Steve Marchese, Desjardins Agent - ottawainsurance.com

04/13/2026

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, riders in Ottawa are preparing for motorcycle season. After months in storage, a quick inspection helps ensure safety, performance, and fewer insurance claims.

Key maintenance checks:

Battery: Cold weather drains power. Check charge, clean corrosion, and replace if weak.
Tires: Inspect for cracks, wear, and proper pressure. Low or damaged tires increase accident risk.
Fluids & Oil: Change oil if needed and check brake fluid and coolant levels.
Brakes: Examine pads and rotors; ensure firm, responsive braking.
Chain/Drive: Clean, lubricate, and adjust chain tension or inspect belt/shaft systems.
Lights & Electrical: Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and horn.
Suspension & Controls: Look for leaks and ensure smooth throttle, clutch, and steering.
Fuel System: Replace stale fuel and consider a cleaner for optimal performance.

Insurance tip:

Spring is a great time to review coverage, confirm your policy is active, and update any bike modifications.
A little preparation goes a long way—helping riders enjoy a safe and smooth season on the road.

10/08/2025

Now's your chance to take learning beyond the classroom! Submit your idea for a project you think could motivate and inspire kindergarten, elementary or high school students, and you could win a Desjardins Foundation Prize of up to $3,000 to bring your project to life.
Apply by October 31 👉 desjardinsfoundation.com/prizes

Desjardins Foundation Prizes provide financial assistance to individuals in schools or community settings, helping them bring important projects to life.

10/31/2024

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Halloween!

Holidays like Halloween can increase the likelihood of certain risks as more people visit your property. Here are three steps to cross off your list this holiday season.

09/11/2024

I’m so proud to be the coach of these amazing girls! Hard work pays off :)

Our U13C Nepean Wildcats fought hard throughout the weekend and are the first Wildcats team to bring hardware back to Ottawa this season. A close 2-1 final game was exciting to watch. What an amazing achievement girls. Well done!!

09/07/2023

Have an initiative in mind to motivate young people?
We can provide funding so you can make it happen.

If you’re a teacher, school or community worker, you could receive up to $3,000 to fund your initiative! But hurry, October 31st is your last day to apply.

Prizes are for people in educational and community settings who would like to get financial assistance to carry out a project with kindergarten, elementary or high school students.

05/01/2023

NYPD asks people to put Apple AirTags in their cars to help find stolen vehicles. Seems like a good idea. We put them in the kid's jackets when we go skiing in case we are separated. They cost $39.

The New York Police Department and NYC Mayor Eric Adams called on residents to help fight vehicle theft in the city by placing an Apple AirTag in their car.

01/26/2023

Lots of snow today! Reminder to have your winter tires installed. Also, it's a good idea to keep a small shovel and a bag of kitty litter in the trunk.

Here's some tips if you get stuck in the snow.

Sometimes some slight inputs to the steering wheel or pedals are all it takes to get out of that snowbank

10/31/2022

Have a spook-tacular Halloween and remember to watch out for excited ghouls and goblins on the sidewalks and roads tonight!

10/17/2022

Small can have a big impact. That’s why we’re giving away 3 million dollars to small businesses across Canada. Apply for 1 of 150 GoodSpark Grants, each worth $20,000 at GoodSparkGrants.ca

05/23/2022

Happy Victoria Day! We are currently responding to emails to process claims from the wind storm. You can send us an email or FB message and we will get back to you shortly. The emergency claims # is 1-877-659-1570 but we can also set up a claim electronically for you.

FYI Kempville has electricity and no gas lineups if you're looking to avoid the crazy lines for gas at the Ottawa stations that actually have power.

Here are some tips for keeping yourself and others safe, plus some other things to know.