What's New

At Hunt Insurance we want to make it easy for you to get a free rate quote online, anytime, 24 hours a day when it is convenient for you. We encourage you to try our new system and we will follow up with you to ensure the quote you have received is accurate and is the best possible coverage for your individual needs. Your total insurance protection is our priority, that's why we work with you to customize your Insurance and place it with a company that offers outstanding claims service. Good luck with our new online tools!

Presenting the cheque to Campaign Co-Chair Tom Kaneb (second from left) are Ray Shannon, Brian Hunt and Brendon Hunt.

Cornwall-based Hunt Insurance Brokers announces a gift of $100,000 to the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation’s “Our Hospital, Our Future” Campaign.

Our Hospital, Our Future is the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation’s fundraising campaign to raise $10 million, which is the public share of the cost to redevelop the new Cornwall hospital McConnell site.

Hunt Insurance, founded almost half a century ago by Ed Hunt, has grown to encompass thousands of clients throughout Eastern Ontario with roots still firmly established in Cornwall and area. Although Ed Hunt ceded ownership and management some time ago to the current team headed by Brendon and Brian Hunt along with Ray Shannon, the firm continues to use Ed’s values as guidance.

“Ed has always maintained that if the firm looks out for the interests of its clients, its staff and the community at large,” states Brendon Hunt, “then the firm will thrive and prosper, allowing us to administer significant contributions back into projects like the Cornwall Community Hospital rebuilding campaign.”

Assisting those in need as well as the less fortunate has always been a priority for Hunt Insurance. Last year, the firm made well over 100 donations to charitable causes.

Tom Kaneb, Our Hospital, Our Future Campaign Co-Chair with wife Gail, commends Hunt Insurance for celebrating 49 years in business with “this wonderful donation. Hunt Insurance has contributed to this campaign,” Kaneb adds, “with both its wonderful gift and the volunteer help of Brendon Hunt as one of our Lead Gifts Committee members.”

Both Brendon and Brian Hunt are optimistic about the benefits and efficiencies to be gained by the streamlining and new service additions with the redeveloped hospital—including the attraction of new physicians and other medical professionals to the new facilities, and the related advantage in area economic development.

“It is incumbent upon those of us who live, work and raise our families within this community,” says Brian Hunt, “to step up to the plate and make a tangible and considerable gift to support such a significant and noteworthy fundraising project.”

In keeping with the original philosophy of founder Ed Hunt, the current team at Hunt Insurance has elected to name the waiting room in the new Ultrasound Department after the entire team at Hunt Insurance Brokers, as it represents a cross section of both staff and clients.

“I am constantly impressed with the capacity of our staff to support and champion community causes,” says Ed Hunt. “Everybody here is dedicated to making the hospital project a success.”

The Our Hospital, Our Future Campaign currently stands at the halfway mark of $5 million. When the gifts from the City of Cornwall and the United Counties of SD&G are included, the total exceeds $16 million to date, which is 70% of the $22.8 million required from the community for the hospital redevelopment.

For more information on the campaign, click on the following link:

• Our Hospital, Our Future

If you are building a new home or renovating an existing home, you need to review your insurance. For residential buildings under construction or major renovation, a separate 'Dwelling Under Construction' policy or an amended dwelling policy is mandatory. Commercial buildings being constructed require a 'Builder's Risk' policy to insure this exposure.

These policies can be purchased by the owner of the property or by the contractor. The terms of the contract between owner and contractor will usually indicate whose responsibility it is to purchase this form of insurance coverage.

Never guess where the responsibility lies! If your contractor agrees to purchase the insurance for your construction project, it's extremely important that you confirm that the coverage is in place prior to the start of construction. Chances are you'll be required to make interim payments to the contractor as the project progresses. As such, we suggest that your name appears on the policy, as an "additional named insured". In this way, your financial interest will be protected should an insured loss occur prior to completion.

If you agree to purchase this form of insurance coverage, make sure you contact us before any construction begins. Most policies require that coverage is put in force prior to the pouring of the foundation. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process of making sure the coverage you need is solidly in place.

If you have ever had a flooded basement, you know the damage can be extensive, expensive, and the inconvenience, unforgettable.

What you can do to prevent or limit a loss
If you have an unfinished basement, we suggest you store items in plastic containers or on shelving at least 12" off the floor. A finished basement requires more aggressive measures to protect your investment.
- If your area is susceptible to sewer backup, make sure your home has a sewer back-flow or check valve installed.
- If you don't have a sump pump, install one. If you do have a sump pump, test it to make sure it is working.
- Because severe weather often causes a hydro interruption, it makes good sense to install a battery back-up device for the sump pump or keep a small gas generator to power critical electrical circuits. Both of these devices are available at a reasonable cost from any building supply or hardware store.
- Keep eaves and downspouts clear of debris and make sure water flow is directed away from the foundation. If your building code permits it, have the downspouts connected directly to your weeping tiles or sewer drain.
- In winter, keep snow away from the foundation to reduce surface water during sudden spring thaws and winter rains. Areas around ground level windows and window wells should be cleared regularly.
- Finally, as simple as it sounds, make sure your lot is properly graded to direct runoff away from the foundation and entranceways. Do not change the grade or elevation around your home unless proper authorities are consulted because this could affect proper run off.

The insurance industry is taking a tough stand on the problem of late and non-payment premiums.

Many insurance companies have reduced the number of warning notices sent and will no longer reinstate coverage if a policyholder misses even one payment.

In addition, new insurance applications are being scrutinized to determine if any cancellations for non-payment appear on the applicant's record. Some insurance companies refuse to offer coverage or preferred rating classes if a cancellation for non-payment has occurred in the past 3 years.

Now it is as important to pay for your insurance promptly as it is to avoid claims and traffic violations to keep your rates down. Communicating with us is the best way to keep your rates down and your policy running smoothly.

If you receive a bill for your insurance, pay it promptly. If you feel the bill is higher than it should be due to an error or because you are waiting for a change in your coverage to be processed, call us. We'll discuss whether the options of making a partial payment or waiting for the correction/endorsement are available to you without disturbing your payment history.

If a bank error occurs that causes a payment to be rejected, immediately obtain a letter from the bank stating their error. Submit a copy to us so we can arrange to have your coverage protected and your payment history cleared. Retain a copy of the letter for your records for at least 5 years.

Finally, read your insurance mail promptly. Review all billing notices and payment plan options and requirements. If you are unclear on anything, call us for assistance.

Now it's the Law! Anyone operating a powered vessel of less than 4 meters in length MUST have a Pleasure Craft Operator's Card.

What is a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is the accepted proof of competency to operate a powered pleasure craft in Canada. The card is valid for life, there are no annual fees and it is made of durable PVC plastic.

Currently, anyone born after April 1, 1983 must carry proof of competency when operating a powered pleasure craft. Failure to carry proof of competency carries a fine of $250.

Since September 15, 2002, anyone (regardless of age) who operates a powered boat or personal watercraft that is under 4 m (13'-3") in length must carry proof of competency.

After September 15, 2009, operators of all vessels must carry their proof of competency.

Boaters can obtain their operators card after receiving a mark of at least 75% on a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test. The Operator Proficiency Exam tests your understanding of 149 knowledge areas required by the Canadian Coast Guard. Experienced boaters have the option of taking this test without first completing a course. For full details and a list of organizations that have accredited boating safety courses and tests, visit the Canadian Coast Guard web site at www.ccg-gcc.ca or call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687.