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A male electrician works in a switchboard with an electrical connecting cable.

What Does Electrician Insurance Really Cost in Ontario?

Many electrical contractors believe that a standard commercial insurance policy is a simple commodity, and that a quick online form can accurately capture the exact risks of their daily trade. It is a common misconception that getting a commercial quote is as simple as entering your postal code and receiving a generic provincial average price. However, this automated approach can expose your trade business to serious liability. Electrical contracting is highly specialized, meaning your insurance needs to be just as precise. When you rely on

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A business man is explaining the importance of project while sitting at the boardroom in corporate firm.

Protecting Your Professional Integrity: A Local Guide to Errors & Omissions Insurance in Ontario

Managing Project Delay Liabilities: E&O for Ontario Contractors and Professional Consultants Imagine this scenario: Your contracting business or professional consulting firm delivers a comprehensive, data-driven operational strategy or specialized system design to a long-term commercial client. A minor administrative oversight in project planning—or an unverified calculation from a software tool—leads to a cascade of supply chain delays, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue for their business. Despite your strong history together, the client is financially cornered and files a lawsuit to

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log cabin in the woods

Cottage Insurance in Ontario: What’s Covered, What it Costs, & How to Get a Policy

For many Ontario families, a cottage isn’t just a piece of real estate—it’s a sanctuary where multi-generational memories are made. Whether your retreat is nestled among the pines of Muskoka, resting along the rocky shores of Georgian Bay, or sitting quietly by a lake in the Kawarthas or Haliburton, it represents a major emotional and financial investment. However, leaving a property unoccupied for weeks or months at a time exposes it to unique risks that standard home insurance isn’t built to handle. If a hidden

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Neatly parked white delivery vans for a transporting service company

Fleet vs. Individual: Choosing the Right Commercial Auto Policy for Your Ontario Business

Is your business outgrowing its current auto policy? As your business expands from a single service van in Orillia to a growing team across Barrie and Muskoka, your insurance needs inevitably shift. Many business owners reach a tipping point where managing individual policies becomes an administrative burden and a financial drain. But how do you know when it’s time to make the switch? At McLean & Dickey, we’ve been helping our neighbours navigate these transitions since 1922, providing the unbiased advice you need to ensure

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Man discussing new designs and color scheme with colleagues

The Ultimate Small Business Insurance Guide for Ontario: Mandatory vs. Recommended Coverage in 2026

Is your business protected against the unexpected? Starting a business in Ontario, whether it’s a tech startup in Barrie or a family-run shop in Orillia, is a bold move that comes with a unique share of risks. While you’re focused on growth, one unforeseen event like a data breach or a slip-and-fall lawsuit could be enough to drive you out of business without the right protection. As your local neighbours, McLean & Dickey have been providing peace of mind and unbiased advice since 1922 to

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Man shovelling snow and backlit by setting sun.

Preparing Now Can Help Prevent Basement Water Entry This Spring

That first warming winter day in Orillia usually brings a sense of relief, but for many homeowners, it also brings a sense of dread. If you’ve ever walked into your basement during a thaw only to hear the squish of wet carpet, you know that water doesn’t wait for an invitation. While spring might feel distant, the heavy snow currently sitting against your foundation is a ticking clock. At McLean & Dickey, we’ve been protecting our neighbours in Simcoe County and Muskoka since 1922. We

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Sailboats line the perimeter of a marina during the winter months when the harbor is frozen. The boats are winterized and covered up.

Safeguarding the Fleet: Why Commercial Marine Assets Require Specialized Off-Season Protection

Do you know the exact dollar value of the liability sitting in your marina’s storage yard or inside your commercial warehouse right now? For commercial marine operators in the Orillia, Barrie, and Muskoka regions, the transition from the bustling summer season to the quiet of winter is not merely a pause in operations. It is a significant shift in risk profile. While a personal watercraft owner worries about a single tarp, a commercial operator manages a complex web of “Care, Custody, and Control” that can

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Two red Muskoka chairs sit facing the sunrise on a dock

Why Do Many Ontario Property Owners Find Themselves Underinsured When the Unexpected Happens at the Lake?

Many people assume that their seasonal property is naturally covered under their primary home insurance, but this “set it and forget it” mentality often leads to devastating financial gaps. Because cottages are often left vacant for long periods and are located in areas with unique geography, they face a specific set of hazards, from falling trees to frozen pipes, that a standard homeowners’ policy may not fully address. At McLean & Dickey, we have been providing outstanding insurance solutions since 1922. As an independent insurance

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Close up hand holding smartphone and taking photo of car accident

What to Do After an Auto Accident in Ontario: a Step by Step Guide

Being involved in a car accident can be stressful, even when the damage appears minor. Knowing what to do next—and what’s legally required in Ontario—can help protect your safety, your insurance coverage, and your finances. This guide walks you through the steps to take after an auto accident, based on how serious the situation is. Step 1: Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety Your safety always comes first. Immediately after an accident: Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 right away if anyone

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couple dressed in colourful sweaters entering their cottage with firewood during the winter

Avoid Winter Cottage Claims with These Tips

Picture arriving at your cottage on the first warm weekend of spring, looking forward to a relaxing lakeside retreat. Upon unlocking the door, instead of the inviting scent of cedar and old books, you hear running water and see a buckled floor. This is a familiar concern for cottage owners in Muskoka and Orillia: discovering that a winter of heavy snow and freezing temperatures has wreaked havoc on your sanctuary while you were away. Winter in our region is undeniably beautiful, but it brings distinct

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