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Extreme winter weather is responsible for hundreds of deaths and substantial financial losses in North America each year. By taking proactive measures, you can ensure you’re better equipped to handle the challenges winter storms present. Stay safe and use this checklist as part of your risk management plan to help you prepare, respond, and recover from a winter storm.

Because of losses in catastrophe-prone areas and other hard market factors, insurance carriers have pulled back the amount of insurance they’ll offer. Despite the hard market, real estate owners and operators that have well-maintained properties and who are prepared for catastrophes will have an advantage. Overall, the formula for a better insurance rate and coverage is straightforward—owners and operators should undertake preventative maintenance, consider alternative insurance options, and partner with the right insurance broker who will help reduce premiums over the long term.

When families gather at their cottages or vacation properties, the senior generation might think how nice it would be for these multi-generational gatherings to continue after they pass. But before designing an estate plan to address the future generations’ continued use and enjoyment of this property, there are two important questions a family must consider.

Once a family has made a decision to pass the ownership of family cottage or vacation property to the next generation, you will need to give thought to how that ownership will be held. There are basically three options for the form of ownership and use of a cottage by multiple households of a family: co-tenancy, a trust, or a limited liability company (LLC). Each one has advantages and disadvantages, which means that each family will have to weigh these and decide what form makes sense for them.

Once you have decided to pass the family vacation property to the next generation, and you have chosen the ownership form you want to use, the last step in preparing for the transfer is to create an agreement that spells out the use and maintenance of the property and gover

Being prepared and knowing how to respond to a hurricane or storm makes the difference in minimizing damage and protecting you, your family, and property. Here is a checklist to help guide you on what to do before and during hurricane season.

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, businesses will need to take the important steps to recovery. Here is a checklist to help guide you through that process. For additional tips and guidance on how to prepare for other disasters, see the following:

Climate change is impacting affluent homeowners in the form of insurance premium hikes and non-renewals. Learn how to safeguard your property and lifestyle with the right coverage.

Before a hurricane or storm hits, plan in advance by having an evacuation “Grab and Go” checklist, with special considerations made for children, infants, and pets. Continue to follow all evacuation orders and allow for enough time to pack and inform family and friends if you need to leave your home.

If you have been ordered to evacuate a storm area, knowing how to respond will help you protect your family and home before and after an evacuation. Learn the important steps to take when local authorities ask you to leave your home.