DC-Dietitians of Canada Insurance Program

1. Do you have to buy home insurance?

You only have to buy Home insurance if you are applying for a mortgage. But if you are purchasing a home without a mortgage and decide not to purchase Home insurance be warned: your home is your most valuable asset and unexpected situations like floods, theft, and crime happen. You should still make an effort to protect yourself by purchasing Home insurance, even though it’s not mandated by the government or the bank.

2. What is a disappearing deductible?

Some insurers offer a reduction in your deductible for every consecutive year where you don’t make a claim until eventually you don’t have a deductible at all. However, if you ultimately need to make a claim again, the deductible will be restored to its original amount.

3. How are home premiums calculated?

Each insurer calculates your premium differently. Some common consideration factors include:

• Location;
• Condition/age of home;
• Number of years in home;
• Heating method;
• Fire-fighting support for location;
• Requested limit;
• Number of claims;
• And more.

4. When do I need to update my policy?

You should always review your policy on an annual basis. Beyond that, you should also notify your broker in the event of the following scenarios:

• Address change;
• Renovation;
• Addition of a home-based business;
• Purchase of high-value assets.

5. I just renovated my home, how will that impact my insurance policy?

Certain renovations –such as replacing your roof—could mean that you’re eligible for a discount. Renovations could also mean that the value of your home has increased and that you need to make sure that you are still adequately covered by your policy. Always consult your broker if you are planning on making any renovations to ensure that you are still getting the best coverage at the best possible price.

6. What’s the benefit of having Home and Auto insured together?

Bundling your Home and Auto insurance will help you save money on both policies. As an added benefit, if you need to make a claim on both your house and car, you will only need to pay one deductible.

7. Why do I need Auto insurance?

In Canada, you must have Auto insurance before you are allowed to drive a car. By law, you must have the following basic coverage:

• Accident benefits (if you or a passenger are hurt in an accident);
• Unknown/uninsured motorist (in the case of a hit and run);
• Liability (if someone sues you);
• Direct compensation for property damage (for damages to your vehicle from an accident which isn’t entirely your fault or where you are not at fault).

8. What other policy features are available beyond the basic Auto package?

Options will vary by province and need; however here are some commonly purchased coverages:

• Specified Perils: covers the cost to replace/repair your vehicle if it’s damaged by theft, fire, or other rare incidents;
• Comprehensive Insurance: provides protection for specified perils and other scenarios such as vandalism, falling objects, and more;
• Collision or Upset: covers the cost to replace/repair your vehicle if it’s in a crash or if it tips over;
• All Perils: Combines all of the above and more.

9. Are other drivers allowed to drive my car?

If they are licensed and have received your permission, they are allowed. However, all licensed drivers in your home must also be listed on your policy.

10. How much auto insurance is enough?

It varies by provincial requirements.

11. What does "at fault/not at fault" mean?

It is a percentage of responsibility that is assigned to every driver that is involved in an accident but is calculated differently by various insurers. You could be considered not at fault (0%), partially at fault (1-99%) or at fault (100%).

12. How are auto premiums calculated?

Each insurer assigns a different rate based on how they assess the following factors:

• Limit and deductible required;
• Make, model and year of your vehicle;
• Vehicle usage (errands, commuting, commercial, etc.);
• Distance travelled annually;
• Address;
• Driving experience;
• Claims history;
• And more.

13. When do I need to update my policy?

While you should review your policy at least once a year, make sure to contact your broker if: you move, buy a new vehicle, add a new licensed driver to your policy, or begin using your vehicle for business purposes.

14. I have a classic car. Will my regular Auto policy cover me?

No. You need to purchase Classic car insurance which will provide you with special coverage tailored for vintage and classic cars.

15. Why do I need to insure my child who’s away at school as a driver?

Your child is only away at school part time in a secondary residence. Their primary residence is still considered to be your home. The Canadian government mandates that you insure every licensed driver who resides in your home.

1. Do I have to buy BOTH Health and Dental?

No, you can opt out of Dental if you feel that you already have sufficient coverage through another plan.

2. Which services are encompassed in Health and Dental insurance?

With your Health and Dental plan you can access:

• Extended healthcare coverage that includes:
  • Annual reimbursement for prescription drugs;
  • 80% reimbursement with dispensing fee deductible;
  • 15 paramedical services such as massage, chiropractic, homeopath, etc.
  • $5 million Emergency Medical Travel coverage for trips within province;
  • Vision coverage: $50 for examinations (every 24 months), $250 for hardware.
• Dental coverage for preventative and basic restorative procedures;
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage;
• A weekly income benefit should you become disabled;
• A long-term disability benefit that activates after 26 weeks of continuous disability;
• An assistance plan for counselling and advisory services.

3. How does the Weekly Disability Benefit function?

If you become totally disabled, this benefit pays $250 weekly. Benefits will begin on the first day of an accident or hospitalization and on the 15th day of sickness, continuing for a period of 26 weeks if necessary.

4. When does Long Term Disability begin to apply and for how long will I receive benefits after becoming completely disabled?

After 26 weeks of continuous total disability, up to $3,000 monthly benefit is paid out tax free. Benefits will be paid out until age 65.

1. Why do I need Life insurance?

If you have a family or dependents, your Life insurance can ensure that they won’t suffer financially following your death.

2. Does my age affect my life insurance premiums?

Yes. Typically, the older you are the higher the risk and by association, the premium. That’s why experts recommend purchasing a Life insurance policy when you are younger. However, other factors like gender, medical history, smoking, can also impact your premiums.

3. Are there any restrictions as to who I can name as a beneficiary?

There is no restriction to who you can name as a beneficiary. That being said, if a beneficiary is a minor then a Trustee must be appointed for the duration of time until the beneficiary reaches the age of majority.

4. Is the payment my beneficiary receives tax-free?

Yes.

1. Is Critical Illness insurance paid out to my family after I pass away?

No. Critical Illness insurance is a living benefit and is usually paid out to you as a lump-sum following a survival period of 30 days after diagnosis of one of the listed illnesses.

2. What is a survival period and how long does it last?

A survival period refers to the waiting time between receiving a diagnosis and when your benefit is paid out. For most Critical Illness policies, it is 30 days.

3. How is the lump sum determined?

Typically, you need to purchase coverage for up to two years of income. However, we can offer you access to limits of up to $1 million. There is also no associated deductible.

4. Are there any restrictions as to how I can use the money from my Critical Illness Insurance?

No. You can use your Critical Illness insurance for anything from medical treatment to a luxurious vacation. How you want to spend your money is completely up to you.

1. Is Travel Medical Insurance purchased per trip or on a yearly basis?

It’s up to you. Both types of policies are available. However, purchasing on a yearly basis means you will be covered for all trips you take during that year. Purchasing per trip is more limited.

2. Can I add any additional travel protection to this policy?

Yes. We can add Lost Baggage and Trip Cancellation extensions to your coverage.

3. What is covered under Lost Baggage?

This provides protection for the replacement value of items in baggage that is lost during travel.

4. What is covered under Trip Cancellation?

This coverage provides reimbursement for travel expenses (airfare and accommodation) when the trip must be cancelled prior to or after departure for some unforeseen reason.

1. What's included in my pet insurance policy?

Accidents, illnesses, dental exams, exam fees, alternative therapies, surgery, medication, preventative care and more are covered in your pet insurance policy.

2. What is co-insurance?

Co-insurance is the percentage you pay of the total cost of the claim. For example, if insurance covers 80% of the claim, you pay the 20% out-of-pocket.

3. I have more than one pet. Do you offer a volume discount?

Yes. You’ll receive 10% off for enrolling three or more pets, and 15% off for enrolling six or more pets.

4. Are pre-existing conditions covered?

No. Unfortunately, pre-existing conditions that showed symptoms before the policy was enacted or during the waiting periods are not covered.