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Our team at AB Southerninsurance have today added a number of useful downloadable forms, to save you time and trouble. Check them out!

Chris Tucker, CIP on 2009-10-06 18:09:27

Take a look at the "In Good Company" link at the top of the home page for some great contact information.

Alex Smith on 2009-10-06 19:22:29

False declarations can be VERY costly!!
Insured saved $295 in premium - but lie cost her more than $37,000 when her son had an accident.

A lie to the Insurance Corp. of B.C. saved a B.C., woman just $295 per annum in insurance premiums, but when her son had an accident in the car, the investigation resulted in Debra Booth owing ICBC more than $37,000, as ruled by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Geoffrey Barrow.In 2000 Booth leased a 1996 Camaro for her son Brian who she named the "principal operator" (PO) when the car was insured. However,he later experienced financial problems & in May 2003 his mother paid off the balance on the lease, took possession of said vehicle & declared she was the PO. Booth made the same declaration when renewing her insurance in May 2004. This saved her just $295 on the annual premium. In September of the same year, her son was involved in a collision which caused serious injury to a passenger in the other car. ICBC defended him and settled with the injured party for $37,660. Ms. Booth’s policy was then declared invalid because her son was in fact the principal driver & ICBC demanded repayment. She went to court seeking a declaration ICBC was obliged to indemnify her.
But the court ruled she was the true principal driver and now owes $37,000. ALL FOR THE SAKE OF $295! Telling the truth is clearly always the best "policy".

Alan Zunec on 2009-10-14 12:51:00

BEWARE! Non-disclosure of wood-burning stove invalidates claim.

A BC resident, Dr. Craig Jackson, apparently installed a computerized heating system in his greenhouse, where he grew expensive exotic plants. The system didn't work properly, so he added a refurbished woodstove, which was installed by a qualified professional. In November 2005, he tested the stove a number of times and all seemed well, until he lit it and left his farm to attend a hockey game. While he was at the game the woodstove started a fire that destroyed the greenhouse and other buildings. He and his wife had arranged a home insurance policy. However, CNS Insurance denied their claim for the damage, because of non-disclosure of a material change to the risk.
The Jacksons sued CNS and Hub International Barton Insurance Brokers, citing wording that said they had up to 60 days to notify the broker of a change.
Dismissing their suit, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Richard Brooke found the policy wording unambiguous.
He said after a CNS adjuster sent them a letter saying the coverage was voided, the Jacksons cashed the enclosed refund cheque. The lesson here is ALWAYS let your broker know in writing if you want to instal a wood burning stove and ALWAYS let your broker know in writing if you make any "material changes" to your risk. Chris Tucker, CIP

Chris Tucker, CIP on 2010-11-08 10:57:54