New poll shows that Mom and Dad are the first call for Canadians seeking insurance help
TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Despite an overwhelming amount of information available at their fingertips, the majority of Canadians are instead relying on their personal network to help guide important life choices – including choosing an insurance provider.
A new survey conducted by Leger for PC® insurance found that more than half of respondents seek advice from family, friends or coworkers when researching insurance options, while 35 per cent will do their own research. Interestingly, only 30 per cent will use an insurance broker to find the best coverage for their needs. Young Canadians are especially dependent on family when making insurance decisions, with 59 per cent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 indicating that they would turn to their parents for advice.
"For many Canadians, family still comes first – at least when it comes to choosing insurance," said Kathy Buckworth, author, parent and Chief Family Advisor for President's Choice Financial®. "While family and friends have your best interests at heart, insurance brokers offer the professional expertise and knowledge to help you make the best decision based on your individual needs."
The survey also uncovered Canadians' top concerns about insurance coverage, and found that when it comes to home and auto insurance, price is the number one concern. Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of Canadians surveyed are more concerned about paying too much for insurance, than they are about not having enough coverage (37 per cent). Meanwhile, 39 per cent are most worried about having their rates go up after making a claim.
"PC insurance brokers do the work of searching for the best and most affordable coverage they can find, from up to nine different insurance companies," added Buckworth.
Bad behaviour behind the wheel can cost Canadians
Despite their concerns about high insurance costs, the survey also found that most Canadian drivers exhibit bad behaviours that can drive up insurance premiums. In fact, these behaviours may be more prevalent than Canadians are willing to admit. Of those surveyed, 82 per cent admitted to bad behaviour of some kind while driving, but an even greater number have witnessed others committing these same acts:
"Many Canadians don't even realize that not only is their behaviour distracting, but that it can also have an impact on their insurance costs," said Kathy Buckworth, Chief Family Advisor for PC Financial®. "It often leads to tickets or traffic violations that can end up impacting a driver's record. No matter how you spin it, the cost just isn't worth it."
For details on PC® insurance or to get a quote, please visit: www.pcinsurance.ca.
About the PC® insurance survey
The survey of 1,500 Canadians was conducted for PC Financial Insurance Broker Inc. between July 25 and July 31, 2014 using Leger's online panel LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
About PC® home and auto insurance
PC® home and auto insurance is designed to meet a wide range of individual customer needs, at competitive rates. Using a broker model makes buying home and auto insurance easy, as PC Financial Insurance Broker Inc. shops up to nine insurance companies, saving its customers time and hassle.
PC® auto insurance is available for personal vehicles, including motorcycles, boats and leisure vehicles. PC® home insurance options include condo, vacation property and contents/tenants insurance. In addition, PC® home and auto insurance offers a 24/7 claims service, confidential claims counseling and advice, and gives policyholders the chance to earn PC® points toward free groceries when they pay their premiums with their President's Choice Financial® MasterCard® or bank card.
For details on PC® insurance or to get a quote, please visit: www.pcinsurance.ca or join the conversation on social media and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PCInsuranceCA or like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PCInsurance.
About Loblaw Companies LimitedTSX: L
Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, the nation's largest retailer, and the majority unit holder of Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, banking, and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,300 corporate, franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees, and Associate-owners employ approximately 192,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers.
Loblaw's purpose - Live Life Well - puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the companies' stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,050 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at more than 1,250 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® locations and more than 500 Loblaw locations; PC Financial® no-fee banking; affordable Joe Fresh® fashion and family apparel; and three of Canada's top consumer brands in Life Brand®, no name® and President's Choice®. Through the PC Plus™ and Shoppers Optimum® loyalty programs, more than one in every three Canadians are rewarded for shopping with the companies.
Image with caption: "Distracted driving happens more than we care to admit. 82% of Canadians we surveyed admit to bad behaviour behind the wheel. (CNW Group/President's Choice Services Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140909_C3028_PHOTO_EN_5438.jpg
SOURCE: President's Choice Services Inc.
For more information or to schedule an interview: Michelle Reidel, President's Choice Services, 416-204-2600, ext. 411029, M: 647-309-3925, [email protected]; or Debra Chan, Argyle Communications, 416.968.7311 Ex. 229, [email protected]
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