Vacation season is upon us and whether you’re planning a “staycation” or a longer trip abroad, it is important to use these time-tested tips for protecting your home, (part 2) from the unexpected. Nothing can be more devastating than returning home to a break-in, flood, fire or vandalism. A few simple safety measures can be taken to prevent burglary and home accidents so you can enjoy a worry-free vacation.

As you plan the final details of your trip, take the following safety measures into consideration:

• Make sure all doors and windows are locked (including the garage)
• Store valuables in a safety deposit box
• Leave curtains and shades open
• Put a hold on newspaper subscriptions
• Never indicate that you are not home on your telephone answering machine
• Unplug everything you can and make sure appliances are turned off
• Consider shutting off the water

Using timers to automatically turn lights on and off and having a neighbour or friend pick up mail, cut the lawn and occasionally enter the home will help protect your home by making it look occupied while you’re away.

You may also want to consider installing a security system or motion sensor lights, which will make your home less appealing to burglars and may even lower your insurance premiums.

So before you hit the road, follow these simple safety measures so that way, when you return from vacation, your home will be just as you left it.

For more tips about preventing theft and burglary while away visit the RCMP’s website.

How do you protect your home when you’re away? Share your tips and suggestions with us.

The Aviva Team

Basic routine maintenance is an important part of owning a recreational vehicle (RV) and will not only extend your vehicle’s life, but will help prevent breakdowns and collisions.

Whether you’re sailing a boat, driving a camper or off-roading with an ATV, here are five ways to keep your RV safe this season:

1. Engine. Change the oil regularly and refill all fluids. RVs rack up a lot more mileage than the average car uses daily.

2. Battery. Check that the battery is properly charged and has the correct fluid levels. Keep your battery clean, as dampness and dirt can also drain your battery.

3. Tire Pressure. Proper tire pressure should always be checked and adjusted before you begin riding. If the tire pressure varies between tires, you risk losing control at high speeds.

4. Routine Clean. Counteract the long-term effects of environmental wear and tear with regular maintenance and routine cleanings.

5. Make a list. At the beginning of each season, cover all the finer maintenance points with a checklist.

But the best protection for your RV is an insurance policy specific to your vehicle. RV policies are more affordable than most people realize, especially when combined with an existing auto or home policy. Speak to a broker about a policy that’s right for you.

By taking the time to maintain and insure your RVs, you can look forward to many happy years of outdoor fun and adventure.

Learn more about RVing in Canada by visiting Go RVing Canada.

How do you care for your RV? Share your tips and seasonal checklist with us.

The Aviva Team

There is no bigger story right now than the economy. You can call it a downturn, a recession, a crisis — whatever word you use they all mean the same thing: Jobs are being cut.

Being laid off is no fun. I know; I’ve been there. My job as a reporter for a national newspaper was cut in 2001, just days after 9/11.  On the one hand, having your job taken away is a financial problem (you have to get creative with paying the rent). On the other, it’s an emotional blow.

Here are a few helpful suggestions from one who’s been there.

The layoff lowdown: What next?
1. Get on it. You should get the ball rolling on your Employment Insurance (EI) application right away. If you’re like me, you might not feel good about doing this. But keep in mind you’ve been paying into EI all your professional life and it’s there to help you bridge the gap between jobs.

It turned out I didn’t need EI because by the time it kicked in, weeks later, I was already on my way to full employment. But apply just in case.

2. Consider new options. Do you have experience in other areas you can build on? Think outside the box as it can open doors to new career paths.

Within days of being laid off I was pursuing part-time teaching offers and by the end of that year I had found even more (enough to keep me occupied full time).

3. Find inspiration. Peruse reputable Canadian job sites and see what peaks your interest. Sites like Monster, Workopolis, Service Canada’s Job Bank, Eluta, LinkedIn and Career Builder have hundreds of listings.

Take advantage of EI by utilizing the job counseling it provides. You’ll also receive job recommendations just for signing up.

4. Cast a wide net. After I got laid off, a wise woman gave me some good advice: “Make sure your resume lands on as many desks as possible.” And that’s exactly what I did. I sent out a package to everyone and anyone I could think of. Although my experience was in newspaper writing, I sent my resume to any television network that would accept it. In the end, this paid off. I secured a position with a major Canadian network and my career as a writer was fully back on track.

5. Be emotional. Being laid off is as much an emotional shock as a financial one. Allow yourself to be upset for a short period. Then get back to tending to your career.

What ultimately landed me a new job was my flexibility. I was able to apply the skills I had already learned to other areas. While cliché, being laid off was the best thing that could have happened to me. It opened many doors.

Whether you’re currently laid off, or have been in the past, please share your experiences with me.

Dan Brown, Current events blogger

We are thrilled to announce the newest member of the Straight Answers team. With years of experience reporting for a daily newspaper, Dan Brown is our current events guru. A blogger since 2006, Dan is well versed in the world of new media. In addition to his online experience, Dan has worked for three national newspapers and still found time to lend his journalism expertise to eager students at the University of Western Ontario, Conestoga College, Ryerson Polytechnic University and the University of Guelph.

Welcome Dan!

Coming soon
Join Dan as he explores being laid off during tough economic times in his first post next week.

The Aviva Team

Ah yes, the thrill of the open road. Nothing suggests spring quite like a pack of leather-clad, motorcyclists out for a ride. But before you go, it’s important that you have an insurance policy in place and that your motorcycle is in good working order.

Here are few points to keep in mind before you head off on your bike.

Your bike, your insurance
The first step toward insuring your motorcycle is determining the insurance necessary for your specific model. Riders with a clean riding record, mature riders and those who successfully complete a motorcycle-training course may receive better rates. Speak with your broker for assistance in selecting the appropriate insurance policy for your specific need. It’s worth mentioning that the road coverage insurance premium for motorcycles is charged in full during the riding season. However, the premium for fire and theft is charged for the entire year.

In addition to your standard motorcycle insurance, many carriers offer additional coverage for:

• Riding apparel
• Accessories
• Coverage for expenses incurred if the motorcycle is deemed unfit for operation while on vacation
• Coverage for transportation replacement in the event of loss or damage to the insured motorcycle because of admissible claim

On-road safety
It seems motorcycles are constantly competing with other vehicles for adequate space on the road. For the safety of all vehicles, motorists should be alert and aware of their surroundings and adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.

Adequate protection is paramount for motorcycle riders. Wearing a helmet, proper jacket, pants and boots can make a difference between life and death, if involved in a crash. Wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of brain injury by 85 per cent. Riders must drive defensively, and those travelling in a group should always ride in staggered formation, not side by side. Watch out for left turning vehicles at intersections. Getting hit by an oncoming vehicle is the most common type of crash.

Other motorist should remember to treat motorcycles like any other vehicle on the road. Motorcycles require the entire width of their lane, and a good rider is constantly changing positions in the lane in order to increase their ability to see and be seen.

Off-road training
The best way to prepare for a safe ride is to ensure proper training.

Gearing Up, Canada’s National Motorcycle Training Program developed and managed by Canada Safety Council, teaches students the skills for safe motorcycle riding. Riders enrolled in this program are taught basic skills such as, balancing the motorcycle, correct use of brakes, proper procedures for starting, clutch control and riding at slow speeds.

Many insurance plans recognize the value of Gearing Up by offering insurance discounts to riders who successfully complete the rider-training program.

Share your tips and experiences on the road with us. Help make this a safe season on the road.

Have a pleasant ride!

Tina Bhatt, Senior Underwriter, Aviva Elite, CIP