Harman Grewal - Senior Insurance Broker

09/01/2021

There's nothing like that new-car smell. Along with buying a brand new car comes a choice to purchase a Depreciation Waiver on your car insurance policy. Learn about how it can protect you financially if it was stolen or totaled in an accident.
Watch our latest video that explains the depreciation waiver.
https://youtu.be/xtUdyFUc54M
Call us for all your insurance needs @647-629-0510

There's nothing like that new-car smell. Along with buying a brand new car comes a choice to purchase a Depreciation Waiver on your car insurance policy. Lea...

08/31/2021

Is your vehicle equipped with these things in case of emergency?
There’s never harm in being prepared; it can make all the difference in a stressful situation. Always keep these 8 items in your car just in case of an emergency and you’ll thank yourself if you ever need them.
🚙 Spare tire and all the tools to change it out!
🚙 Jumper cables and instructions to use them properly.
🚙 A portable phone charger and cable to keep your devices charged.
🚙 Extra clothes or blankets come in handy for multiple uses!
🚙 A First Aid Kit will come in handy for injuries and can prove useful for other things, too.
🚙 A map (wait, what?). No phone service, broken GPS, failed nav system, nothing replaces the real thing.
🚙 Food & water – you never know when you might get hungry, thirsty, or need water for rinsing.
🚙 Your pink slip and vehicle registration. In case you need to call to make a claim, or show an officer your insurance.
The more prepared you are on the roads, the easier it is to respond confidently in emergencies. If you are ever in an accident, or need to make a claim, BIG has you covered. Contact us @ 647-629-0510 for all your insurance needs

08/30/2021

Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home?
Fire is a leading cause of home insurance claims, yet it is one of the most preventable. In the event of an emergency, it’s important to have a fire extinguisher in your home and know how to use it. Here are some tips to knowing more about your fire extinguisher:
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher by using the acronym PASS:
P – pull the extinguisher’s safety pin
A – aim the chemical at source of flames (stand 5-6 ft+ from the fire)
S – squeeze the trigger and hold, keep it upright
S – sweep the source of flames until extinguisher runs dry
DO NOT use a fire extinguisher if:
🧯 You aren't sure it's the right extinguisher for the type of fire.
🧯 You're too nervous or forget how to use it.
🧯 The fire is bigger than a trash can and flames are quickly spreading.
🧯 The fire looks as though it could block your escape route.
Make sure your fire extinguisher is serviced every 6 years and replaced every 12 years and include it in your home emergency plan. If you end up with a fire in your home and need to make a claim, BIG is always here for you. Contact our 24/7 claims line anytime! 1-866-670-0905

08/17/2021

If you are ever in a car accident, the last thing you want to be concerned is someone taking advantage of you when it comes to the services you receive. You’re already in shock and the experience can be traumatic. Unfortunately, there are those they prey on vulnerable people who have been in accident, charging extra fees for towing, storage, or outrageous repair costs. Don’t be the next victim – learn how to detect a scam and avoid it. Share these tips with your friends and family too!
1. Call Your Insurance Company ASAP. After you’ve assessed your health and safety and called emergency services, call your insurance company. They will be able to recommend preferred tow operators and body shops to provide the highest standards of repair. Our claims line is available 24/7 at 1-866-670-0905.
2. Check if the tow truck company is reputable. Confirm the company name and the tow license number displayed on the truck. Make sure the Permission to Tow form is completed filled out and ask for a copy to verify the location. You should know exactly where they’re taking your vehicle.
3. Find a Collision Reporting Centre. You can leave your vehicle at a collision reporting centre where it can be appraised by an insurance company representative. Alternatively, you can have it towed to a body shop or it can be left at a police impound lot.
4. Trust Your Instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, take a deep breath and feel free to change your mind or slow down the process. It’s a stressful situation, but if you stay calm you can maintain control of the situation and not let someone take advantage of you.
Accidents happen and your safety is our number one concern. If you give us a call to report a claim, we will help you through the process and advocate on your behalf to get the best service you deserve.

07/21/2021

Whether it’s driving long hours for your job or a leisure trip, make sure you know the signs of drowsy driving. It is estimated that 20% of fatal collisions in Canada are caused by driver fatigue. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Blinking and yawning frequently
- Eyes going out of focus or closing for a moment
- Wandering, disconnected thoughts and difficulty focusing
- Drifting from your lane, braking too late or hitting the shoulder rumble strip
When you head out on a long journey, try these helpful tips:
- Make sure you get adequate sleep (7-8hrs) before you drive for lengthy commutes or road trips.
- Share the responsibility with other drivers. If driving alone, call someone to stay engaged.
- Take stops, exercise, eat light meals or snacks and stay hydrated. Consume a moderate amount of caffeine to improve alertness.
- Take a nap for 20-40 minutes to reduce fatigue.

06/30/2021

Do stay-at-home parents need life insurance?
You may typically think of life insurance as a means to replace your income and sustain your loved ones in the event of an untimely death, but have you ever thought about the value of your work as a stay-at-home parent?
You invest countless hours providing care for your children as they grow and learn. You might not always perceive the value of all your efforts, but beyond all the love they receive, you are contributing to your household by minimizing childcare costs, too! The lack of childcare could place a significant financial burden on your partner and family if you were to pass away unexpectedly.
According to a Cost of Care Survey in Canada, a family could pay a yearly average of $11,180 to $29,380 per child for childcare, and these figures are always increasing. What you do matters! And, that financial investment should be protected with life insurance.
How much life insurance coverage do you need? There are several factors that will impact the amount of coverage you need: the number of children you have, whether you plan to return to work, and the type of plan you want.
Learn more about different life insurance plans by calling us @ 647-629-0510

06/21/2021

Today is a day to celebrate the beautiful cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada. Take some time to learn about indigenous culture and listen to the stories of indigenous voices. Head over to to find more resources!
“The more you want to embrace the notion that you can indeed inspire change, the more power and courage you give yourself to act in the pursuit of justice and equality” –Chief Dr. Robert Joseph

06/16/2021

Tire blowouts mostly occur between May and October when the roads are hot. Underinflated tires, excessively worn treads, or an overloaded vehicle could put you at risk for a tire blowout. As a driver you should know how to handle your vehicle in case it happens. Save these tips that will help you maintain control of your vehicle in this type of emergency.
👂 You’ll hear it – a loud boom or bang, a whooshing sound as the air escapes the tire, and a flapping sound of the deflated tire hitting the road.
👋 You’ll feel it – your vehicle will slow down and pull strongly to the side of the tire that burst.
What should you do?
👉 Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
👉 Do not slam on the brakes.
👉 Let your car slow down gradually by taking your foot off of the gas pedal.
👉 Pull to the side of the road once you have slowed to a safe speed.
👉 Activate your hazard lights.
After you are in a safe place, you may consider changing your tire or contacting roadside assistance.
If something goes wrong and you end up in an accident, don’t worry! You can call BIG’s 24/7 claims line at 1-866-670-0905 and our amazing claims team will help you through the process.

06/11/2021

If you Did you know you could save up to 30% on your car insurance renewal by just being a good driver? Telematics is a technology that tracks your driving habits and rewards you with an insurance discount. Speak to a BIG broker today to see if you are eligible.
Watch our latest video or visit our blog to learn more about this amazing discount opportunity or call us at 647-629-0510

Did you know you could save up to 30% on your car insurance renewal by just being a good driver? Telematics is a technology that tracks your driving habits a...

06/08/2021

Ever get a notice in the mail that your bank has pre-approved you for a new credit card promotion or line of credit? Is there a ‘right amount’ of credit?
Before you jump in with both feet and take the offer, here are a few principles to help guide you through the process of determining whether it’s the right decision.
💳 What are you going to use it for? Is it for financial emergencies? Is it for certain type of rewards and bonuses? Is it for frivolous spending?
💳 Do you have the cash flow to add another payment? If you are struggling to stay on top of your existing payments and are consistently carrying a balance and only making the minimum payment on your existing cards, it’s probably not a good idea to add more debt.
💳 Is now a good time for a credit check? If you are looking to apply for a loan or mortgage in the next few months, we advise holding off. Opening too many credit accounts at once is viewed as a sign that you’re in financial trouble and your score might take a hit.
💳 If you’re using it as a cushion for financial emergencies, do you have a plan to repay it? Can you afford the interest rate?
Increasing your credit (if you can afford it) might actually improve your credit score in the long term by improving your debt utilization ratio. It’s usually recommended to use less than 30% of all available credit to maintain an optimal score. This obviously requires discipline and wise spending habits.
As you can probably tell, there’s not really a hard and fast rule about credit. We can certainly help you make a wise financial decision about credit, investments, and products to protect your income in an emergency.
Book an appointment with us by calling 647-629-0510

06/07/2021

Who is excited to start pool season? 🙋‍♀️ 🙋‍♂️ Let us know in the comments! This time of year is great for enjoying the water, get some exercise and spending family time poolside. As a pool owner, you know that it’s also a big responsibility, with maintenance and safety requirements to protect your family. Be sure to follow these steps when you’re preparing your pool for summer:
🏊 Check for leaks in your liner
🏊 Ensure pool chemicals have not expired and store them safely with restricted access
🏊 Look into using a professional service to open/close your pool
🏊 Vacuum your pool regularly during the season
🏊 Empty your skimmer so that it doesn’t end up blocked
🏊 Set up child-proof fences and self-closing gates that meet municipal by-law requirements
🏊 Research and install pool alarms for fences, water levels and young children
If you have recently installed a pool, be sure to contact your home insurance broker! Adding a pool changes the value of your home and will impact the coverage you need.
Share a picture of your summer-ready pool in the comments!