Welcome to the LPI Winter 2025 Newsletter. Click on the Article of your choice below to read more on each topic. If you’d like to book an Appointment with your LPI Broker to discuss the Auto and Home Insurance Discounts described below, click on the following link: LPI Appointment Setter
This helps maintain indoor temperature and reduces the risk of pipe freezing.
Turn Off and Drain Exterior Water Lines: Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior faucets at the interior valve. Drain outdoor taps and sprinkler lines, which are among the first to freeze.
Maintain Adequate Indoor Heat—Even When You’re Away: Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature; many Canadian experts suggest no lower than 16 °C during winter, even when you’re not home. Smart thermostats and temperature alerts can help you avoid a sudden drop in heat.
Open Interior Doors and Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate to pipes under sinks and in utility areas, especially along exterior walls.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve is: Make sure every adult in the home knows where it is and how to use it. In the event of a leak or burst pipe, quickly shutting off the water significantly limits damage.
Plan Ahead for Travel: If you’ll be away more than a few days, make sure that you shut off and drain your water lines before you travel or have a competent person check the home regularly. Failing to meet these conditions can result in denied water-damage claims.
Before the next cold snap sets in, call your LPI Broker to review your coverage at T.604.276.2474, or set up an Appointment at the following link: LPI Appointment Setter Make sure you have the right coverage for the risks that Winter Weather can bring – so you can have a safe and comfortable Winter Season!
How to Prepare for Winter Weather Conditions
Check Your Tires: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth (at least 4/32 inch for winter).
Air Pressure: Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check it regularly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Winter Tires: Consider installing dedicated winter tires (with the snowflake symbol) for optimal grip on snow and ice. All-season tires are a compromise and not ideal for severe winter conditions.
Inspect Your Vehicle:
Battery: Cold weather is hard on batteries. Get yours tested if it’s more than 3-5 years old.
Wipers & Fluid: Ensure wiper blades are in good condition and top up your windshield washer fluid with a winter-specific, anti-freeze solution.
Lights: Check all headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights are clean and working.
Antifreeze: Check your coolant levels and ensure it has the correct antifreeze-to-water ratio.
Brakes: Listen for any unusual noises or feel for any changes in braking performance.
Clear Your Vehicle Completely: Remove all snow and ice from your entire vehicle—windows, mirrors, roof, hood, and lights. Snow flying off your car can obstruct your view and other drivers’ views.
Defrost: Allow your defroster to clear all windows before driving.
Pack an Emergency Kit:
Jumper Cables
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
First-Aid Kit
Warm Blankets or Sleeping Bag, Non-perishable Food and Water
Shovel, Bag of Sand, Salt, or non-clumping Cat Litter (for traction), Tow Rope or Chain,
Charged Cell Phone and Portable charger
Reflective Triangles or Flares
Gloves, Hat, and Warm Clothing
Preparing for hazardous road conditions reduces your risk and helps you arrive safely no matter what the weather brings your way! Interested in saving money on your ICBC Coverage? Visit our ICBC Updates page at the following link to see which ICBC Discounts you qualify for.
Slow Down: This is the most crucial tip. Speed limits are for ideal conditions, not icy or snowy roads. Reduce your speed significantly.
Increase Following Distance: On slippery roads, it takes much longer to stop. Leave at least 8-10 seconds of following distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
Accelerate Gently: Avoid sudden acceleration, which can cause your wheels to spin.
Brake Gently: Apply brakes smoothly and gradually. If your vehicle has ABS, you may feel a pulsing sensation—continue to press firmly.
Steer Gently: Make all steering adjustments slowly and smoothly.
Be Aware of Black Ice: This nearly invisible layer of ice often forms on shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses. If you hit black ice, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Avoid sudden braking or steering.
Know How to Handle Skids:
Front-Wheel Skid (Understeer): Ease off the gas, shift to neutral, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Rear-Wheel Skid (Oversteer): Ease off the gas, steer into the skid (turn the wheel in the same direction the rear of the car is sliding), and be prepared to counter-steer as the car straightens.
Use Low Beams: Use your low beam headlights during snow, rain, or fog, even during the day. High beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.
Avoid Cruise Control: Do not use cruise control on wet, icy, or snowy roads. You need to be in full control of your vehicle’s speed and traction.
Stay Alert: Winter driving requires your full attention. Avoid distractions like cell phones, eating, or adjusting the radio.
Plan Your Route: Check weather and road conditions before you leave. Consider if your trip is truly necessary.
Don’t Crowd Snow Plows: Give snowplows plenty of room to work. Their visibility is often limited, and they may need to stop or maneuver unexpectedly.
ICBC Collision Data shows that crashes do increase in Winter months with the highest number of crashes occurring in December – so drive with extra caution and Stay Safe out there!
Interested in getting the most out of your ICBC Coverage? Find out which Autoplan Discounts you qualify for at the following link: ICBC Discounts
Policy & Customer Profile Discounts
Claims‑Free / Zero‑Claims Discount
Reward for having no recent home insurance claims: the longer you remain claims‑free, the higher the potential discount. Savings range from about 5% up to 30%.
Loyalty / Renewal Discount: Discounts for staying with the same insurer can grow over time – often up to around 10%.
New Business / Switcher Discount: A “Welcome Discount” for new customers moving from another insurer.
Mature Homeowner / Senior’s Discount: For “mature” or senior homeowners (exact age varies by insurer – often 50+, 55+, or 60+). Reflects the assumption that seniors are home more and may spot issues earlier.
Non‑Smoker Discount: Applies when everyone in the household is a non‑smoker, reducing fire risk can be worth several percentage points in savings.
Mortgage‑Free Discount: For homes with no outstanding mortgage. Seen as a sign of financial stability and responsibility – savings can be as high as 20%.
Paid‑in‑Full / Lump‑Sum Payment Discount: Small discount for paying your annual premium in one lump sum instead of monthly, plus potential savings on admin/financing fees.
New Home Discount: For newer homes (often less than 10 years old – with the largest discounts on brand‑new construction). Newer wiring, roofing and plumbing mean lower risk of claims.
Home Upgrades Discount (Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, Heating):
If you’ve upgraded your roof, electrical, plumbing, heating system, or hot water tank, you may qualify for savings because the risk of fire or water damage is reduced.
Unfinished Basement Discount: An unfinished basement is cheaper to repair after a water loss, so some insurers provide a discount for this.
Sustainability / “Green” Home Discount: Some insurers now offer credits for homes built or renovated to certain environmental or energy ‑ efficient standards.
Multi‑Property Discount: Savings when you insure multiple properties (e.g., cottage, rental, second home) with the same insurer – Save up to 10%.
Fire‑Hall Proximity / Fire Protection Class Discount: If you live close to a fire hall or in an area with strong fire protection, you may pay less because response times are faster and damage is likely to be lower.
Safety, Security & Water‑Protection Discounts:
Monitored Alarm System Discount (Fire and Burglar)
Centrally monitored fire and burglar alarms can earn a noticeable discount.
Some insurers offer up to 10 – 15% off for centrally monitored systems.
Home Security Discount (Locks, Cameras, Motion Lights, etc.)
Deadbolts, monitored alarms, security cameras, and motion‑sensor lighting all reduce burglary risk and may qualify you for savings.
Fire Protection / Sprinkler Discount
Monitored fire alarms and automatic sprinkler systems can reduce your premium because they limit fire damage and claims costs.
Water Protection Discounts
Insurers are increasingly rewarding homeowners who invest in water‑damage prevention, such as: Automatic water shut‑off systems / smart leak detection (often with remote monitoring).
Backwater valves to reduce sewer backup risk.
Leak detection systems with automatic shut‑off valves and other water‑protection equipment.
Other Discounts You May Encounter
Multi‑Unit / Multi‑Suite Discount (Condos & Rentals): For insuring multiple condo units or rental properties with the same insurer.
To make the most of your home insurance discounts:
Use a Checklist. Go through the list with your LPI broker and ask: “Am I getting every discount I qualify for?”
Update your file regularly.
Tell your LPI Broker when you:
Pay off your mortgage
Install an alarm or smart leak‑detection system
Add a sump pump or backwater valve, Renovate your roof, plumbing, electrical, or heating
Many of these savings only apply once the insurer knows about the change. Ask your LPI Broker to get you at least 3 quotes from different Insurers because discounts vary with each Insurer.
Some insurers cap the total discount percentage, so it’s useful to ask whether you’ve hit that maximum.
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