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Planning a vacation or need a day at the spa?
Renovating your home?
Looking for a break on your phone bill?
Check out our website on your desktop or mobile device today.
Get Started Today!
1. Go to edvantage.ca/save to access the exclusive offers.
2. If you haven’t already registered for your account, visit edvantage.ca/register-now.
3. Don’t miss out on the latest deals, sign up for deal alerts at edvantage.ca/deal-alerts.
Please note: if you have not logged in recently, you may be prompted to reset your Edvantage account on their website.
OTIP NEWS
OTIP welcomes you back with a chance to win $10,000!
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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's up to you! To enter the contest for your chance to win, visit: www.OTIP.com/get_you_there
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Essential tips to keep our streets safe
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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
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Why you need to tell your insurer if you install a roof rack or make other car modifications
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Thinking about installing a roof rack on your car for bikes or skis, or modifying your vehicle in another way? Always inform your insurer before you make any changes to your vehicle. Modifications can impact your insurance if they alter the vehicle’s safety, increase the likelihood of an accident, or increase the value of the vehicle. Here are a few things you need to know about the various types of vehicle modifications: www.otipinsurance.com/article73.
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10 tips for safe summer grilling
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Many Canadians choose to take their cooking outdoors in the summer to make the most of the long days of sunshine. However, it’s important to take precautions when barbecuing to prevent potential fire-related injuries and damage to your home. Before you light up the grill this summer, make sure to review the following grilling safety tips.
For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article72. |
SPRING CLEANING? TIDY YOUR HOME WITH THESE TIPS!
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With warmer, sunnier days comes the annual tradition of spring cleaning, a time to freshen up your home inside and out. Getting rid of the extra clutter and dirt that accumulated throughout the winter can make you feel bright and ready for relaxing during long summer days. Here are a few tips on how to have a successful and refreshing spring clean this season.
For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article70. |
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COVID-19: HOW IT COULD IMPACT YOUR HOME AND CAR INSURANCE
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The COVID-19 outbreak is changing many aspects of our daily lives. To help navigate these changes, OTIP has compiled a list of commonly-asked questions about the potential impact on your home or auto insurance coverage.
To learn more about COVID-19 and your insurance, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article68. |
COVID-19: WE'RE HERE TO HELP!As the situation with COVID-19 keeps evolving, OTIP continues to work closely with its stakeholders and partners to make proactive decisions that are grounded in care for its members and employees. Learn what you need to know about access OTIP’s services during this time. For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article67.
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TIPS TO GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND DURING YOUR MARCH BREAK VACATION
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A March break family vacation is a great time to build lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and escape from normal day-to-day life. When you’re getting ready for a vacation, make sure you’re also taking steps to give yourself peace of mind while you’re away by protecting your home and car. Follow the tips below to ensure you have the important things covered before you hit the road! For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article63.
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WHAT LIFE CHANGES DO I NEED TO TELL MY HOME AND AUTO INSURER ABOUT?
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Got a new job, moved into a new home, or sold your car? Your insurance broker may not be the first person you think to discuss your life changes with, but in certain cases it’s important to notify them as soon as possible. This is because many life changes can impact your insurance premiums. In some cases, a failure to notify your insurance broker within the time period indicated on your policy could result in one of several penalties, including your insurer’s decision not to renew your policy. For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article62.
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How you can benefit from smart home technology
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With recent advancements in technology, smart home devices have become more accessible to homeowners than ever before. Now you can control the temperature, locks, or lighting in your home with the touch of a finger or simple voice command. Whether you’re interested in enhancing your home security, saving money on your energy bills, or expanding your home entertainment system, smart home technology can assist you.
For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article60. |
IF I'M NOT A FAULT IN A CAR ACCIDENT, DO I HAVE TO PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE?
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If you’re in a car accident and your insurance provider determines that you were not at fault, one of the first questions you probably have is “If it wasn’t my fault, do I have to pay a deductible?” Although each situation is unique and there is no quick and easy answer, here are a few factors that can determine whether you will have to pay.
For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article59. |
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10 snowmobile safety tips to keep in mind before hitting the trails this winter
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Now that winter is here in full force, many Canadians are looking forward to hitting the snowmobile trails and gliding over kilometre after kilometre of fresh snow. Depending on where you live, snowmobiling may be more than a recreational activity. In some rural locations, snowmobiles also serve as a valuable mode of transportation. Whether you snowmobile for fun, or to get from one point to another, there are essential safety considerations to keep in mind before heading out.
For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article58. |
PLANNING TO BUILD A BACKYARD ICE RINK? SKATE SMOOTHLY WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS
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Building a backyard rink can provide hours of winter fun for you, your family, and friends. Whether you’re teaching your son to skate, lacing up for some after-work exercise, or teaching your daughter how to perfect her slapshot, a backyard ice rink will help you make the most of the winter months. But building a winter rink also comes with the responsibility of maintaining it and watching out for safety hazards. Here are a few tips to keep your family and friends safe on the ice: www.otipinsurance.com/article56.
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12 tips for safer holiday home decorating
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For many, the holidays are a joyous and busy time of year. Between entertaining guests, decorating your home and shopping for gifts, it’s easy to get wrapped up (no pun intended) in the holiday cheer – leaving safety as one of the last things on your mind. However, certain holiday decorations can introduce new risks into your home that you need to be aware of and plan for. Before you start ‘decking the halls’ this holiday season, here are twelve practical safety tips you should follow to keep you, your home, and your loved ones safe.
For more information, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article55. |
10 items you need in your car'S emergency kit
How To Protect Your Family From Deadly, Invisible Gases
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Radon and carbon monoxide are poisonous gases that are odourless, colourless and tasteless, making them threats to the safety of your home. Exposure to high levels of radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, causing over 3,200 Canadian deaths each year. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in North America. By taking the proper precautions, you can help protect your home and family from these deadly gases. See www.otipinsurance.com/article51 for more.
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10 Common Car Insurance Myths DebunkedMYTH: The type of car I drive has no impact on my insurance rates.
FACT: Yes, the type of car that you drive does indeed influence your car insurance rates. Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article49 |
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Not sure what to do if you get into a car accident?
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Follow these 5 steps
It’s just another day and you’re driving to work, picking up your kids, buying groceries, or viiting family when it happens—a car accident. After screeching to a halt, your adrenaline is pumping, your heart is racing, and your palms are sweating. When you’re in a panic it can be tricky to know what to do. By reviewing these steps now, you’ll be ready to jump into action if the time comes. To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article48 |
Home Fire Safety
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No one wants to lose their home or possessions due to a house fire. It is a devastating event that can take months or even years to recover from. Fire awareness week is October 6 to 12, and is a good time to learn more about preventing and recovering from house fires. Most house fires seem to occur between November and March1, making October a great time to enhance your knowledge. Staying mindful and alert to any potential dangers in your home is the key to preventing a fire before it starts.
To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article46 |
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Water Damage: What You Need to KnowWater damage can be dangerous, not only to the integrity of your home, but also to your health. It is important to know how to prevent water damage, as well as how to recover from it. Any dwelling has the potential to experience leaks, which could cause damage to your flooring, drywall, and belongings; not to mention harmful mold that can take root and cause health issues.
To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article45 |
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School bus safety: how not abiding by the rules of the road can affect your insurance rates
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Did you know that a single infraction involving a school bus can affect your car insurance premiums? Road safety, especially related to school buses and children, is very important. This importance is reflected in insurance company policies, which penalize drivers who do not exercise proper caution around children. The best course of action is to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road, and to remain vigilant around school zones and buses.
To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article43 |
FAQ: Insuring RVs and Seasonal Properties
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With the weather heating up and summer vacation quickly approaching, you’re probably thinking more about trips to the cottage or camping trips in the RV rather than your insurance. However, summer activities that involve the use of recreational vehicles or seasonal properties often require specialized insurance coverage. It’s important to regularly review your insurance policies for these seasonal items with your broker so that you can be confident that you and your loved ones are protected. To learn more, click here: www.otipinsurance.com/article42
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Planning a Summer Road Trip Through Canada on a Budget
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Canada is known worldwide for its natural beauty. With rolling hills, sparkling blue waters, boreal forests, natural parks, and mountain peaks, Canada really has it all. If you’re looking to explore more of this beautiful country over the summer without breaking the bank, follow this helpful guide of national attractions you can visit that won’t cost you much more than the gas required to take you there.
To learn more, click here: www.otipinsurance.com/article41 |
I’m Moving: What About My Home Insurance Policy?Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but it’s also a very busy time. While you start checking off the boxes on your moving to-do list, it’s important to remember that your home insurance has to be taken care of well before your move-in date. Take a look at the moving and home insurance frequently asked questions below so that you can look forward to making memories in your new home, confident that you have the coverage you need. To learn more, click here: www.otipinsurance.com/article40
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Preparing for Retirement? 5 Tips You Need to FollowAre you thinking about retiring soon? As your career comes to an end and a new phase of your life begins, you want to ensure that you’re prepared to make the most of the new opportunities and experiences that retirement brings. Follow these five tips to make sure you’re on track for a fulfilling retirement: www.OTIPinsurance.com/article39
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5 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring on a BudgetWith the cold weather behind us, it’s the perfect time to spruce up your home’s interior in preparation for the warm and bright season ahead. To learn more about 5 easy ways you can freshen up your home this spring on a budget, please visit www.otipinsurance.com/article38.
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How to Save Money on Home & Auto Insurance
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It’s important to have enough coverage on your home and auto policies so you can get back to where you started in the event of a total loss – but that doesn’t mean you should be paying more than you have to. There are a number of factors than can reduce the cost of your insurance, some of which could save you hundreds of dollars.
Visit www.otipinsurance.com/article37 to discover home and auto insurance savings and discount options for which you may be eligible. |
Crossing the Border this March Break?Visiting family? Attending a special event? Looking for warmer weather? Whatever the reason, if you’re planning on driving your own car to the United States over March Break, it’s important to be prepared. Follow this pre-departure checklist to ensure your border experience is a smooth one, so you and your loved ones can spend more time enjoying your well-deserved break. To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article36
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Ontario’s insurance industry enters hard marketIf you are shopping for car or home insurance, chances are you may have heard that Ontario is now entering what industry veterans refer to as a “hard market.” It is a challenging cycle that comes about every six to eight years that can lead to higher insurance premiums and stricter underwriting practices. To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article35
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Winter Activities for the Outdoor EnthusiastOne of the many things that makes Canada such a great place to live is its array of beautiful natural landscapes and the outdoor activities that they offer. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy them. In fact, there are many outdoor activities that are still possible (if not better!) in the winter months. Since Canadian winters can seem to drag on forever, there’s really only one thing left to do: bundle up and embrace the great outdoors. To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article34
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Keep your heart beating strong
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February is Heart Health Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about heart disease and how you can help prevent it by living a healthier life. Heart disease is a buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries that can lead to a heart attack, heart failure or death. Approximately 1 out of 12 (or 2.4 million) Canadians live with heart disease. However, as of 2013, the rate of Canadians diagnosed with heart disease began decreasing. To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article33 |
Tenant Insurance: is it worth it?About 34 per cent of Canadians rent their homes, yet more than half of Canadian renters (58.2 per cent) are living without any tenant insurance coverage. While tenants are not currently required to have a tenant insurance policy in place, most are confused about the level of coverage available through their landlord’s insurance. To learn more about tenant insurance, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article32
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What to do if you get in a car accident
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Car accidents usually occur without warning. Although you may take every safety precaution possible, the unexpected can still happen. If you find yourself in a car accident, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Try to remain calm. 2. Call 911 for help. 3. Collect information from the other driver(s). 4. Report the accident to the police if the damages are over $2,000. 5. The insurance company will determine who is at fault. For more details, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article31 |
How to Avoid Holiday Hazards: Home Safety Tips for the Holidays
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The holiday season is a special time of the year when we get the chance to gather with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and share in the festive spirit. However, with fun and festivity comes some increased safety risks. You can avoid holiday hazards by following these safety tips to keep you, your home and your loved ones safe this holiday season.To learn more, visit https://www.otipinsurance.com/article30
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Your path to a stress-free holiday season
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The holidays are a time to spend with family, friends and loved ones but it can also be very stressful. Between finding the perfect gifts, cooking the traditional turkey with fixings, and accommodating everyone’s get-togethers, it’s no wonder the holidays can be overwhelming. Here are our top 5 ways to beat the holiday stress this season.
To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article29 |
HOW A CAR ACCIDENT CAN IMPACT YOUR INSURANCE PREMIUMSCar accidents can happen to anyone on the road, even great drivers. Whether it’s a sudden stop causing a fender bender or failure to break at a red light, accidents happen and can impact your insurance premium.
To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article28 |
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HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME AGAINST BREAK-INS
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As the holiday season approaches so does an increased risk for home burglary.1While holiday shoppers hide presents in their homes, and homeowners leave town to celebrate the season with family and friends, home burglars are left with prime opportunities for break-ins and theft.
While there’s no way to guarantee your home won’t be the target of an attempted break-in, there are some actions that you can take to help defend your home against burglars. To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article27 |
THIS FALL, FOCUS ON GRATITUDE
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Fall is a season of change, from the colours of the trees to the weather, but Fall also brings a very special holiday, Thanksgiving. It’s a time to show gratitude while spending time with loved ones and enjoying a delicious dinner. Did you know that there are health benefits to being thankful and showing gratitude in your daily routine? According to scientists, counting your blessing year-round is good for your mental health and well-being.
To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article26 |
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HOW TO PREVENT WIND DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME
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High winds can be a dangerous, and costly, instance of extreme weather. Consider the damage incurred by the severe spring wind storm that hit southern Ontario in May 2018, causing over $380 million in property damage. Though none of us can control the weather, there are some actions that home owners can take to help minimize their potential losses in the event of a wind storm.It’s important to be aware of the risk level for high winds in your area, as well as of your home’s potential vulnerabilities to wind damage. To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article25 |
FIVE REASONS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
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Between texts, emails, phone calls, calendar alerts and notifications from multiple social media platforms, being connected can seem like a full-time job. So much so that it’s easy to forget that an off switch even exists.
It’s a good idea to periodically re-evaluate your relationship with technology and consider making the choice to ‘unplug’ yourself from your devices more often. To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article24 |
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HOW TO DEAL WITH FLOODS
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Floods are a common – and often costly – natural hazard in Ontario that can happen at any time of year. Overland water flooding can be caused by melting snow, ice jams, fresh-water hurricanes, breaking dams and heavy rainfall that oversaturates the ground. Summer thunderstorms in particular can pose a major flood risk in Canada. Overland water flooding can leave you and your family at risk for serious injury, and your property at risk for extensive damages. Below are some tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe and mitigate potential losses from overland water flooding before, during and after the flood occurs. Visit www.otipinsurance.com/article23
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WIN A $5000 DREAM VACATION FROM OTIP!
As a member of the education community, you dedicate your life to putting others first. Your dedication deserves a reward such as visiting the grandparents back home or taking your family on an adventure to an exotic destination.
With a Grand Prize of $5,000 to spend on travel through Flight Centre, how you spend it is completely up to you! Plus, we are also giving away six $500 cash prizes!
Go to otip.com/contest-rules for full contest rules. Enter now by visiting www.otip.com/VacationContest
With a Grand Prize of $5,000 to spend on travel through Flight Centre, how you spend it is completely up to you! Plus, we are also giving away six $500 cash prizes!
Go to otip.com/contest-rules for full contest rules. Enter now by visiting www.otip.com/VacationContest
OTIP SPONSORSHIP OF SCHOOL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
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At OTIP we recognize that not all worthy causes are linked to registered charities. Within the education community, there are many member-led projects or initiatives in schools that support learning, provide an enriched experience or provide help to those who need it. We want to support initiatives that are important to our members by donating $5,000 to four great projects in 2017.
Learn more about OTIP’s Sponsorship of School Projects and Initiatives here: www.otip.com/school-project |
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KEEP YOUR PROPERTY AFLOATSpringtime is almost here, and with it comes blooming flowers and crisp, fresh air. But as spring showers pour, Canadians are at risk for more damage than rained-out picnics – we’re also at risk for property flooding.
Visit www.otip.com/article18 to read the full article. |
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA
As our population ages, cases of dementia in Canada are expected to double by 2031. Currently, between 6% and 15% of Canadians aged 65 and older live with some form of dementia. The good news is that there are things you can do to help reduce your risk of dementia.
Visit www.otip.com/article15 to read the full article.
Visit www.otip.com/article15 to read the full article.