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Why Choose an Independent Commercial Insurance Broker?

When it comes to protecting your business, navigating the world of commercial insurance can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering whether to go directly to an insurance company or work with a broker. At McLean & Dickey, we believe that choosing an independent commercial insurance broker like us offers distinct advantages that can save you time, money, and provide invaluable peace of mind. Brokers vs. Direct Insurers: A Clear Advantage for Your Business Imagine trying to find the perfect suit without trying on different options

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Ontario Business Owners: Do You Need Commercial General Liability Insurance?

Understanding Commercial General Liability (CGL) in Ontario: Your Business’s Essential Shield As a business owner in Ontario, you juggle countless responsibilities – from serving your clients to managing operations. Amidst it all, one crucial element often gets overlooked or misunderstood: Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance. At McLean & Dickey, we’ve been protecting businesses like yours since 1922. We believe in providing unbiased advice because we work for you, not the insurance company. Understanding CGL coverage is vital for safeguarding your business against unexpected and potentially

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Understanding Sewer Insurance Coverage – What to Know

Understanding Overland Water, Ground Water and Sewer Backup Coverage Advice You Can Trust | From Your Team at McLean & Dickey When it comes to protecting your home, not all water damage is covered the same way, and not all coverage is automatic. That’s why understanding the difference between overland water, ground water and sewer backup insurance is so important. If you live in Orillia, Barrie, Midland, Muskoka, or the surrounding regions, you’ve likely seen just how quickly a heavy rain, a spring thaw, or

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How to Protect Your Small Business from Vishing Scams and AI Voice Fraud

Cybercrime Is Targeting Small Businesses — Are You Ready? Over the past year, more than half of small businesses across Canada have been hit by digital fraud attempts. Of those impacted, over one-third suffered financial losses, according to recent insights from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The average cost? Roughly $7,800 — not to mention the toll it takes on employee morale, productivity, and leadership stress levels. Email (phishing), text (smishing), and phone (vishing) scams remain the most common threats. But voice-based scams

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How to be claims-ready for home insurance in Ontario

Home Insurance Is Not What It Used to Be – Why a Home Inventory Is the Key to Faster, Fairer Claims Advice You Can Trust | From Your Team at McLean & Dickey Home insurance has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. There was a time when filing a claim was fairly straightforward: you made a call, explained what happened, and your insurance provider worked with you to put things right. Today, things are different. The process is more complex, more time-consuming, and at

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Ontario Cottage Insurance – An Essential Safety Net for Homeowners

The Climate Crunch: Cottage Country at Risk. Advice You Can Trust | From Your Team at McLean & Dickey A shift is underway across Ontario’s cottage country, from Rural Orillia, Barrie and Midland to iconic Muskoka. For cottage owners who cherish the summer breezes on Georgian Bay or the peace of Muskoka’s lakes, recent winters and summers offer troubling glimpses of what climate change could mean for their cherished retreats. Cottage insurance is becoming an essential safeguard in light of these emerging risks 1. Intensifying

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Planning a Home Renovation in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know About Insurance First.

Thinking about refreshing your kitchen, building an addition, or finally finishing that basement? You’re not alone—almost half of Canadians were planning or completing home renovations in 2024*. With rising material and labour costs, the average renovation now costs around $19,000—almost double what it was just five years ago. Renovating can absolutely improve your space and increase your home’s value—but it also comes with some serious insurance considerations many homeowners overlook. Before the first hammer swings, make sure you’re protected. Is Your Renovation Covered by Insurance?

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The Complete Guide to Filing an Insurance Claim: What You Need to Know

Filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with property damage or auto issues. Understanding what happens behind the scenes can help ease your mind during this process. Here’s a straightforward guide to what you can expect when filing an insurance claim. Reporting Your Claim The claims process begins the moment you report an incident. To file a claim, you can call us directly at 705-325-4461. Our claims department is available 24-7. You can also login to the Client Portal and

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Cyber Crime: How to Protect Your Business from Evolving AI Threats

In today’s digital landscape, Canadian business owners face a new breed of cyber threats. Gone are the days when cyber attacks were easily identifiable by poor grammar or suspicious email addresses. Artificial Intelligence has changed the game entirely, and your business needs to be prepared. The New Face of Cyber Threats According to a recent survey by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, 65% of Small and Medium-sized Business owners in Canada are concerned about AI making it harder to protect themselves against cyber risks—and they’re

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Prevent Roof Collapse: How to Remove Ice Dams and Manage Heavy Snow Loads

Ice damming and excessive snow load can pose significant risks to the structural integrity of your home and out buildings during winter months. Below are tips to reduce and prevent snow and ice related damage. Preventing Snow Load Collapse 1. Monitor Snow Accumulation Keep an eye on how much snow is accumulating on your roof. If the snow accumulation exceeds 12–18 inches, it is a good idea to remove some of the snow to reduce the load. Be mindful that wet, heavy snow can put

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