Ride Canada 150

Ride Canada 150 is a once in a lifetime celebration of Canada's 150th birthday, with motorcyclist enthusiasts able to help celebrate by posting photos of their motorcycles and favourite rides in the Ride Canada! Motosaic. Share your experiences when you check out their website by clicking the Ride Canada 150 link.

No Camo

We all seem to love the fact that some warm weather and sunshine melts away the snow, but what about this little fella who relies on the white stuff to match his Winter coat. Not much camouflage here, which is probably why he/she spends a fair bit of time hiding out under our deck chairs by teh side of the building.

Not Sure About How They Taste But...

...they look pretty good. As inspired by my cousin Narissa, who also posts "random photo of the day".

Yup Yup Yup With Yip Yip Yip!

Today, January 27th, is "Family Literacy Day", which is a way to bring attention and focus on the need for everyone in the family to improve and increase their reading and writing skills. There are a variety of specific events being held around the city, province and country, searchable through ABC Literacy Canada. Even just reading for 15 minutes per day can help improve your reading level, which ultimately leads to more reading.
Thinking about this reminded me of something from Sesame Street, back in the day, and which I still find pretty funny today. Yip Yip Yip!

Cancelled!

As mentioned in my post "Bike Show Biz",  we talk to a lot of people at the motorcycle shows and are quite often surprised at just how unaware or under-informed some are when it comes to what coverage is available and what that coverage means, not to mention what some of the processes are that when dealing with insurance and how they may affect a policy and/or insurance history.

With the latter in mind, here's a blurb on an process that isn't overly common with us but was brought up a few times by visitors to our booth at the bike shows. Perhaps it's related to the tougher economic times, but regardless, it seemed to be a bit too prevelent and in more than one case our visitors stated that the results had some dire consequences with their insurance.

The cancellation process, and what happens when a client 'misses' a payment.

Legally speaking, insurance is a contract and just like all contracts, there are rules. In this case the contract is between the insurer (insurance company) who offers to provide, for a fee, coverage to an insured (policyholder) who accepts that offer, with an agreement to pay the fee or premium as stated when signing the policy.
The insurer will often take into consideration the "promise to pay" as part of this process, based on history with a policyholder or their relevant credit rating etc. However, if any of the terms of the contract are not met, there is, by definition, no contract.

If the insured does not pay the premium, then there is no contract and no insurance coverage.

Pretty black and white seemingly, but not necessarily so when considering the "promise to pay" concept and some of the possible circumstances.
Perhaps a policyholder forgets to call with credit card info to make that payment, or they are having some financial difficulty based on losing their job in a tough economy, so the payment gets missed. The premise of the 'promise to pay' means that the insurer is still offering coverage despite lack of payment, with the idea that the payment is forthcoming.
Many companies do ask for a down payment when starting a policy, giving them some of the premium in advance and allowing the policyholder a short grace period in which reminders can be sent out and payment issues resolved. Seems reasonable enough, and brokers or agents of the insurer typically resolve these matters before more serious consequences arise.

Of course, sometimes these issues can't be resolved immediately, or at all, causing things to escalate and a cancellation for non-payment to be issued by the insurer.
Again, simple enough and understandable, since who would rationally expect to get a product or service for free.
However, the insurer has been maintaining coverage for the policyholder, despite the lack of payment, on the aforementioned premise of the 'promise to pay'.

The time period for which an insurer is covering an insured and expecting payment from them is called "Time On Risk". 

That period of time which was covered by the insurer is subject to a premium or fee, as set out in the original insurance contract, and payment for that 'Time On Risk' is expected.
Regardless of whether the policyholder wants to continue with a policy or not, or wants to take their business elsewhere, this 'time on risk' has a price and, just to be clear, based on that 'time on risk' factor, if a policy holder had had an accident in this time frame, they would have been covered by their insurer, despite the lack of payment.

Now you can see where things start to get a little grey.

Because insurance history is kept and is accessible by all insurers, including their broker representatives in the industry, any outstanding payments to the insurer must be made in order to continue with setting up another policy.

"Time On Risk' must be dealt with and paid for before more insurance is provided by the same insurer or any other insurer.

Of course, there are some extenuating circumstances that may alter this, adding again to the grey area. What if policyholder John Doe might actually have decided to take his business elsewhere and didn't inform his insurer or broker of this decision. Again, a broker doing his job properly will be looking after this business well in advance, but doesn't always get to speak directly to a client every time there's a renewal that comes up or a change that takes place. And again, that down payment allows for the grace period to sort things out too, but if a client has moved and changed phone numbers and addresses or their e-mail address, or simply just doesn't answer calls or return e-mails or voice messages, then there is a good chance they'll get cancelled for non-payment. Again, this goes on their insurance record, affects their ability to do business in the future, and may even disqualify them from getting insurance until the matter is dealt with, usually making the payment for the 'time on risk'. One alternative for the case is that the insured can prove they went elsewhere and started another policy on their usual renewal date, whereby the insurer can consider that and backdate the cancellation, therby forgiving the "time on risk". If you're like me, it sure sounds like a lot of hassle and wasted time for nothing when a simple solution is to follow a recommended process. We know people's lives do get in the way of day to day business and they may forget to make a payment, or they are embarrassed by their inability to pay their bills because of a job loss or other circumstances and avoid dealing with the matter.  There are even a few people who don't know that a notification to their insurer or broker is a good idea, and there are some who may be angry or upset about something and just don't want to provide the courtesy of informing their insurer or broker of their decision to move their business, The bottom line is that even if you don't wish to talk to anyone or explain your actions, the best and simplest way to avoid problems is to simply put in writing the need to cancel one's insurance, sign it, and send it to the insurer or broker and make it official.

Chainsaw + Skates = Fun On Ice

Bike Show Biz

Many satisfied clients already know that BlueCircle has specialty motorcycle coverage, which is why we're one of, if not the biggest, insurers of motorcycles in Alberta.

Our crew just finished up back to back weekends at two motorcycles shows, one in Calgary and one in Edmonton and we're exhausted but quite happy! The bike shows are a great way to talk to our existing clients and thank them for their business ( and give them some of our swag!! haha!) and it's also a huge opportunity to meet new people and introduce them to our offerings which we believe to be the best in the industry.

Even before the show(s) started, we were doing a lot of prep work, loading swag bags!!

How Am I going to fit all this stuff into one truck!! haha!

Here's some thoughts on what went down at both the shows, as well as a lead in to some observations made while talking to the many people who stopped at our booth.

For one thing, we all know times are a bit tough here in Alberta and it showed this year with some lower attendance. It's unfortunate to see a decline in people able to get to the show but it's just the way it is right now and we're hoping it soon swings back up with a recovery.

Those that did make it to the show, however, seemed to be more focused on the specifics of what was being offered, including our own insurance packages. More scrutiny and discussion, which is what we at BlueCircle like because we get a chance to explain our philosophy and our advice, which is to always consider proper coverage first and foremost. Best not get fixated on cost only, though we appreciate the concerns with that part of the equation.

It seemed like the shows were missing a few of the smaller exhibitors this year, which is just another sign of the economic times.

My belief that motorcyclists are one of the most philanthropic groups in the world was reinforced by the number of booths manned by people and clubs involved in charities, as well as the many that attended the shows

Between the Calgary and Edmonton shows, Victory Motorcycles announced their intention to shut down production of their bikes, meaning 2017 is the latest and last of this motorcycle brand. A bit of shock to the local public, since Western Canada is one of the biggest markets in North America.

I heard a lot of complaints about the cost of parking at Northlands Expo Centre. It seems to me that it's pretty much a necessity to drive there and parking cost $16.oo, which is more expensive than the actual admission to the show.

The "Battle Of Alberta", Edmonton Oilers versus Calgary Flames, had an effect on the Saturday night attendance at the Edmonton show. Before, when the Oilers played at Northlands, it usually bolstered the crowds, but since they've moved to their beautiful new arena, people left early, likely to go for dinner and get to the game.

Back to the interactions we had with visitors at our booth, we noticed that way too many of the people who were inquiring about the services, insurance packages and coverage offered by BlueCircle were unaware or unsure of several key components of their insurance and related processes. We've always prided ourselves on being the professionals and advising our clients accordingly and it is disturbing to think that there are a lot of consumers out there who have not been treated similarly by their broker or insurer.

I decided to do a series of blog posts on some of those missed or misunderstood topics in the next week or so, in the hopes of providing a bit of education to those who are not as well informed. Check out "Oh Lord, Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and watch for other related posts in the near future.

Aaron and I doing the set-up

Kyla and I are ready at the booth for the start of  the Calgary Show 

Old School meets New School Brain Bucket

Lots of nice old bikes courtesy of the CVMG : Rocky Mountain Section

 

Yamaha had a "Kiddie Corral", where the little ones could try their hand at riding

Melissa and Melissa (Milli) were there to promote "Ride Canada 150"

This photo says a lot about BlueCircle , with our president there in person at the booth to speak directly to our clients and visitors, and us promoting the Man Van, whom we sponsor through the "Calgary Motorcycle Ride For Dad"

Speaking of the "Man Van"....

...and "The Calgary Motorcycle Ride For Dad"

Lots of visitors to our booth, including members of the "Veterans Canada" M.C. 

We had some fun while working, with Dawn, Kyla, Dirk and Aaron

We've helped a little with some sponsorship for "The Honour Ride", here with John Couture and Jim Perry

Another good cause we like to support, "One Broken Biker", with founder Ashlee Atkin

Gettin' wild and wooly

My favourite bike at the show "The Strat", a custom build by Calgary's "Lucid Moto Co" 

A very little rider who took part in the "Gravity and Ground" motorcycle stunt show

Several shows a day, included in your admission

Our special guests Dean and Alison, winners of the VIP passes at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show

Troy, the "T" of  "T & A"at "Ride Stop n Go"

Our pals at "Too Cool Motorcycle School"

"Torch" had a booth at the show and are still working on their handbuilt bike projects, with a focus on women riders

Our very own Ang, from "BlueCircle" and "Ride Stop n Go", modelling some funky goggles

This old 1946 Matchless was a barn find for one of the CVMG Noral in Edmonton.

Look at us, all smiling and happy and waiting for the show to start this morning

Show site ink

A nicely refurbished old Harley

Great to see people sporting one of our old shirts, this 10th Anniversary version from 5 years ago.

Let's Get Ready To RMBL

Want to work up an intense sweat and burn off some body fat, all while working off whatever may be causing you any frustration or aggravation at the time? How about a little rumble, as in Rumble Boxing Studio. "Rumble" is a club-inspired boutique boxing studio located in the heart of 17th Ave. S.W. Calgary. Their state of the art studio offers 6000 sq. ft of boxing training space between our heavy bag studio, multi-functional training studio or boxing ring.

They happen to be clients of BlueCircle and I popped in to say hello and see what they have going on in their studio. Not only was I glad to meet up with the owner, Cissy, but pleasantly surprised to see an 'old' friend, Kealan Bailey, who helps manage the facility. Kealan gave me a tour and shared the RMBL philosophy of fighting for what you want, which is just what they encourage you to do when you're getting fit and improving your technique in the studio. 

Prostate Cancer Centre

BlueCircle is a longstanding and proud sponsor of the Calgary Motorcycle Ride For Dad and fully intends to be involved again in 2017. We were recently invited to stop in at the Prostate Cancer Centre, along with other members of the RFD Executive, to meet some of the research team and tour the facility. We've helped raise a fair bit of money over the years and 2016 was no exception, and all of it stays right here in Alberta, with some of the funds going toward research and some toward an awareness campaign. The Calgary RFD donated $40,300.00 toward the research portion of the campaign and in the 9 years of it's existence has made a total contribution of $463,853.00. 

Off Season Santas

Here's a small taste of a funny photo essay that was sent over to me by my workmate, Kyla, and covers some of the activities of "off-season Santas". I guess one would have to expect that Santa can't be all work and no play! haha!
Original photos by Mary Beth Koeth.