Business Archives - Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 20:13:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-favicon@2x-1-32x32.png Business Archives - Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. 32 32 178137659 Cyber Insurance 101: What Manitoban Business Owners and Family Households Need To Know https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/cyber-insurance-business-owners-and-family-households/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cyber-insurance-business-owners-and-family-households Fri, 25 Jul 2025 20:10:42 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=11940 As more businesses shift tot using digital operation tools, cyber insurance is an essential. And it's not just businesses. Families and individuals are at risk too.

The post Cyber Insurance 101: What Manitoban Business Owners and Family Households Need To Know appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

Cyber Insurance 101: What Manitoban Business Owners and Family Households Need To Know

A man and woman with two daughters in a kitchen. One of daughters and father are using laptop while mother and other daughter are colouring on the paper.
A middle-aged male is working on a laptop in his kitchen with his wife and two young daughters at the table.
July 25, 2025

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

A single hacked email. A malware-laced invoice. That’s all it takes to cost a small or medium-sized business thousands of dollars or bring your operations to a standstill.

As more entrepreneurs and businesses shift to using digital tools, online storefronts, and cloud-based systems to up efficiencies and growth, cyber insurance is becoming less of a luxury and more of an essential.

And it’s not just business owners at risk. Individuals and families are increasingly targeted by phishing scams, data thefts, and ransomware attacks. So, whether you’re running a start-up or managing your household, being protected in the digital world is no longer optional.

So, what is cyber insurance?

Think of cyber insurance as a digital safety net.

Whether you need to protect your payroll records, customer data, or simply keep family photos safe from ransomware, the right policies cover the financial fallout of cyber incidents.

Traditional business policies often leave gaps when it comes to digital risk because technology is evolving too quickly. Individual cyber insurance policies are built purposefully to step in where those gaps appear to provide fast access to breach coaches, incident-response IT teams, legal counsel, and support so you can recover quickly and keep your business (and life) moving.

It’s important to know that not every attack can be stopped, but there are tools and experienced experts that can help you recover a lot faster should you ever fall victim to a cybercrime.

What's covered by cyber insurance?

A strong cyber insurance policy for businesses and family households could include:

  • Online fraud
  • Computer attacks
  • Identity recovery
  • Cyber extortion
  • Cyberbullying response
  • Threat and breach protection
  • Virtual CISO support
  • 24/7 cyber emergency assistance, and more

At Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd., we’re proud to offer cyber insurance solutions that are designed with today’s realities in mind, for business and personal needs through our partnership with BOXX InsuranceTM.

  • For businesses: Whether you’re protecting client records and payroll systems, shielding sensitive IP, or worry that an unintentional employee error may trigger a cyber threat, having the right coverage can give you confidence to run your business as usual. Traditional business insurance policies often have gaps when it comes to covering cyber risks, but that’s where we come in. Explore our cyber insurance options for businesses here.

  • For individuals and families: Our CyberBoxx® Home coverage helps to protect everyone in your household against online fraud, malware, identity theft, and even helps with cyberbullying. With this option, expert response teams are ready when you need them, giving you the peace of mind to live your life fully in a digital world. Explore our cyber insurance options for individuals and families here

How do you find the right cyber insurance protection?

The best place to start when thinking about cyber insurance is with a clear understanding of your digital exposure, both at work and at home, to cover all your bases. Whether you’re a solo contractor, a small business owner, or a parent managing smart devices and family accounts, the chances are your actual digital footprint is bigger than you realize. So, it’s worth taking a closer look at your existing business or personal insurance to identify any cyber-related gaps in your coverage.

Once you’ve assessed your risk and know what matters most to protect, then it’s time to connect with someone who can help put it all together.

Get in contact with a local insurance expert — like us! — who understands Manitoba-specific threats and can walk you through personalized coverage options.

That said, if you want to talk to someone off the hop, we’re happy to help you get started.

Ready to protect what matters most?

If you’re ready to safeguard your business, gives us a shout and we’ll get a personalized quote going — asking the questions we need to give you the answers you need.

Get a business cyber insurance quote.

If it’s yourself or your family that you’re looking to protect, buying personal cyber insurance is just as simple, if not more so. You can do it online in minutes!

Buy personal cyber insurance online. 

Still have questions? We’re always here to help. 

The post Cyber Insurance 101: What Manitoban Business Owners and Family Households Need To Know appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
11940
Can You Get Disability Insurance If You Are Self-Employed? https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/disability-insurance-self-employed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=disability-insurance-self-employed Tue, 08 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=6957 If you're self-employed– getting disability insurance is something you can and should do. Not sure where to start? Read this!

The post Can You Get Disability Insurance If You Are Self-Employed? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

Can You Get Disability Insurance If You Are Self-Employed?

Family on couch looking at tablet together
November 8, 2022

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Making the change to the self-employed life comes with plenty of perks– however, in many cases, it also means saying goodbye to the sweet insurance coverage plan your last company offered, leading you to wonder.

Can I get disability insurance if I am self-employed?

The good news is that you can replace your last policy and purchase a disability insurance plan to cover yourself if something were to ever happen. Better yet, you can get a plan that meets your individual needs even better than your previous company’s umbrella policy. Because we ALWAYS recommend having this type of coverage– especially if you work for yourself.

Interested in learning more about how disability insurance can help you? Keep reading to learn more about what coverage options exist and how to start the path of getting your own policy today.

Prefer to skip the reading and jump right to getting a quote? Let’s look at getting you covered today!

Go To The Section You Need Most!

Why Should You, A Self-Employed Person, Purchase Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance– or commonly referred to as accident and sickness insurance– protects your most valuable asset: your ability to earn an income. It is a living benefit that would offer you financial protection if you were to become sick or injured and were unable to work for a period of time.

This benefit is especially important if you are self-employed or a business owner, as it could help you replace at least part of your business income. And help you cover things such as your monthly business expenses and employed workers’ salaries. Meaning this could be the difference between saving or losing your business and everything you work so hard to create.

What Are Some Risks/Scenarios When A Self Employed Manitoban Would Want Disability Insurance

You, a self-employed person, should have a disability insurance plan regardless of the type of business you’re in. Simply living in the world puts you at risk of getting a disability or illness that could impact your ability to work.

A “disability” can be defined in many different ways. While the traditional thinking of a disability implies a physical impairment (someone is very sick or injured, for example), other disabilities are not as overtly obvious – such as mental health challenges.

As such, in any line of business, a self-employed person should look to have some type of disability policy. If you rely on your income to survive and would be at a loss if you could work for a few weeks (or months!), then you need an individual policy.

The Difference Between A Self Employed Private Policy And A Group Policy

There are various ways that a health insurance plan could be set up. If you previously worked for an employer, you were probably part of a group insurance plan. If you are now self-employed, you’d probably be looking to set up a private policy.

A group insurance policy is an insurance policy that is for all employees of a business, including the owner. This plan usually includes life insurance, short and long-term disability (and other benefits such as health and dental). Group insurance plans are not unique to each individual, as each employee has the same type of policy, regardless of their unique conditions or needs.

An individual policy is an insurance policy created based on the individual’s needs. The policy will be underwritten (risk assessed) based on the individual’s needs. Things such as back pain, mental health, or pre-existing conditions may result in exclusions.

There are several different types of individual disability policies based on the unique needs of each individual – it is best to speak to an Insurance Advisor to determine the best plan for you.

The Difference Between Long-Term And Short-Term Disability Insurance

Short-term disability usually refers to coverage that is temporary in nature. It is generally for less severe illnesses or injuries that put you out of work for a bit but where you recover within a few months.

Long-term disability, however, is designed to last much longer. It covers more serious ailments (months to a year) and includes permanent disability. There usually is a set time limit before short-term disability turns into long-term disability.

Does This Apply To Self-Employed Individuals?

There are no separate short-term and long-term disability options for individual policies.

When choosing a policy, you can pick the waiting period, referring to the time before your policy kicks in. The longer the waiting period, the lower the premiums typically are. The insured usually determines the waiting period based on cost, benefits, and financial situation. Note there may be an elimination period or minimum waiting period before you can start receiving your monthly benefit to ensure no direct offset with other benefits are being received (e.g.: EI sickness benefits).

You can also choose the benefit period – the max amount of time the benefit will pay you. This will determine how long you will get coverage. We almost always recommend going with the longest benefit period you can (which is typically to age 65). If something happens and you’re unable to work for years, you’ll be glad you have some financial stability and protection.

Having an extended benefit period offers coverage most similar to long-term disability. Note that the longer this period is, the more expensive your premiums will be.

How Much Does Disability Insurance Usually Cost For A Self-Employed Person?

As much as we’d love to provide you with a typical cost for a disability policy, we cannot do so, many factors go into determining your individual plan and plan fees.

Some of these factors used are age, gender, occupation (how dangerous it is, and how easy it is to return to work if something were to happen), income, waiting period, benefit period (the maximum amount of years the policy will pay), benefit amount, and additional riders (product options/ add-ons).

Note: Obtaining an individual disability policy can be very challenging if you have an extensive medical history. It’s also worth noting that your policy is not taxed deductible as it is a personal expense, not a business expense.

If You Want Disability Insurance, What’s The Process To Get It?

We’re not going to lie to you. Getting a disability insurance plan takes more work than getting car or house insurance. However, trust us when we say it’s worth it!

A bit of time upfront can end up saving you so much headache and financial stress later on. And with a team of Insurance Advisors in your court (that’s us!), this process is even easier.

If you’re looking to get a policy, here’s generally what you’ll need to do:

  1. Speak with an Insurance Advisor to determine your needs
  2. Complete an application
  3. Provide any required medical and financial information for underwriting
  4. Accept the policy as applied or modified (e.g. exclusions) by the insurance company. In some worst-case scenarios, the application is declined.

After this process is complete, all you have to do is pay your monthly premium and file a claim if anything were to happen.

Ready To Get Insured? Let Us Help!

As a self-employed person, getting a disability insurance plan is one of the most critical things you can do. Although we like to think we’ll never need this sort of protection, the truth is that things happen. Even just a month or two of not being able to work can really set you back and, in some cases, be enough to run your company (or finances!) under.

Think of disability insurance as a small cost to get the peace of mind you deserve. Reach out and get a quote! From here, we’ll connect with you and help you determine what plan makes the most sense for you and how we can make it fit within your budget.

The post Can You Get Disability Insurance If You Are Self-Employed? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
6957
What Insurance Does A Cleaning Company Need In Manitoba? https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/insurance-for-cleaning-companies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=insurance-for-cleaning-companies Thu, 15 Sep 2022 13:30:00 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=6478 Keep you, your workers, and your cleaning business protected with insurance. Learn what type of policy is right for you!

The post What Insurance Does A Cleaning Company Need In Manitoba? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

What Insurance Does A Cleaning Company Need In Manitoba?

Women and man cleaning someone's home
September 15, 2022

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Navigating a new business can be confusing and stressful! And if you own a cleaning company– whether you’re a sole proprietor or have employees– in Manitoba, you may have felt lost while trying to navigate the question of, what insurance does a cleaning company need?

First off, let’s start by saying we always recommend protecting yourself, your workers, and your business with insurance. Not having coverage means claims and business losses will hit your personal checking account. While there are all kinds of add-ons and personalizations you can make to your policy, we recommend getting a policy with Commercial General Liability, Professional Liability, and Tools and Equipment Insurance coverage.

In this article, we dive into what these policies can do for you, some common claims cleaning companies face, and answer some burning questions we often get asked.

Prefer to skip the reading and jump right to getting a personalized quote? Let’s chat today and get you covered!

Jump To The Section You Need Most

Why Do Cleaning Businesses Need Insurance?

Cleaning business insurance is a specialized insurance policy that was created to protect residential and commercial cleaning professionals. Meaning, that when things go sideways, your insurance will help cover these costs (depending on your coverage) rather than you having to pay out-of-pocket (Phew!).

Unfortunately, mistakes and accidents happen– despite us taking all the proper precautions– and you want to ensure you’re covered when they do. One small mistake, slip, or fall could leave you with a mountain of bills to pay, or worse, lawsuits to deal with. (And trust us when we say legal fees are not cheap!)

A cleaning insurance policy is the only way to ensure that you, your workers, and your business are protected.

Is Insurance Mandatory?

Business Insurance is not mandatory for cleaning businesses, but it is highly recommended that you carry adequate liability insurance. In the event of a liability lawsuit/claim, your company could become bankrupt without having the right coverage.

What Are Common Claims Against Cleaning Businesses?

Every business has its own set of common risks and, therefore, common insurance claims. We’ve listed some we’ve seen when it comes to cleaning businesses and how you can ensure you are protected if they do.

Problem: You just waxed the floor at the client’s home you are cleaning, and without noticing, one of the client’s kids comes running in because they forgot their shoes for soccer practice. This incident leads to a slip-related injury– including medical expenses– and some angry clients.

Outcome: Depending on the situation, you could see a claim anywhere from $25,000 up to $1,000,000 plus. The good news is that you’d be protected with Commercial General Liability coverage. This type of coverage also protects you from claims related to slippery/wet floors, property damage, or even lost keys– which could cause a theft claim.

Problem: You hired someone who ended up breaking (and stealing!) some of your cleaning equipment. Bye-bye, nice new lightweight vacuum you spent months researching and tracking down *sigh*.

Outcome: Thankfully, your Tool & Equipment insurance would help cover the cost of replacing the missing and broken equipment. This way, you can get back to providing great services to your clients and making money rather than stressing over the financial loss.

What Insurance Should A Cleaning Business Obtain?

When it comes to insurance for your cleaning business, it can be hard to pick the right policy as there are lots of insurance packages and add-ons for small business owners out there. Regardless of your business and your exact needs, we always recommend that, at a minimum, you have the following three.

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance covers you for property damage, bodily injury claims (ex: slip and fall claims), medical bills that occur as part of an accident while on site, completed operations exposure, and even slander, libel, and advertising injury claims.

Tools & Equipment

Tools & Equipment Insurance provides you with coverage for your tools and cleaning supplies in the event of an insured peril such as fire or theft. Anything under $1,500 is considered a tool. Anything valued at over that amount would be considered equipment.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance provides you with protection for claims against negligence, errors, or failure to provide a service.

Cleaning Insurance FAQs

The basic commercial general liability policies start around the $500/year mark and go up from there. Your insurance premium will depend on things such as your gross revenue (which determines your liability exposure), whether you do more residential vs commercial jobs, and what additional coverages you choose to have.

Typically, the underwriting information insurers need to know for this class of business is:

 

  • Years of experience
  • Annual Gross Revenue
  • The amount of residential vs. commercial work you do
  • If you have employees
  • What type of cleaning you do. This includes knowing if you offer regular cleaning services or specialized cleaning for things like Covid Sanitation etc.
  • What types of products you use for house/commercial cleaning, and if they are approved for use in Canada

 

Depending on the specific operation, there may be some additional questions, but for the most part, you can be expected to be at least asked the above.

They do not. Whether you are a sole proprietor or have employees– we recommend carrying adequate liability insurance. As long as you're providing a service, you can be sued for liability arising from your operations.

 

If you’re an incorporated business looking to grow your team, check out our other blogs for small business owners, such as How To Choose & Get Health Insurance For Your Manitoba Small Business.

 

Plus, our team of Insurance Consultants are always here to help answer your questions and find the right policy for you.

If you’re using your car just to get to and from work, you’re probably covered with your personal auto insurance policy. However, if you're using your vehicle to carry work equipment or driving employees to jobs, you most likely need to consider getting commercial auto insurance.

 

A good rule of thumb is if you’re using your car for business beyond driving to and from work, you probably need business car insurance.

 

If you’re unsure if you need business car insurance, the best thing you can do is talk to an Insurance Consultant! They will be able to help you make sure you have the right coverage for what you need.

If you have company-owned vehicles for your business, you need business auto insurance.

 

Suppose you got into an accident and your insurance company discovered that your vehicle was being used for business purposes (even if not at the time of the accident), and you only had a personal auto insurance policy– there would be a strong chance that the claim would not be processed. This is why it’s always important you have the right insurance for your business needs.

 

Related: When Do You Need Business Car Insurance In Manitoba?

Let’s Sweep Away The Worries And Get You Insured!

Whether you’re new to the cleaning business world or have been around for a while, insurance is something you should seriously consider. If you don’t have the funds to cover up to a million-dollar claim, then you need an insurance policy that can.

Talking to an Insurance Consultant can help you determine what coverage your business needs, how much your policy will be, and what other things you should consider as a small business owner.

Let us take care of getting you the protection you need, so you can focus on running and growing your business.

The post What Insurance Does A Cleaning Company Need In Manitoba? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
6478
How To Choose & Get Health Insurance For Your Manitoba Small Business https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/small-business-health-insurance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=small-business-health-insurance Mon, 07 Feb 2022 23:29:33 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=5167 Getting health insurance is a great idea for your small Manitoba business! It can make you a more desirable company to work for, attract the high-caliber employees you need, and even improve company morale. Whether your small business has two employees or 1000, this post will help you nail down the group health insurance that’s right for you.

The post How To Choose & Get Health Insurance For Your Manitoba Small Business appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

How To Choose & Get Health Insurance For Your Manitoba Small Business

Benefits for your small business
February 7, 2022

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Getting health insurance is a great idea for your small Manitoba business! It can make you a more desirable company to work for, attract the high-caliber employees you need, and even improve company morale. Whether your small business has two employees or 1000, this post will help you nail down the group health insurance that’s right for you.

Group Health Insurance: What Is It & How Does It Work?

Whenever an individual applies for insurance coverage, the insurance company that supplies that coverage takes on a certain amount of risk by agreeing to insure them. The basis of a group health insurance plan is that the risk of the insurance plan is spread out across the entire group of employees. This means that greater risks can be taken as a whole (often leading to more or better coverage than an individual would secure alone), and that the premium is offset amongst all employees.

When an employer gets health insurance for their employees, they agree to contribute to the overall cost of the plan’s premium, typically paying 50% of the total cost. The rest of the premium is paid in part by each participating employee.

The Benefits Of Offering Employee Benefits

As an employer, there are so many benefits of offering group health insurance to your small business’ employees. A group health insurance plan can:

  • Help you retain new and key employees
  • Make you a more competitive and attractive employer
  • Increase employee morale
  • Provide an additional way to indirectly compensate your

How Many Employees Do You Need For Group Health Insurance?

It’s possible to get a group health insurance plan with as few as two employees! Although generally, the more people there are in the group, the more benefits are available.

Ready to secure group benefits for your small business?

Types Of Health Insurance Small Businesses Can Offer

There are many different types of group health insurance benefits you can secure for yourself and your employees through your plan, including:

  • Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Health Spending Accounts (Lump-sums your employees can use for any covered benefits as they see fit—or that they can use as a catch-all for benefits that aren’t covered due to deductibles or coinsurance)

The Cost of Group Health Insurance for Small Businesses in MB

The premiums you pay as the employer will depend on several factors, like the size of the group you want to secure benefits for, and the specific benefits you (or they) want included. 

Costs for Employers: Often, the total cost to an employer is about 4% of payroll costs. 

Costs for Employees: Employees could pay anywhere between $600-$4,000 per year in annual premiums. It will all depend on the plan the employer selects!

Health Insurance Options for Manitoba Sole Proprietors & Contractors

If you’re a sole proprietor or a contractor, you won’t have access to a group health plan because your employer is, well, you! So you’ll need to look into other options for health insurance.

The best option for your individual circumstances will depend on your company and the type of plan you want, but in general all of the same benefits and policy options are available to you. It’s just disability insurance that can be harder to attain as a sole proprietor. Typically, a personal health plan coupled with an individual disability plan works best. 

What Should Sole Proprietors & Contractors Look For In A Health Plan?

We recommend that you look into the types of coverage that are available to you under a “grouped” plan versus a personal health plan. Since every situation is so unique, it’s best to speak with an Insurance Advisor who can help you identify the best-fit options for you.

How Much Does Insurance Cost For Sole Proprietors & Contractors?

It’s so tough to say because each person is different. But once we know more about your company and your insurance needs, we can get you a free custom quote.

Insurance for Incorporated Professionals With 1-2 Employees

For incorporated professionals with a business of 1 person or 2 people where the second person is their spouse, typically most options under a regular group plan are available—although the maximums available might be lower than the ones you’d get with a small group. Just know that some insurance companies will not offer disability benefits in this situation.

What Should Incorporated Professionals Look For When Choosing A Plan?

We recommend that you look into the types of coverage that are available to you under a “grouped” plan versus a personal health plan. Since every situation is so unique, it’s best to speak with an Insurance Advisor who can help you identify the best-fit options for you.

How Much Does Insurance Cost For Incorporated Professionals?

Again, this is difficult to estimate because every company is different. We know this is a big range, but you could expect to pay between $80-$300 per month

For a more specific estimate, request a custom quote.

Insurance for Incorporated Professionals With 2+ Employees

The biggest difference here is that as your company grows, you’ll have more insurance options available to choose from. Simply put, the more employees you have, the greater the options become.

What To Look For In A Plan:

  • As an insured professional with two or more employees, you’ll want to look for:
  • A reputable insurance company
  • Plans and policies with lots of benefit options
  • High maximums for benefits like Disability Non-Evidence Maximums

Are Incorporated Businesses Required To Provide Health Insurance?

No, as an incorporated business, even with 2+ employees, you do not have to offer insurance plans to your employees. However, offering them can make you a more attractive and competitive employer, so it’s probably best to have one in place. 

How Much Does Insurance Cost For Incorporated Professionals?

Like with standard group health insurance plans, as an employer to 2+ employees, you can expect to pay about half of the total cost of your plan’s premium—typically 4% of payroll costs. Your employees’ premiums will range from $600 to $1,500 per year, per employee, depending on the plan you choose.

Health Insurance for Small Business: FAQs

Do You Have To Offer Health Insurance To All Employees?

It’s good business to offer the benefits to all employees. It’s possible to offer different benefits to different classes of employee, but generally, each employee within a specific class must be offered access to the same program. 

For example, if “Managers” are a class of employee, then all employees fitting that job title or description would need to be offered the same plan, while “Supervisors” could be offered something different.

Are Part-Time Employees Eligible For Health Insurance?

Sometimes. The definition of “part-time” varies by insurance company, so it  depends on the company you go with. But typically, if an employee works a minimum of 24 hours/week, they’re considered eligible for employee benefits.

How Long Are The Premium Rates Guaranteed?

Group insurance programs renew on an annual basis. Some insurance companies will guarantee rates for up to the first 2 years, but even so, the subsequent renewals will take place annually. 

Factors that impact rate changes are:

  • The composition of your group (demographics)
  • The claims experience of the group
  • The claims experience of similar companies in the same industry
  • Benefits offered

You can manage your premium costs by making certain plan changes when usage gets too high. For example, by choosing to introduce or increase deductibles and coinsurance, or by pulling back on some of the benefits offered.

Get Health Insurance For Your Small Business

As an employer, offering group health insurance is a great idea for your small Manitoba business. If you’re ready to start the process, reach out to us! We’ll get to know your company, learn everything we can about your insurance needs, and get you the custom quote you need!

The post How To Choose & Get Health Insurance For Your Manitoba Small Business appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
5167
A Guide to Insurance for Massage Therapists in Manitoba & Across Canada: What You Need To Know https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/what-insurance-do-massage-therapists-need/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-insurance-do-massage-therapists-need Tue, 03 Aug 2021 20:57:52 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=4972 A guide to the essential insurance all massage therapists need in Canada. Learn why you need insurance, how much it costs & get answers to RMT FAQs!

The post A Guide to Insurance for Massage Therapists in Manitoba & Across Canada: What You Need To Know appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

A Guide to Insurance for Massage Therapists in Manitoba & Across Canada: What You Need To Know

August 3, 2021
Updated: September 30, 2023

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Good to know: We’re based in Manitoba, so in this post, we sometimes speak directly to Manitoba RMTs. But this information applies to massage therapists all across Canada!

As much rest and relaxation massage therapists offer to others, being a massage therapist itself can be stressful! Especially when you’re trying to figure out all aspects of your business—including insurance—by yourself. This can lead you to feel lost and wonder, what insurance do massage therapists even need in Manitoba?

Don’t worry–we’re here to help!

Professional Liability Insurance for Massage Therapists (also known as Massage Malpractice insurance) as well as Commercial General Liability Insurance (business insurance) are required for all practicing RMTs in Manitoba and across Canada. But unless you’re employed by a spa or clinic, you’ll have to acquire that coverage yourself. And if you haven’t done that before, it can feel overwhelming.

So in this post, we’ll walk you through it from start to finish. First, we’ll dive into the most common insurance claims made against RMTs, then explain the types of insurance you need to protect yourself against them. Then, we’ll answer the most commonly asked questions massage therapists ask us about insurance. And show you what your next steps should be.

Prefer to skip the reading and speak to an Insurance Consultant one-on-one? Reach out to us.

Jump To The Section You Need Most

RMT Insurance: Why Massage Therapists In Canada Need It

As a registered massage therapist and a business owner, you shoulder all the professional responsibility and pressure that comes with serving clients and running a business. And part of that responsibility and pressure comes from making sure that you understand the ins and outs of professional insurance—and have the coverage you need to keep you and your clients safe.

Even in Canada, where suing is less common, patients do file insurance-related claims against healthcare providers. The most common insurance-related allegations against massage therapists are:

  1. Informed consent not being obtained for a particular treatment.
  2. Submitting false insurance claims.
  3. Misuse and misappropriation of registration numbers.

If a patient of yours were to file a claim like this against you, your personal and professional finances could take a serious hit. Legal fees, license suspensions, the inability to work for a period of time could all impact your ability to pay your bills and earn an income.

The proper insurance is crucial because even though you may have the best of intentions, things happen and can go wrong quickly. Below we’ve outlined three types of insurance massage therapists in Manitoba and across Canada should never find themselves without.

Did you know? Insurance is mandatory for massage therapists in Manitoba and across Canada!

Just like other health professionals in Canada, as a registered massage therapist, you are legally required to obtain and maintain professional and general liability insurance coverage. This requirement protects both you (the professional) and your patients (the public) by covering any and all treatments provided by you, to your clients.

3 Types of Insurance Every Canadian RMT Should Have

#1 Massage Therapy Liability Insurance

A Professional liability insurance Policy is a recommendation and often a requirement for most businesses. It exists to protect your practice and employees in the relatively common event that a slip-up, an error, or an omission that needs to be settled in court is covered—whether you’re at fault or not. Professional liability insurance will help cover you if a non-proper consent, false claim, or misuse of registration number claim is ever filed.

#2 Medical Fraud Insurance for Massage Therapists

In health care, proper billing is crucial. And although most errors are genuine mistakes that can be remedied, sadly, there are those who intentionally abuse the system. According to the Canadian Massage Therapy Alliance (CMTA), this type of medical fraud is an unfortunate occurrence that can and does negatively affect the massage therapy profession.

The CMTA explains that medical fraud can include things like:

  • Overbilling for services performed or not performed
  • Billing for additional and/or unnecessary services
  • Billing for uncovered services
  • Billing for any medical or assistive devices that are never provided
  • Abusing professional credentials​

even though your practice is good and clean, having the proper policies, procedures, and insurance and place can help to protect you and your reputation in case anything is ever called into question.

#3 Patient Confidentiality Insurance for Massage Therapists

The Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM) explains on their website that massage therapists are considered trustees under the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), a piece of legislation that applies to all Manitobans who collect, maintain, and have access to personal health information.

Among other things, PHIA dictates that:

  1. Health information is personal, and sensitive and its confidentiality must be protected to ensure individuals are confident (or comfortable) in seeking health care and disclosing sensitive information to health professionals; and
  2. Individuals need access to their own health information as a matter of fairness, to enable them to make informed decisions about their health care and to request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete information about themselves.

As a trusted health care professional, it’s your responsibility to safely and responsibly collect, secure, and protect the personal and health information of your clients and patients. If you’re found guilty of an offense under PHIA as a massage therapist, you could be fined up to $50,000. If your breach is prosecuted, it could result in disciplinary action for you, too.

Liability insurance can help you cover the costs of things like legal fees and payouts in the event that a breach of information exposes you to prosecution or fines like these.

Related: Cyber Liability Insurance for Businesses

The Insurance Package We Recommend For Every Canadian RMT

We recommend that, at a minimum, massage therapist insurance in Manitoba and across Canada should include these 3 types of coverage:

  1. Professional Liability Insurance is designed to protect individuals who provide services to third parties, such as massage therapists, and can respond to negligence claims made by a client.
  2. Commercial General Liability Insurance protects you and your business against claims for bodily or personal injuries, advertising liability, as well as property damage to third parties. This includes anything that arises from your operations or products or occurs on your business premises.
  3. Commercial Property Insurance provides coverage for physical loss or damage to your property and contents. Think: fires, break-ins, and the like.

In addition to what you must have (the bare minimum), we recommend you consider getting additional coverage from Business Interruption Insurance (also known as business income insurance) as well. This will help you cover costs related to having to temporarily close your business due to unforeseen situations like natural disasters, pandemics, and more.

How Insurance Works For RMTs In Canada

RMTs in Manitoba and Canada can typically obtain some insurance coverage through their provincial governing bodies, but don’t assume that coverage is enough. It’s often not the right coverage or it’s not enough coverage. We recommend that you speak to a licensed Insurance Consultant to make sure the coverage you have is the coverage you need—and get help filling any gaps that get identified.

How Much Does Massage Therapy Insurance Cost?

Insurance coverage for massage therapists varies quite a lot. So depending on how much coverage you need and the scope and size of your business, your costs can vary, too.

That said, as a ballpark, you should expect your massage therapy insurance coverage to cost you between $700 and $3,000 CAD per year—or $60 to $250 per month. (Again, depending on your business model and the services you provide.)

Massage Therapy Insurance FAQs

Rapid-fire answers to your FAQs about clients, clinics, and small business for RMTs!

Yes! Waivers are not always enforceable in a court of law, so you will still need insurance.

If you’re hired as an employee then yes, the company insurance policy will insure you. However, if you rent a room or space or work as an independent contractor, then you’ll be required to carry your own coverage.

It depends on whether or not your staff are considered employees or contractors. If they’re employees, your insurance covers them. If they’re contractors, they need their own insurance.

 

Related: Insurance For Your Small Business

Yes! Professional Liability Insurance, also known as Massage Malpractice Insurance is required for all practicing RMTs. It helps cover you and your business in the case where a slip-up or mistake is made.

Yes, all the same circumstances apply whether you’re working for a business or independently, from home or outside the house.

 

Related: Is Your Manitoba Home-Based Business Insured?

Let’s Get You Covered!

Want our help securing the professional liability insurance your massage therapy practice needs? Click the link below and request a custom quote!

The post A Guide to Insurance for Massage Therapists in Manitoba & Across Canada: What You Need To Know appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
4972
Who Needs Cyber Liability Insurance https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/who-needs-cyber-liability-insurance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=who-needs-cyber-liability-insurance Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:31:59 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=4944 Who needs Cyber Liability Insurance? Is your business on the list? Get all the info on cyber liability for Canadian businesses just like yours.

The post Who Needs Cyber Liability Insurance appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

Who Needs Cyber Liability Insurance

A middle-aged male employee using software systems on a laptop with a tablet in hand.
July 14, 2021

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

In 2024, cyber threats are more prevalent and sophisticated than ever, making cyber liability insurance an essential safeguard for businesses of all kinds and sizes.

Most businesses rely on computer systems and data to operate, and as a result viruses, hackers, and other digital attacks can happen to more businesses at any time, putting them at risk of losing critical information belonging to them and their customers. Therefore, understanding who needs cyber liability insurance and why it’s vital can help protect your business from devastating financial and reputational loss.

What is Cyber Liability Insurance?

Cyber Liability Insurance protects businesses by covering the associated costs of recovering lost data or restoring computer systems after a data breach. It includes coverage for five elements of online security: network security, privacy, business interruption, media liability, and errors and omissions.

Without cyber liability insurance, your business risks incurring substantial costs related to dealing with a data breach. These costs can include paying damages and recovering digital assets such as intellectual property, employee records, customer data (e.g., credit card information), financial statements, media files, etc.

First-Party and Third-Party Cyber Liability Insurance

It’s important to know that there are two types of Cyber Liability Insurance: first-party and third-party. As a business, you’ll want both.

  • First Party Cyber Liability Insurance helps you respond to data breaches on your data by covering the costs your business incurs because of a data breach—things like replacing hardware or covering a temporary closure.

 

  • Third-Party Cyber Liability Insurance helps you cover lawsuit fees caused by a data breach on a client’s network of systems. This means that if you are named as a third party that worked on a compromised system, no matter how big or small your part of the project, your insurance has you covered.

Related: How Cyber Liability Insurance Works for Businesses

Recent High-Profile Cyber Attacks

Recent high-profile cyber-attacks have underscored the importance of cyber liability insurance. For instance, the 2024 data breach against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, compromised the user data of millions of Ticketmaster users, leading to financial damage, and further reputational damage. Such incidents highlight the critical need for businesses to invest in cyber liability insurance to safeguard against potential breaches and cyber-attacks.

Which Businesses Need Cyber Liability Insurance Nowadays?

Any business can benefit from cyber liability insurance, but every organization that relies on digital systems, uses data for daily operations or stores customer data should already have it. This includes everything from large organizations to sole proprietors. No business is too big or too small to need or be exempt from needing insurance against cyber threats.

Your business cyber liability insurance if you:

  • Use a point of sales (POS) system
  • Use a cloud-based system to store data
  • Use an electronic device to store data
  • Used a computer system to store data
  • Store medical information
  • Store general customer information
  • Keep credit card information

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but even so, it’s easy to see that most modern businesses need at least a moderate level of cyber liability insurance.

Does Any Business Not Need Cyber Liability Insurance?

It is hard to think of a business that doesn’t need cyber protection because every business that relies on computer systems or client data benefits from this coverage. Comprehensive coverage is recommended because cyber-attacks can occur unexpectedly and significantly impact a business’s operations and finances.

The threat of viruses and cyber-attacks is increasing, and cybercriminals continuously improve their tactics. So, every business is vulnerable to an attack, even from internal sources like a disgruntled employee.

How Does Cyber Liability Insurance Work?

A cyber liability insurance policy helps pay for the associated costs of repairing your systems or recovering your lost data. These costs can be high and drastically decrease a business’s bottom line (The average data breach costs over $85,000!). It’s always best to transfer those costs to an insurance company.

What Does A Cyber Liability Insurance Policy Cover?

Since every company has different coverage needs there’s no baseline for Cyber Liability Insurance.

As is always true with insurance, those with higher levels of risk will need more coverage, while those with less measured risk can handle less.

How Much Cyber Liability Insurance Do You Need?

It’s tricky to figure out exactly how much coverage you need. The best thing to do is reach out to an Insurance Broker (like us!) to get a custom quote.

But, if you’d like a ballpark idea, it can be a good idea to think about how much you imagine a data breach would cost your company—in other words, to calculate the value of your digital assets. As a rule of thumb, that’s the minimum amount of total coverage you’ll want to have.

To assess the range of coverage your company may need, you’ll want to take things like digital assets, hardware, software, business interruption, and associated fees into account.

Digital Assets

Most companies have more digital assets than they think they do. You want to account for things like intellectual property, customer information, and less-obvious assets like the information stored by your POS system. And don’t forget to consider all the devices, systems, and channels you use to store data while you calculate.

Hardware & Software

Tally up the cost of replacing compromised hardware (like computers and tablets) as well as software (like your client management system).

Business Interruption

Would your business have to close its doors temporarily if you experienced a data breach? If so, for how long? Think about the cost of a temporary closure, and factor that into your equation.

Legal & PR Fees

Finally, think about costs for legal fees and damages in the event your business is taken to court or sued over customer information being lost. Consider if you could handle the public relations (PR) side of a breach like this in-house or if you’d need to hire support.

All these numbers add up fast, and there are details of cyber liability that are easily overlooked.

We recommend you speak with an Insurance Consultant to get the most accurate information possible!

How Much Does Cyber Liability Insurance Cost?

Cyber Liability Insurance costs vary much like the digital assets of different businesses. As a result, premiums start as low as $100 per month and go up to $10,000 and beyond (for companies with the highest levels of risk) per month.

Interested? Get A Personalized Quote Online!

The best way to find out what your specific company needs and costs are is to request a detailed quote. We’ll work with your IT department (or whoever is in charge of tech and security) to get all of the information we need, then give you exactly the details you need.

The post Who Needs Cyber Liability Insurance appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
4944
Why Manitoba Truckers Need General Liability Insurance https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/why-do-truckers-need-general-liability-insurance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-do-truckers-need-general-liability-insurance Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:01:57 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=4852 Why do truckers need general liability insurance? What about commercial trucking insurance? Learn the key differences and find the right option for you.

The post Why Manitoba Truckers Need General Liability Insurance appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

Why Manitoba Truckers Need General Liability Insurance

April 14, 2021
Updated: April 21, 2023

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Whether you’re new to the trucking business or have been in it for a while, ensuring you are equipped with the right protection is one of the best things you can do. But exactly what coverage you need and whether you, as a trucker, need general liability coverage can be hard to navigate. Don’t worry; we’re here to help!

As a truck driver, you need general liability insurance to help ensure you comply with the Motor Carrier Division. Plus, it’s a way to protect yourself against unforeseen accidents where you’re found to be at fault.

Additionally, if you’re not already covered with commercial auto insurance, you’ll most likely want to at least consider it. There’s a good chance your current auto policy doesn’t offer enough protection for your needs.

In this blog post, we outline all the benefits, drawbacks, and differences between general liability and commercial insurance for truckers. Plus, we’ll help you determine which options are right for you!

Already have questions you want answers to now? Let us help! Contact us today, and we’ll walk you through your policy options.

Bonus: all conversations are commitment-free, meaning you can get the answers you need without spending a penny.

Go Straight To The Info You Need Most

The Importance Of General Liability Insurance for Manitoba Truckers

General liability insurance protects your trucking business in the wake of unforeseen at-fault events. It covers things like:

  • Customer or employee injuries;
  • Property damage;
  • Damage to products or cargo;
  • Driver mistakes and errors;
  • Legal fees; and
  • Payouts that result from lawsuits.

Of course, we hope events like these will never happen to you. But the truth is that they’re relatively common. By securing your general liability insurance, you’ll be saving your future self a lot of stress and a lot of money— especially when compared to the costs of lawsuits and payouts!

General Liability Insurance & Trucking

Commercial drivers like for-hire truckers and motor carriers should always have general liability insurance. Why? Because the nature of your work means that you have a bigger liability risk.

You transport expensive cargo, you operate heavy machinery, and you’re at the mercy of other drivers who you have to hope are driving safely alongside you. These considerations also make it extremely important for you to make sure you have enough liability insurance!

Your higher risk and higher coverage requirements mean you’ll likely pay a higher premium— but keep in mind that a monthly premium is negligible next to what can be the extremely high costs of legal action.

What are the risks of not having trucking general liability insurance as a Manitoba trucker?

As a trucker, it’s important to know that without general liability insurance you expose yourself to major occupational and financial risks:

  • You may not be in compliance with the Motor Carrier Division
  • You may be subject to fines
  • You’ll be at risk of being held liable for any claims that stem from the use and operation of your vehicle
  • You might not be able to register your vehicle at all

Commercial Auto Insurance vs. General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance protects your Manitoba trucking business against relatively common at-fault errors. Once you’re insured, it will either cover certain costs you incur or it will pay out to the involved third-party, up to a predetermined maximum. It’s excellent and important coverage to have— but it doesn’t offer much in the way of accident coverage.

If one of your drivers is involved in an accident or one of your vehicles is totaled, commercial auto insurance provides the coverage you need, whether your company is at fault or not.

Commercial auto insurance offers extra coverage for things like legal bills, medical expenses, and property damage in case one of your vehicles is involved in an accident. It’s great insurance to have in addition to your general liability trucking insurance.

Commercial Auto Insurance for Manitoba Truckers

We recommend commercial auto insurance for all independent owner-operators and truck drivers, commercial transportation businesses, and any business with trucks, drivers, or transportation-related activity.

What does commercial auto insurance cover?

Depending on your business needs, you can work with your broker to customize a commercial auto insurance policy that covers things like:

  • Collision-related damages to involved vehicles— whether or not your company is at-fault
  • Other damages like fire, theft, and vandalism
  • Legal fees and court-ordered expenses
  • Medical injuries for drivers, passengers, or bystanders

Types of Commercial Truck Insurance

If you’re looking to secure commercial trucking insurance, you have the option to purchase Third-Party Liability and/or Truckmen’s General Liability Insurance. You can choose a limit of $1 Million, $2 Million, $5 Million, or higher.

You can also choose to extend your coverage by adding on All Perils, Motor Truck Cargo, Auto Loss Of Use, Non-Owned Trailer, and Reefer Endorsement coverage.

  • All-Perils Coverage gives you an additional $500, $1,000, $2,500 or $5000 in coverage
  • Motor Truck Cargo covers your freight up to a specified amount
  • Auto Loss Of Use provides funding for a rental in case of an accidental damage claim
  • Non-Owned Trailer provides coverage on any trailers not owned by you
  • Reefer Endorsement covers refrigeration unit breakdowns 

Do I need All Perils coverage?

Maybe! It all depends on the type of vehicle you drive commercially.

If your vehicle weighs between 4500 and 16330 kgs, your plates will provide you with a basic All-Perils deductible of $1200. (You also have the option of purchasing reduced deductibles!)

If your vehicle weighs 16330 kgs or more, you don’t have any built-in perils coverage, so you’ll want to purchase it separately. (Without an All Perils extension policy, you’re at risk of not being covered for any type of collision or comprehensive claims!)

Commercial Trucking Insurance Pricing & Costs

Quotes for general liability and commercial trucking insurance are individualized, based on your:

  • Trucking operations;
  • Insurance history;
  • Years in business; and
  • Claims experience.

 

Motor Truck Cargo premiums are based on the types of commodities you haul, as well as your experience and radius of operation.

Note: The radius of your operation can be within Manitoba, Outside Manitoba (IRP), Canada-wide, or USA/Canada.

Get A Trucking Insurance Quote

As a trucker, you operate expensive machinery, haul valuable cargo, and you’re on the road next to drivers who you hope will be safe— but whose actions are ultimately out of your control.

Having the proper coverage in your back pocket will not only help you out in case you’re ever caught in a sticky situation, but it will also help you drive with ease. Knowing you are covered in case the unthinkable happens.

If you’re a Manitoba-based trucker looking for interest in leveling up your insurance game, get a quote today!

Our insurance consultants will look at your unique situation and help you choose the best plan for you!

The post Why Manitoba Truckers Need General Liability Insurance appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
4852
Is Your Manitoba Home-Based Business Insured? https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/insurance-for-home-businesses/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=insurance-for-home-businesses Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:00:58 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=4760 Group health insurance benefits everyone. It helps take care of your team, it makes your business more appealing to current and future employees, and compared to other insurance options, it can even reduce your costs.

The post Is Your Manitoba Home-Based Business Insured? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

Is Your Manitoba Home-Based Business Insured?

blonde woman in a ponytail, black glasses and a denim shirt on the phone while looking at a brown bag in her hand in her home office.
January 13, 2021

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Working from home definitely has its perks. No commute, no packed lunches, and who doesn’t love being their own boss! But, it’s not all comfy clothes and flexible hours. Especially if you’re lacking proper insurance, running a home-based business brings some risks with it, too.

If you run a home-based business in Manitoba, there are a few different business insurance options available to you. We’ve outlined all of your choices below, giving you an in-depth look at each one, so that you can make an informed decision.

How Home-Based Business Insurance Works in Manitoba

In Manitoba, like in most other places, standard home insurance covers your home— not your home-based business. That means that if something unexpected like a windstorm or water wreckage affected your home, your personal belongings would be covered by insurance, but anything business-related would not.

A standard home insurance policy may offer a small amount of coverage for certain smaller business-related items, but chances are that it wouldn’t be enough. Depending on the type of business you run, that could mean leaving a lot of expensive equipment, tools, stock, and other assets uninsured.

By extending your regular home insurance to cover both your personal and professional belongings, home-based business insurance gives you the peace of mind of knowing that if something unexpected happens on your property, both your home and your business will be protected.

What Home-Based Insurance Covers

Home-based businesses can be anything from small side-hustles to full-blown productions. So in order to meet the needs of all the businesses it protects, home-based business insurance can include a wide range of things, like:

  • Equipment
  • Tools
  • Extra liability for businesses like home-based daycares
  • Company-related errors and omissions
  • Damaged or stolen inventory
  • Customer-facing property damage
  • …and so much more

But, don’t let that overwhelm you! If you’re looking to purchase home-based business insurance, we recommend that at the minimum, you opt for:

  • Extra liability;
  • Business interruption insurance; and
  • Business property insurance.

These are things that aren’t covered by your regular home insurance and that, if something unexpected happened, could end up costing you a lot of money.

Home-Based Insurance Options in Manitoba

If you run a home-based business in Manitoba, there are a few different business insurance options available to you. You can choose to extend your personal liability and home property insurance, or you can opt for complete home-based business coverage.

1. Home-Based Business Coverage

A homeowners policy may give you some coverage for business-related items like books and tools, but chances are it won’t be enough. Some insurance companies offer home-based business coverage specifically, which extends your homeowners policy so that it includes things like:

  • Professional liability
  • Personal artwork
  • Books and magazines
  • Candy and confectionery products
  • Ceramic supplies
  • Clothing
  • Costume jewellery
  • Food and beverages
  • Kitchenware or home goods

Just note that there are certain eligibility requirements for this type of coverage. Speaking to an Insurance Consultant is the best way to get accurate information that’s specific to you.

2. Business Property Coverage

Unfortunately, your standard home property insurance won’t cover your business. Opting for specific business property coverage lets you extend your home property insurance. This way, if something unexpected were to happen on your property causing direct physical loss or damage to business property, it would be covered.

Note: Just like with home insurance, your business property insurance is only applicable if damage or loss occurs because of an insured hazard (things like fire, water damage, and wind). It’s a great idea to speak with your Insurance Consultant to make sure you understand which hazards are covered by your insurance before you have to file a claim.

Home-Based Business Insurance FAQs

Do home-based businesses in Manitoba need insurance?

Yes, all home-based businesses in Manitoba should have insurance. However, the exact type and amount of insurance you need will depend on the type of business you operate.

Chances are your home-based business is not covered under your standard home insurance policy. It’s also important to note that running a business out of your home can affect your home insurance policy. In fact, if your home-based business isn’t disclosed, it could actually be voided!

We want you to be covered in more situations, not less! So we recommend speaking with your Insurance Consultant as soon as you make the decision to open a business from home.

What other insurance options are available for home based businesses?

If your home-based business isn’t eligible for coverage under your standard home insurance policy, then we recommend business insurance.

How can home-based business owners get insured?

In some cases, you can get a quote online within a few hours. But, since every home-based business is different, we recommend speaking to an Insurance Consultant directly. This way, you’ll cut through any noise, and skip any confusion.

Get The Business Insurance You Need

No two home-based businesses are the same. Depending on the type of business you run, the cost and the extent of the coverage you need will range. If you have questions or want to learn more, get in touch with us. Will help you make the right decision for your business.

The post Is Your Manitoba Home-Based Business Insured? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
4760
What You Need To Know About Group Health Insurance for Your Small Manitoba Business https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/group-health-insurance-in-manitoba/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=group-health-insurance-in-manitoba Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:00:16 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=4740 Group health insurance benefits everyone. It helps take care of your team, it makes your business more appealing to current and future employees, and compared to other insurance options, it can even reduce your costs.

The post What You Need To Know About Group Health Insurance for Your Small Manitoba Business appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

What You Need To Know About Group Health Insurance for Your Small Manitoba Business

Woman looking to whiteboard in a meeting with a diverse female team.
January 7, 2021
Updated: April 19, 2023

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

If you’re a Manitoba small business owner, you may have, or currently be, considering adding a group health insurance program for your employees.

Group health insurance plans benefit everyone. Not only does it help take care of your team, but it also makes your business more appealing to current and future employees. Bonus! Group insurance is often more affordable than individual insurance plans. Making it even more appealing to everyone involved.

In this post, we explore what a group health plan is, what it typically costs, and look at important considerations and some typical questions we get asked.

Have a list of questions you’re dying to ask? Contact us today! We’ll help you run through your list so that you can feel confident before you take this next big step for your business.

Jump Straight To The Information You Need Most

What Is Group Health Insurance?

Group Health Insurance is a type of insurance designed for businesses that lets employers offer health insurance benefits to their employees, as part of a group package. It benefits employees by helping them pay for healthcare costs that are not covered by the government. It benefits employers by spreading both the risks and the costs associated with traditional health insurance across all employees.

How Does Group Health Insurance Work In Manitoba?

In Manitoba, when group health insurance is purchased, the employer pays a portion of the premiums for that policy, and the employees pay for the rest. From there, any claims made through the policy are pooled together to manage risk and assist in keeping premiums affordable.

What Does Group Health Insurance Cover?

Group health insurance is a type of private health insurance, so it covers things that your government-funded health insurance often doesn’t. Depending on what’s included in the group plan (as determined by the employer), group health insurance can cover costs associated to expenses, such as:

  • Prescription drugs
  • Paramedical practitioners (like massage therapists and chiropractors)
  • Semi-private hospital rooms
  • Vision care (including eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses)
  • Dental (basic, major, and orthodontic)
  • Employee Assistance Programs (like counselling)

Group Health Requirements For Small Businesses In Manitoba

If you’re thinking about purchasing group health insurance for your small business, you’ll want to consider three things: the number of employees you have, the type of employees you have, and how long employees need to be with your company before they can access their benefits.

1. Number Of Employees

The number of employees you need to have in order to qualify for group benefits varies, but companies with as few as two employees can qualify! It all depends on the guidelines set by the insurance company you partner with.

Get in touch with our individual Insurance Advisors to confirm your unique requirements.

2. Type Of Employees

Typically, group health insurance plans are offered to full-time employees only. The definition of “full time” varies by insurance company, but the industry standard is 24 hours of work per week.

Group health insurance is usually only offered to those employees who have employment agreements with your company on a regular basis, so contractors, consultants, seasonal, and casual employees don’t typically fall under these group plans.

3. Probation Periods

Most employers only offer access to benefits following a probationary period of around 3-6 months, but sometimes new employees will qualify right away. It all depends on what is written into their employment agreement.

Group Health Insurance FAQs

You got burning questions– we’ve got answers! Have a question we don’t answer below? Reach out. We’d be happy to help walk you through any additional information you want to know.

Like other types of business insurance, the cost of your group health insurance premium depends on the types of benefits you want included. Costs can be affected by things like:

 

  • Past claims experience
  • Co-insurance (the amount paid out after the deductible)
  • Deductibles
  • Benefit maximums

 

Typically, plans cost roughly 3% of payroll expenses, with employers paying a minimum of 50% of the total premiums.

Yes, group insurance is often more affordable than individual insurance plans.

 

Group plans are more affordable for employers because they spread the risk across your entire organization — and even across your industry — which reduces costs for all businesses involved.

 

And, they’re more affordable to employees, too! As long as the employer contributes to the overall cost of the premiums, individual costs are much lower than they would be if each employee purchased an individual health insurance plan.

Yes, some aspects of a group health and dental insurance plan are tax deductible for both employers and employees. However, certain factors can affect your ability to claim the premiums. We recommend double-checking with your accountant before banking on that!

As mentioned above, the number of employees needed to be eligible for a group health plan will change depending on the insurance company you decide to use.

 

You can usually find a company offering a group policy for as little as two people!

Typically not under the same plan.

 

There are a lot of risk factors based on industry/job type, which is why insurers don’t like to group businesses together that will have a different level of risk.

 

However, some industries have association plans that offer a grouped arrangement. In these scenarios, you’d have an individual employee benefits plan under the association plan. So you’d still be responsible for your own policy but would get some of the benefits (like cost savings) of having a grouped plan.

The best way to find a group health policy for your small business is to work with an insurance advisor (like us!). They'll be able to answer all your questions, determine which policy works best for your unique situation, and lock in a great rate!

Protect Your Employees With Group Health Insurance

A group insurance plan can be a great way to lower premiums for everyone. Plus, it can help you attract and retain your employees!

If you’re interested in purchasing a group health insurance plan for your Manitoba small business, get in touch. Together, we’ll determine your needs, set your budget, and find the best plan for you.

The post What You Need To Know About Group Health Insurance for Your Small Manitoba Business appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
4740
A Definitive Guide to Business Interruption Insurance for Manitobans https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/what-is-covered-by-business-interruption-insurance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-covered-by-business-interruption-insurance Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:45:15 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=4709 Does home insurance cover falling trees? In many cases it will — but not always. Learn the ins and outs of fallen trees and home insurance so you can prepare!

The post A Definitive Guide to Business Interruption Insurance for Manitobans appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

A Definitive Guide to Business Interruption Insurance for Manitobans

November 13, 2020

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Owning a business is not for the faint of heart! It brings flexibility, freedom, excitement, and pride. It also brings a lot of stress. Thankfully, by protecting your company from costly, unexpected circumstances, Business Interruption Insurance keeps stress to a minimum and keeps your business running smoothly — no matter what life throws your way.

How Business Interruption Insurance Works in Manitoba

Business Interruption Insurance is a type of additional business coverage that’s typically added to an existing policy.

If an unforeseen event or circumstance interrupts your business proceedings, it replaces the income you’d be forced to lose. In other words, it pays you the income you would’ve expected to generate in normal circumstances.

Business Interruption Insurance can be used to handle any necessary, ongoing expenses, like paying your employees, paying your bills, and settling inventory payments — giving you much needed peace of mind.

What’s considered an interruption?

Any unexpected event that results in direct physical loss or damage for your business is considered an interruption. The most common types of interruptions are:

  • Fire
  • Explosion
  • Water damage
  • Cybercrime

How much does Business Interruption Insurance cost?

Costs vary widely, because some insurance companies include it as a part of their package policies, while others charge it as a percentage based on your company’s expected gross profits over a certain period of time.

What does Business Interruption Insurance cover for Manitobans?

Business Interruption Insurance provides Manitoba business owners with coverage for things like wages, profits, and rent.

Specifically, it covers things like:

  • Employee wages
  • Profits
  • Taxes
  • Loan payments
  • Fixed costs (Operating expenses and costs incurred during the interruption)
  • Temporary location (The cost of moving to and operating from a temporary location)
  • Commission and training (The cost of training the operators of any replaced machinery)
  • Civil authority interference (Revenue lost due to government-mandated closures, like government-issued curfews)
  • Extra expenses (Reimbursement for reasonable expenses, beyond the fixed costs, that allow you to continue operation while repairs are made)

What doesn’t Business Interruption Insurance cover?

While Business Interruption Insurance is an excellent resource to help you during trying times, there are a few things it does not cover, like:

  • Interruptions caused by a utility’s failure to provide services (like Manitoba Hydro)
  • Undocumented income that doesn’t show in your financial records or that’s higher than your policy’s income cap (keep this in mind as your business grows)
  • Market or economic changes
  • Any events not covered by your property insurance (like floods and earthquakes)

Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19

A pandemic is often included in the list of exclusions for this type of coverage. Unfortunately, because it doesn’t result in direct physical loss or damage, the COVID-19 pandemic is not considered a business interruption and it is unlikely that a claim would be paid.

What industries need Business Interruption Insurance the most?

Every business owner should already have (or seriously consider) Business Interruption Insurance because unexpected losses can interrupt or stall any business at any given time.

That said, we recommend Business Interruption Insurance especially for:

  • Contractors
  • Manufacturers
  • Restaurants

…and any business that relies on the use of a building and equipment for daily operations, and that would have to permanently close because of damage.

It’s never too late to protect your business.

If your business is operating without interruption insurance, contact us. We’ll connect you with your very own Business Interruption Advisor who will make sure you have the protection — and the peace of mind — that you need.

The post A Definitive Guide to Business Interruption Insurance for Manitobans appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
4709