When you were younger, you dreamed of going on international tours with a dance troupe, but fate decided otherwise. What happened?
I’m living proof that you can have several careers in a single lifetime! I initially studied the humanities with a specialization in law, and then trained to become a dance teacher. I then did massage therapy for a while, worked as a sports coach and took courses in accounting and office skills before finally entering the insurance field. I’m always up for new challenges and now find property and casualty insurance an exciting space where I can continue to feed my curiosity.
Do you learn a lot from being a personal property and casualty insurance broker?
The work is much more varied than you’d think. I’m interested in everything to do with protecting individuals and their assets. In fact, I’ve never stopped reinventing myself since starting this career. For example, after my initial broker training and a few years of on-the-job experience, I took the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) course, which not only allows me to work as a registered insurance broker in that province but also broadens my outlook on my profession.
What would be your best advice for someone purchasing their first home insurance policy?
People often don’t realize that insurance should be based on the cost of rebuilding the home and not its purchase price. It’s important to make the most accurate calculation possible. Many homeowners also fail to insure against water damage even though it’s one of the most frequent causes of home insurance claims!
Everyone wants to pay the lowest possible home insurance premium. What’s the secret?
If possible, the first step is to increase your deductible since this alone will substantially reduce the amount of your monthly home insurance premium. For example, with a $1,000 deductible and a claim-free record, you could qualify for a substantial discount come policy renewal time. In insurance, you need to think long term. Sometimes you need to spend more money up front in order to benefit from huge savings down the road. In addition, if you’re over 50 years old, be sure to take advantage of the benefits offered by the FADOQ network for seniors. You should also check out possible discounts associated with your occupation.