Ontario Teacher's Insurance Plan (OTIP)
September 2021
Welcome Back to School. You’ve got this!
OTIP Has Your Back With Insurance coverage, helpful tips and exclusive offers, designed just for you!
You may be most familiar with OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan), as the provider of your group health and dental benefits. Did you know that we also offer personal insurance coverage? As members of the Ontario education community, you are eligible for exclusive rates on home and auto insurance. Plus, we offer the added convenience of an in-house claims services. If you are retiring soon, OTIP offers three retiree health, dental and travel insurance plans to choose from.
As members of the Ontario education community, you also have access to exclusive contests, promotions and special offers, including Edvantage--your exclusive savings program. Get access to discounts on household brands, travel, financial services and more!
Read on to learn more about what OTIP has to offer you.
Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article123.
OTIP Has Your Back With Insurance coverage, helpful tips and exclusive offers, designed just for you!
You may be most familiar with OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan), as the provider of your group health and dental benefits. Did you know that we also offer personal insurance coverage? As members of the Ontario education community, you are eligible for exclusive rates on home and auto insurance. Plus, we offer the added convenience of an in-house claims services. If you are retiring soon, OTIP offers three retiree health, dental and travel insurance plans to choose from.
As members of the Ontario education community, you also have access to exclusive contests, promotions and special offers, including Edvantage--your exclusive savings program. Get access to discounts on household brands, travel, financial services and more!
Read on to learn more about what OTIP has to offer you.
Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article123.
Protect Yourself Against Insurance Fraud
Simply put, the impact of fraud on the car insurance industry is staggering. It’s easy to dismiss insurance fraud as something that will never impact you, but in reality, it ends up costing insurers $1.6 billion each year. These costs ultimately are paid for by the insurance company and the policyholders – many of which are completely innocent.1 Can you believe that on average, $236 of your annual car insurance premium goes towards paying for the illegal activities of fraudsters?1 Being informed and learning how to recognize fraud is one way to help reduce these costs.
Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article122.
Simply put, the impact of fraud on the car insurance industry is staggering. It’s easy to dismiss insurance fraud as something that will never impact you, but in reality, it ends up costing insurers $1.6 billion each year. These costs ultimately are paid for by the insurance company and the policyholders – many of which are completely innocent.1 Can you believe that on average, $236 of your annual car insurance premium goes towards paying for the illegal activities of fraudsters?1 Being informed and learning how to recognize fraud is one way to help reduce these costs.
Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article122.
5 Steps to Building the Perfect Backyard Oasis
Spending more time at home during the pandemic has caused many Canadians to start dreaming about backyard renovations. In 2021, Canadians are projected to spend a collective $76 billion on renovations, up from $60 billion in pre-pandemic years.1
Whether you’re adding or renovating a fence, patio, swimming pool, deck or landscaping, crafting your own personal backyard oasis can be an exciting project. Before you start, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make your project run smoothly.
Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article121.
Spending more time at home during the pandemic has caused many Canadians to start dreaming about backyard renovations. In 2021, Canadians are projected to spend a collective $76 billion on renovations, up from $60 billion in pre-pandemic years.1
Whether you’re adding or renovating a fence, patio, swimming pool, deck or landscaping, crafting your own personal backyard oasis can be an exciting project. Before you start, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make your project run smoothly.
Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article121.
June 2021
We’re HERE, to get you THERE
Enter for your chance to win $10,000 in cash or 1 of 2 $500 VIA Rail gift cards!
Let us help you save for that new car, home renovation, child’s education fund or retirement.
Enter today: OTIP.com/OTIPwin
No purchase necessary. Open to all active and retired Ontario education members. Must be an Ontario resident, minimum 18 years of age to enter. Contest closes August 31, 2021.
Selected winners must correctly answer a skill-testing question.
Full contest rules at
www.otip.com/contest-rules.
Odds of winning depend on entries received by the draw date for the prizes.
Enter for your chance to win $10,000 in cash or 1 of 2 $500 VIA Rail gift cards!
Let us help you save for that new car, home renovation, child’s education fund or retirement.
Enter today: OTIP.com/OTIPwin
No purchase necessary. Open to all active and retired Ontario education members. Must be an Ontario resident, minimum 18 years of age to enter. Contest closes August 31, 2021.
Selected winners must correctly answer a skill-testing question.
Full contest rules at
www.otip.com/contest-rules.
Odds of winning depend on entries received by the draw date for the prizes.
Home delivery risks and how you can prevent them
Taking more of your shopping online? You’re not alone. E-commerce sales in Canada hit an all-time high in 2020 as many Canadians turned to online shopping and home delivery services during the pandemic. While home delivery offers a safe and convenient way to receive your goods, it’s important to think about the associated risks and what you can do to prevent them.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article115.
Taking more of your shopping online? You’re not alone. E-commerce sales in Canada hit an all-time high in 2020 as many Canadians turned to online shopping and home delivery services during the pandemic. While home delivery offers a safe and convenient way to receive your goods, it’s important to think about the associated risks and what you can do to prevent them.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article115.
4 ways to protect your car from vandalism and theft
Your car is valuable, making it a prime target for vandalism and theft. In 2020, the top stolen cars in Ontario were the Lexus RX, Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Accord, so if you own one of those vehicles you should take extra care to deter thieves. Criminals steal or damage vehicles for a variety of reasons: to get access to valuables inside the car, to sell, to get somewhere or to commit another crime. The costs of these crimes add up — in Canada, auto theft costs Canadians close to a billion dollars a year.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article114.
Your car is valuable, making it a prime target for vandalism and theft. In 2020, the top stolen cars in Ontario were the Lexus RX, Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Accord, so if you own one of those vehicles you should take extra care to deter thieves. Criminals steal or damage vehicles for a variety of reasons: to get access to valuables inside the car, to sell, to get somewhere or to commit another crime. The costs of these crimes add up — in Canada, auto theft costs Canadians close to a billion dollars a year.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article114.
May 2021
New driver in the house?
Discover how you can save money on insurance premiums!
It’s no secret that new drivers pay higher car insurance premiums, as they have less experience behind the wheel and the need to build up a safe driving record. This inexperience contributes to the overrepresentation of teenage drivers in car accidents — although young Canadians represent 13% of the licensed driving population, they account for 20% of motor vehicle deaths and injuries.1 However, there are ways to save on car insurance for a new driver.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article111.
Discover how you can save money on insurance premiums!
It’s no secret that new drivers pay higher car insurance premiums, as they have less experience behind the wheel and the need to build up a safe driving record. This inexperience contributes to the overrepresentation of teenage drivers in car accidents — although young Canadians represent 13% of the licensed driving population, they account for 20% of motor vehicle deaths and injuries.1 However, there are ways to save on car insurance for a new driver.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article111.
Protecting your privacy when using electronic pink slips
In some Canadian provinces – including Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador – drivers can now display an electronic pink slip on their smartphone when asked for proof of insurance. This provides a more convenient option over paper pink slips, which can be easy to lose and difficult to replace. However, many drivers are wondering what their rights and responsibilities are when handing over their phone to a police officer – and how they can protect their privacy while obeying the law.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article110.
In some Canadian provinces – including Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador – drivers can now display an electronic pink slip on their smartphone when asked for proof of insurance. This provides a more convenient option over paper pink slips, which can be easy to lose and difficult to replace. However, many drivers are wondering what their rights and responsibilities are when handing over their phone to a police officer – and how they can protect their privacy while obeying the law.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article110.
APRIL 2021
Staycation ideas for April break 2021
With continued restrictions in place on travel and social gatherings, many Canadians are looking for ways to make the most of their April break while keeping themselves and their communities safe. We’ve rounded up a list of eight staycation ideas that you can safely do together at home this spring break.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article108.
With continued restrictions in place on travel and social gatherings, many Canadians are looking for ways to make the most of their April break while keeping themselves and their communities safe. We’ve rounded up a list of eight staycation ideas that you can safely do together at home this spring break.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article108.
What to look for when buying a car seat
Keeping your child safe while driving is extremely important. A car seat or booster seat is a crucial piece of safety equipment that, when used correctly, greatly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision. Read on for frequently asked questions about purchasing a car seat to learn what to look for to best protect your child while in the car.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article109.
Keeping your child safe while driving is extremely important. A car seat or booster seat is a crucial piece of safety equipment that, when used correctly, greatly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision. Read on for frequently asked questions about purchasing a car seat to learn what to look for to best protect your child while in the car.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article109.
March 2021
How a dash cam can help you save on car insurance
Are you among the one in ten Canadian drivers who has a dash cam installed in their car? As car safety technology continues to advance and more gadgets become available, dash cams are becoming an increasingly popular topic of conversation. With the average retail price upwards of $100, many drivers are wondering if installing a dash cam is worth it.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article103.
Are you among the one in ten Canadian drivers who has a dash cam installed in their car? As car safety technology continues to advance and more gadgets become available, dash cams are becoming an increasingly popular topic of conversation. With the average retail price upwards of $100, many drivers are wondering if installing a dash cam is worth it.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article103.
Buying a car?
Why your insurance provider should be the first person you tell
Whether you are driving a shiny new car off the lot or found a used car in good shape on an auto buy-and-sell page, you’ll need to notify your insurer before you write the cheque. The make, model and year of your vehicle are key factors in determining your auto insurance policy premiums and ensuring that you have the right amount of coverage in place. That’s why it’s so important to contact your insurance provider before you purchase a new vehicle. Depending on the make, model and year of your new vehicle, keeping your insurer updated could save you on your insurance premiums.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article102.
Why your insurance provider should be the first person you tell
Whether you are driving a shiny new car off the lot or found a used car in good shape on an auto buy-and-sell page, you’ll need to notify your insurer before you write the cheque. The make, model and year of your vehicle are key factors in determining your auto insurance policy premiums and ensuring that you have the right amount of coverage in place. That’s why it’s so important to contact your insurance provider before you purchase a new vehicle. Depending on the make, model and year of your new vehicle, keeping your insurer updated could save you on your insurance premiums.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article102.
February 2021
5 COMMON DRIVING VIOLATIONS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
While we all do our best to obey the rules of the road, sometimes even the most seasoned drivers find themselves on the other side of a traffic stop. Getting pulled over for a driving violation generally results in a ticket to pay, along with a potential increase to your car insurance premium. Worried you may have picked up some bad driving habits over the years? As a refresher, here are some of the most common driving violations and how to avoid them.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article98.
While we all do our best to obey the rules of the road, sometimes even the most seasoned drivers find themselves on the other side of a traffic stop. Getting pulled over for a driving violation generally results in a ticket to pay, along with a potential increase to your car insurance premium. Worried you may have picked up some bad driving habits over the years? As a refresher, here are some of the most common driving violations and how to avoid them.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article98.
MYTH BUSTER: THE TRUTH ABOUT WORKING WITH AN INSURANCE BROKER
If you’ve never worked with an insurance broker, you may have questions about what they do and how they are unique in the market place. Learn how OTIP insurance brokers advocate for thousands of members like you ensuring they make the right choice for their auto and home insurance needs.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article97.
If you’ve never worked with an insurance broker, you may have questions about what they do and how they are unique in the market place. Learn how OTIP insurance brokers advocate for thousands of members like you ensuring they make the right choice for their auto and home insurance needs.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article97.
January 2021
Move over: How to safely respond to emergency vehicles while driving
Seeing flashing lights approach you as you’re driving can be stressful. Some drivers panic and don’t effectively move out of the way, causing delays for emergency vehicles. The acronym “L.I.G.H.T.” will help you calmly and safely clear the way with five simple steps.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article95.
How to stay safe during an ice storm
When raindrops fall through a cold layer of air onto surfaces below 0⁰ C, it creates the perfect storm: freezing rain. Although ice covered tree branches can look pretty, most Canadians know how dangerous an ice storm can be. Ice storms can cause car accidents, nasty falls and power outages from fallen tree branches.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article93.
December 2020
How to break the cycle of stress and bad sleep
Research has shown that there is a close connection between stress and sleep. The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified perceived feelings of stress – and as a result poor sleep. Many of you are facing an abundance of competing pressures like never before – adapting to new teaching and learning technologies, managing COVID protocols in schools, balancing life/work priorities, and the list goes on. There’s no doubt these are stressful and challenging times. But it’s important to understand that good sleep is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article88.
Research has shown that there is a close connection between stress and sleep. The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified perceived feelings of stress – and as a result poor sleep. Many of you are facing an abundance of competing pressures like never before – adapting to new teaching and learning technologies, managing COVID protocols in schools, balancing life/work priorities, and the list goes on. There’s no doubt these are stressful and challenging times. But it’s important to understand that good sleep is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article88.
Fireplace safety tips for a cozy and safe winter
There’s nothing quite like cozying up by the fireplace on a cold winter’s evening. While many Canadians look forward to the warmth, light and ambiance that comes with a home fireplace, it’s important to practice proper fireplace safety. Review the following fireplace safety tips to ensure that you, your family and your home stay safe this season.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article90.
There’s nothing quite like cozying up by the fireplace on a cold winter’s evening. While many Canadians look forward to the warmth, light and ambiance that comes with a home fireplace, it’s important to practice proper fireplace safety. Review the following fireplace safety tips to ensure that you, your family and your home stay safe this season.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article90.
How to avoid issues when submitting an insurance claim
At OTIP, members are our reason for being, and helping you protect the people and things that mean the most to you is what we do best. No one wants to be faced with unexpected obstacles during the claims process, and we strive to make it hassle free. To ensure you don’t run into any issues when submitting a home or auto insurance claim, review these tips.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article92.
At OTIP, members are our reason for being, and helping you protect the people and things that mean the most to you is what we do best. No one wants to be faced with unexpected obstacles during the claims process, and we strive to make it hassle free. To ensure you don’t run into any issues when submitting a home or auto insurance claim, review these tips.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article92.
November 2020
Driving in the rain? How to avoid hydroplaning and control your vehicle
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water comes between your car’s tires and the road, causing your car to skid or slide across a wet surface. Even for the most experienced driver, this loss of steering and braking control can be a terrifying experience with potentially disastrous consequences.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article85.
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water comes between your car’s tires and the road, causing your car to skid or slide across a wet surface. Even for the most experienced driver, this loss of steering and braking control can be a terrifying experience with potentially disastrous consequences.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article85.
How growing or using recreational marijuana may impact your home insurance
The consumption, possession and growing of recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada in late 2018. While the legalization of recreational cannabis is still quite new, many Canadians are starting to wonder how this change may impact their home insurance premiums or their ability to secure coverage.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article86
The consumption, possession and growing of recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada in late 2018. While the legalization of recreational cannabis is still quite new, many Canadians are starting to wonder how this change may impact their home insurance premiums or their ability to secure coverage.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article86
October 2020
Driving For a Rideshare or Food Delivery App Company On The Side? Make Sure You Are Covered!
If you’re looking for a way to make extra cash, signing up to be a driver for a popular rideshare or food delivery app like Uber or Skip the Dishes as a part-time gig can be lucrative. However, it also increases your risk of getting into a car accident. When you spend hours of your day on the road, you’re more likely to encounter an unsafe driver or make mistakes due to fatigue. If you do get into an accident, it’s important to know if your personal car insurance will cover any damages, the app company provides coverage for its drivers or you need to purchase additional coverage.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article82
If you’re looking for a way to make extra cash, signing up to be a driver for a popular rideshare or food delivery app like Uber or Skip the Dishes as a part-time gig can be lucrative. However, it also increases your risk of getting into a car accident. When you spend hours of your day on the road, you’re more likely to encounter an unsafe driver or make mistakes due to fatigue. If you do get into an accident, it’s important to know if your personal car insurance will cover any damages, the app company provides coverage for its drivers or you need to purchase additional coverage.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article82
Don’t Make These 5 Common Renovation Mistakes!
Renovating can make your home or office feel fresh, new and inviting. It’s an exciting opportunity to dream about your ideal space and make it a reality. If you’re going through the time, effort and expense to renovate, make sure you do it right the first time around by avoiding these five common mistakes. Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article83
Renovating can make your home or office feel fresh, new and inviting. It’s an exciting opportunity to dream about your ideal space and make it a reality. If you’re going through the time, effort and expense to renovate, make sure you do it right the first time around by avoiding these five common mistakes. Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article83
September 2020
Essential Tips to Keep Our Streets Safe
As our roads and sidewalks are beginning to fill with students walking and biking to school, it’s a good time to review road safety practices. Pedestrians account for 14% of all serious road injuries and 15% of road fatalities; it is up to both drivers and pedestrians to help improve the safety of our streets for all road users. Here are a few tips for both drivers and pedestrians to keep in mind as we navigate our shared spaces. Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article81
Essential Tips to Keep Our Streets Safe
As our roads and sidewalks are beginning to fill with students walking and biking to school, it’s a good time to review road safety practices. Pedestrians account for 14% of all serious road injuries and 15% of road fatalities; it is up to both drivers and pedestrians to help improve the safety of our streets for all road users. Here are a few tips for both drivers and pedestrians to keep in mind as we navigate our shared spaces. Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article81
OTIP Welcomes You Back With a Chance to Win $10,000!
As a new school year begins, so does a brand-new contest from OTIP. We want to give you the chance to win $10,000 in cash or 1 of 2 $500 VIA Rail gift cards to help you get wherever it is that you want to go! You could buy that new car, save for your child’s education, take a vacation or put a down payment on a new house, it is up to you!
To enter the contest for your chance to win, visit: www.OTIP.com/get_you_there