August 11, 2010 – Maintain your roof. Manage your risk. including the Roof Maintenance Checklist.

May 11, 2010 – Avoiding Freeze-Ups and Malfunctions of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems

January 20, 2009 – Averting Some Common Winter-Related Losses Bursting Pipes

May 12, 2008 – Autumn and Winter Risk Control

Please be advised that all of our offices will be closed for the Christmas Holiday’s from Saturday December 24th through Tuesday December 27th.  All offices will then open Wednesday December 28th.

For New Year’s, offices that are normally open Saturday’s (Leduc, Morinville, Spruce Grove, St Albert, Stony Plain and Westlock) will be open on December 31st from 9am to 1pm and all of our offices will be closed Monday January 2nd.

Happy Holidays from the staff at Drayden Insurance.

Edmonton, Alberta, November 30, 2011 – Edmonton Insurance Broker, Drayden Insurance Ltd, is offering their top winter safety advice to help minimize any losses or claims on home or auto insurance, often experienced during the snowy season.

Slipping and falling are experienced more in winter months due to weather trends so it is important for people to keep their walkways clear of ice and snow at all times. This will reduce the risk of a possible lawsuit and/or fines from the city.

For anyone going away this winter, Drayden Insurance emphasizes the importance of having someone responsible check an individual’s property every day to keep their home insurance coverage valid.  As an alternative, or in addition to, it is a good idea to drain/shut off all water systems and maintain the heat at a reasonable temperature while away to avoid frozen pipes.

For those that enjoy using wood-burning fireplaces on those cold blustery nights; make sure the fireplace and chimney are properly maintained and cleaned prior to seasonal usage.  This is in case there are unwanted house guests that could cause damage or fire.  Many also make use of candles more often in the colder months; please avoid any claims due to fire by using proper care and attention to ensure both the fire and candles are completely out prior to retiring for the night.

Drayden Insurance also recommends people protect their home from damage due to excess snow buildup.  Keep drains, gutters and downspouts clear. Blocked drains and gutters can trap snow on the roof and when the temperature rises and melting occurs these can easily freeze over becoming very heavy and then pull away from the house potentially causing damage.  Blocked drains and gutters can also become the starting place for ice dams; Ice dams can prevent proper draining and water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home.  Consider checking your attic for proper insulation & ventilation, both are important to keep ice dams at bay.  For more information see the Ice Dam Prevention link under our Safety & Loss Tips section of our website.

Loreen Belovich, CEO of Drayden Insurance says “though the snow has pretty much held off so far this winter, it is still important to remember to keep your roof clear of snow to prevent roof collapse.  Building designs determine how much loading a roof can withstand.  Although a collapse can occur on any roof surface, flat roofs are more susceptible to snow and ice accumulation and ice blockages.”

To avoid any auto insurance claims this winter, and to keep safe, Drayden Insurance recommends winterizing vehicles; use the proper tires, drive for the road conditions and keep an emergency road kit on board complete with a blanket, flares, reflectors and candles.  Other items to consider in case stuck in the snow for an extended period of time is water and energy bars.  Take precautions when leaving the vehicle running, spare keys and locked doors are paramount during the wintery weather. Lastly, never leave children unattended in a running vehicle and PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Drayden Insurance Ltd, an Edmonton Insurance Broker, has teamed up with the Alberta Snowmobile Association, and one of the many insurance companies Drayden works with, to offer snowmobilers special rates & possible discounts on their snowmobile insurance this season.  Just like a vehicle owner gets car insurance, ASA members that get snowmobile insurance can be assured that their sled is protected from losses or perils that could occur this snowy season.

Drayden Insurance will insure a snowmobiler’s sled even if their home & auto insurance policies are elsewhere, however extra discounts are available to members for including several insurance policies together, for example, if an ASA member has both their car and home insurance with Drayden.  We also offer ASA members a special payment plan; “It is important to us to help keep snowmobilers safe and protected.  To help ensure snowmobilers get the insurance protection needed, we’ve arranged so that members of the ASA can benefit from not paying service charges on their monthly payment plans,” said Loreen Belovich, B.Comm, CMA, Senior VP & CFO for Drayden Insurance Ltd.

Drayden Insurance offers optional coverage that can be applied to an ASA Member’s Snowmobile policy, including:

• SEF 43R Limited Waiver of Depreciation can be applied for the first 24 months on a newly purchased sled
• Loss of Use coverage provides you with a rental sled if a loss is due to an insured peril “an exposure to injury, loss, or destruction; grave risk; jeopardy; danger”
• Fire & Theft deductibles can ensure that if either occurs, you’ll be protected.

Are you ready for the snowmobile season to begin?  If unsure, we encourage you to drop by the ASA and Drayden Insurance booth at the 2011 Alberta Snowmobile, ATV & Off Road Show at Edmonton’s Northlands EXPO Centre October 21 to 23, 2011 for more information on snowmobile insurance.  Or contact our nearest Drayden Insurance office to get protected and insure your snowmobile.  Please remember to be safe this sledding season!

On our home page customers will find quick access to our Free Online Quoting system, where within minutes a quote will be received from multiple insurance companies for personal property insurance, such as home, condo or car insurance. From there an insurance policy can be purchased directly from Drayden Insurance Ltd.  Here a few of Drayden’s top pages have been highlighted to keep these highly used pages within easy access; Auto Insurance, Registry Services, Branch Locations and Contact Us.

“With the new search function and dynamic menu bar, customers will find it easier and more effective when looking for a specific type of insurance product or valuable service.  Whether it is Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, or Farm Insurance they’ll easily find these items and our vast array of insurance products.  We feel we are better able to facilitate our customers’ insurance and registry needs with the site’s online quoting system, our new design, and the ability to navigate through our wide range of products and services,” said Loreen Belovich, B.Comm, CMA, Senior VP & CFO for Drayden Insurance Ltd.

If looking for the types of Registry services provided by four of Drayden Insurance offices (St Albert, Spruce Grove, Morinville & Westlock), customers will discover that the services offered have been made much clearer.

Drayden Insurance Ltd encourages feedback on their new user-friendly website.

Ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Level I General Insurance license
• Personal lines knowledge and experience
• Microsoft Office, The Agency Manager (TAM) and/or other insurance software knowledge
• CAIB or working towards CAIB, CIP or other insurance designation
• Post secondary education
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Results oriented with a strong customer service background

Compensation will be based upon experience.

Ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Level II General Insurance license
• 10 – 15 years comprehensive commercial lines experience
• CIP, FCIP or other insurance related designation
• Post secondary education
• Excellent customer service skills
• Skilled in creating new relationships
• Results oriented
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Travel required

Compensation will be based upon experience.