looks like, I hope you get time with the people who matter most. Thanks, as always, for your continued trust.
– Matt
