REAL LIFE CLAIMS
Learning from Losses
Overloaded electrical sockets cause fire.
Location: City home
Cause of loss: Electrical fire
Cost of loss: $150,000 in damage
Details of loss: The insureds were sleeping when their smoke detector went off. Their home was on fire, so they fled and called 911. The home sustained extensive fire and smoke damage. The cause of the fire was an overloaded electrical socket in the basement, which overheated or shorted out and ignited belongings that were stacked near the plug
Lessons learned: Do not overload electrical sockets and ensure that all electrical work is done by a qualified electrician or, at a minimum, inspected by the electrical authority. Do not pile combustible belongings close to electrical sockets. make sure your home is equipped with smoke detectors that are operational and test them regularly.
Source: SGI's the Broker, Fall 2012
REAL-LIFE CLAIMS
Pinched cord results in two deaths
Location: City home
Cause of loss: Electrical fire
Cost of loss: Reserve sett at $135,000
Details of loss: The owners of a house were sleeping in the basement when a fire started. It was determined that an electrical cord to a television was pinched and started the fire. The house was a total loss. Tragically, the owners were unable to escape and died in the fire.
Lessons learned: Have your home inspected by an electrician to check for any unknown hazards. Make sure your home is equipped with smoke detectors that are operational and test them regularly.
Source: SGI's the Broker, Fall 2012
REAL-LIFE CLAIMS
Learning from losses
Garage destroyed, house damaged in block heater blaze
Location: City home.
Cause of loss: Fire caused by a faulty block heater cord.
Cost of loss: $160,000 in damage.
Details of loss: The insured got up in the morning and went in to the attached garage to plug in a vehicle so it would be warm for the drive to work. About an hour later, the insured went to get the newspaper and noticed smoke coming from the garage. An attempt was made to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. Emergency services was called and the fire department responded, but the garage was completely destroyed. The rest of the house suffered major fire, smoke and water damage. It was determined the fire was caused by the block heater cord.
Lessons learned: Have your vehicle serviced regularly, including your block heater. Make sure your vehicle's extension cord is rated for the amperage of your block heater and is in good condition -- with no frays, cuts or other damage. Always disconnect cords by holding the plug and not be pulling on the cord.
Source: SGI's the Broker, Fall 2012
PMC TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Beyond helping you find the right travel health coverage, there are many things you can do to ensure you travel with peace of mind.
1. Understand entry requirements and safety issues for the country you are visiting. Visit the Canadian government’s travel website at www.travel.gc.ca. Here you will find information on passport and document requirements. The site will advise of any travel warnings, personal safety issues and immunizations required for entry.
2. Ensure you purchase the correct coverage for the full duration of your trip. Read the travel provisions to make sure you understand your coverage and what is and isn’t included.
3. Don’t forget to take your travel health policy with you on your trip. Having your policy on hand will guarantee that you have the proper information available if you require medical services. Some countries, like Cuba and certain countries in Europe, require proof of health insurance before tourists can enter. Your Blue Cross or Travel Underwriters travel health policy will meet this requirement.
4. Be certain that you understand what to do in the case of an emergency. Remember to keep all emergency numbers handy in case you need help. Note your policy includes the number for 24-hour worldwide assistance if a medical emergency occurs in a foreign country.
5. If a pre-existing condition applies to your plan, make sure you understand what that means. Many plans will still cover you if your pre-existing condition is stable and controlled for at least 12 months. Understand the insurance company's definition of stable and controlled.
6. If you have any concerns when completing a medical questionnaire, please take the questionnaire to your physician to complete with your updated medical information. Remember that individuals who complete a medical questionnaire also agree to report any changes in medical conditions that would alter their medical questionnaire prior to departure.
