We strive at Al Hattie Insurance is to ensure that as a policy holder at our office you are properly covered under your insurance to cover modern claims scenarios in Saskatchewan. In years past, $1 million in liability coverage to a home, tenant, condo, or auto policy may have seemed more than enough. Unfortunately, this year has seen several claims rising not only above the $1 million but $2 million mark. Due to this trend, we are making sure that our customers are aware of the rising cost of fire and other claims to make sure they are fully covered in case of an accident.

A major fire claim in May this year was one of several incidents that show that rising cost of living and growing density in the city and province inevitably are leading to higher and higher claims. As people's busy lives don't always leave them enough time to or to study the claims market, we strive to make sure that you as the insured are provided with coverage that will do what it is supposed to in case of an emergency; make sure you are going to be covered in case of incident.

As of Jan. 1st 2014 all home, condo, tenant, and auto policies are going to be automatically renewed with $2 million liability coverage. We have unfortunately seen claims in the province that are well exceeding the previous standard of $1 million liability coverage and we don't want you to be paying for insurance and still end up with an enormous bill at the end of the day when an accident occurs. On most policies, to raise liability coverage from $1 million to $2 million will only see an increase of $1-$2 per month per unit on your current policy. $2 million liability coverage won't be mandatory, but will now be recommended for all policies as a minimum limit. If you feel like you are at risk of needing higher coverage, it is possible to also purchase up to $10 million liability coverage when you add an 'Umbrella' liability policy.

If you have questions regarding your policy, getting your coverage changed or increased, or don't know what coverage is best for your needs, please call us (306-955-2700 or toll free 1-888-450-2700) or stop by our office at 3020C Arlington Ave and talk to one of us.

Here is a practice test offered by SGI that every driver young and old should be able to pass. This test is mainly used as a study tool for young or new drivers, but see if you can pass it yoursef and maybe brush up on a couple rules of the road.

SGI Written Exam (Practice Test):

https://testdrivepractice.sgi.sk.ca/practice/exams

more info

Fall is quickly approaching, and while hopefully everyone has had their fair share of summer it is time to start thinking about your seasonal homes and vehicles and a few tips that can save you money this fall on your insurance and ensure you're properly covered through the winter. Motorcycles, trailers, and summer cars are examples of seasonal vehicles that you may have going into storage soon, and it's important to have proper coverage and how to avoid unnecessary fees. Make sure seasonal vehicles are a part of an auto policy before cancelling plates to ensure you get better rates and proper coverage while in storage. Vehicles must be added to an auto policy to ensure coverage while in storage and you will save money by receiving a substantially better rate when cancelling plates. In the case of motorcycles, cancelling your plates after the vehicle has been added to an auto policy allows you to pay an often smaller flat rate while cancelling them without being added to an auto policy results in a fee based on dollar value of the motorcycle. It's important to note that your home policies do not cover these vehicles.

Please feel free to phone us (1-888-450-2700) or stop by our office to check that other seasonal property like boats or ATVs are properly covered and that your seasonal home coverage is correctly valued throughout the winter. Further information and clarifications can be found here.

As of June 19th, SGI will be using a new set of questions regarding your Vehicle Registration eligibility in Saskatchewan. They will be using different questions to determine residency within the province, and to gather more information on the use of vehicles (be it for passengar or commericial use). A more in depth series of questions will be required when using vehicles for commercial purposes, which will relate to the types of industry the vehicle will be used within.

Another new feature will be vehicles bought out of province may be eligible for a 28 day deferral from inspection if they have the proper documentation. Please call our office during operating hours for details on what specific documents will be required for your out of province vehicles being registered in Saskatchewan (888-450-2700).