A document with the word caa on it.

Aug 26, 2019

5 min. read

Why you should always compare insurance quotes and never park in a no-stopping zone.

What should I look for when reviewing home insurance quotes?

Price is often the first thing people look at when comparing quotes, but don't let that be the deciding factor. There's more to it than cost alone. Each company and policy will be different, so while some policies may look cheaper, they might not provide as much coverage—and that can hurt you when you need to make a claim.

Choosing the right policy is key. Thoroughly examine each quote and determine what coverage is most important for you and which policy best fits your needs. If a certain type of protection—service line coverage, for example—is vital to you, then buying a policy that doesn't offer it won't work. Or maybe you like comprehensive coverage for added peace of mind.

Last but not least: Consider the broker and insurance company. How is their customer service? Are claims settled in a timely manner? Does the company have a long-standing reputation? You don't want to pay for protection, only to have a difficult time during the claims process.

At CAA Manitoba Insurance, we're always honest and upfront with our clients. That's why we will sit down with you and review your policy—even if it's with another company—to make sure you've got the right protection. If we're not able to provide that same level of protection, we'll make sure you know what to look for with another provider. This is one of the reasons why CAA has become one of Canada's most trusted brands.

-Ajay Bagwe Supervisor, property and casualty insurance, Empress store

Is stopping in a "no-stopping" zone really that bad?

It's natural to think that stopping—even just for a moment—won't hurt anyone. But there's a reason why that convenient spot is not available for parking.

If it's a fire lane, that space is designated for fire trucks or other emergency vehicles that need to help someone—and do so quickly. In an emergency situation, seconds count. If that space isn't available, even just for a few minutes, it could be the difference between life and death.

In other cases, there are assigned spots for accessible parking only. It goes without saying that people with a designated disability parking sign need to be able to find adequate parking close to their destination. If someone else takes that spot, those who need it are left to walk farther—which may be difficult or impossible— or circle the block until another spot opens.

In school zones, there are no-parking areas to keep kids safe. These necessary spots are intended for school bus use, to ease traffic congestion and to keep streets' sight lines clear, allowing drivers to see kids going to and from school.

Illegal parking poses safety concerns, causes traffic congestion and can result in fines up to $300. Most importantly, it can prevent emergency vehicles from doing their important work.

So while it may be convenient in the moment, parking in that no-stopping zone really isn't worth it in the long run.

- Teresa Di Felice Assistant vice-president, government and community relations

Share this article: