Your expert's columns

Cyber risks

18 october 2021 | Lussier Dale Parizeau

Ah... technology! Its progress never ceases to amaze us. Today, our relationships, work schedules, billing, bank accounts, and business decisions depend on technological tools, leaving the door wide open to data-hungry hackers.

To them, this data has monetary value and is easily sold on the so-called dark web, that part of the web inaccessible to people using popular browsers.

Does your company use the Internet for its business? Like many others, it is therefore exposed to IT security risks. A single attack is enough to cause reputational damage, financial losses and even closure of your business. Cybersecurity measures exist, of course, but if an incident occurs, do you have insurance protection to limit the damage? It is important to be well informed.

What cyber risks are you facing?

There are as many computer crimes as there are people with malicious intent, but the most common ones against businesses are

• Breaches of automated data processing systems;
• Bank card breaches;
• Unauthorised or undeclared encryption;
• Interception;
• Online scams;
• Counterfeiting;
• Intellectual property infringement.

Criminals prefer businesses

Whether you are a start-up with just two employees or a larger company, the risks are unfortunately there! Hackers mostly target companies, because some of their behaviours provide a golden opportunity for an attack:

• Your employees or customers access your system remotely;
• Your staff take computers and smartphones home or on trips;
• Your facilities are open to the public;
• Your employees log in to their bank account or transfer funds from their workstation;
• Your passwords stay the same for too long.

Making your employees aware is the key

Firstly, training remains the best way to protect yourself against cyber attacks. If you are aware of your potential vulnerabilities and how they could be exploited, you will be better equipped to deal with them. So take the time to teach your employees how to recognise cyber threats, how cyber attacks are carried out and how to react in case of a cyber attack.

As a second step, have a clear policy on the use of personal computers or those provided. Also consider :

• Segment networks;
• Keep your software up to date;
• Invest in a good protection system;
• Shop for an insurance policy.

The need for cyber-risk insurance

Again, there are many solutions on the market to protect you against the consequences of cyber risks. In the event of a lawsuit, an insurance policy provides coverage against damages and also pays the costs of defending your interests.

The good news is that through your AQIII insurance program, you can benefit from the following protections related to cyber risk;

Protection against own risk losses

• 500,000 for REPAIR AND NOTIFICATION COSTS
• 100,000 for CRISIS MANAGEMENT COSTS
• 100,000 for DATA ASSET LOSS
• 100,000 for NETWORK DISCONTINUANCE LOSS

Protection against third party allegations

Intellectual property infringement (up to $500,000 per certificate)
Network and security breach (per certificate)
Invasion of privacy (per certificate)
Personal injury to data (per certificate)

Please refer to your certificate to validate the amounts or contact your broker!

Martine Lavoie
mlavoie@ldpi.ca
514 868-6822 / 1 800 361-8715 #16822

Natacha Maben
nmaben@ldpi.ca
514 868-6826 / 1 800 361-8715 #16826

Cybersecurity - Did you know?

18 march 2021 | Lussier Dale Parizeau

Cybersecurity attacks, a subject that we cannot neglect. Whether you run a large, medium or small business, whether you are a consultant or self-employed, all are subject to this type of attack and you need to protect yourself.

Did you know that your Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions) insurance policy offered by Lussier Dale Parizeau to AQIII members provides you with coverage against cyber risk? The policy covers your liability to third parties arising from the failure to protect personal or confidential information and also provides coverage for your own risks related to a cyber attack.

Here is a summary of what your exclusive AQIII members' insurance programme offers you:

Third party risk

• Intellectual property infringement - this protection is intended to cover copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, trade dress and trade secrets, whether or not resulting from a service rendered to a third party ($500,000);
• Network and security breach - this coverage provides you with coverage for failure to prevent unauthorised access to or use of software, network or electronic information systems, unauthorised introduction of a computer virus or similar program, unintended or unplanned interruption or failure of a computer network, theft of non-electronic data, or of a password or access code by non-electronic means and wilful damage to computer systems caused by an employee (depending on the certificate);
• Invasion of privacy - the unauthorised use or disclosure of personal information (as per the certificate);
• Personal injury to data - any personal injury arising from the distribution or display of data by means of a website, the Internet, an intranet, or a similar device or system designed or intended to transmit data electronically (as per the certificate).

Own risks

• Loss of data assets - this means the costs of restoring or recovering data that has been altered, corrupted, destroyed, disrupted, deleted or damaged due to a network and security breach ($100,000);
• Network interruption loss - this is the cost of lost revenue or additional expenses due to a network and security breach outage ($100,000);
• Remediation and notification coverage - this includes fees for a cyber breach consultant, credit monitoring service, public relations specialist, communications specialist for notification to individuals whose personal information was acquired or accessed without their consent ($500,000);
• Crisis management fees - reasonable fees, costs and expenses for obtaining public relations services to mitigate actual or potential negative publicity that could result in reputational damage ($100,000).

Extended program warranty :

• Cyber extortion - $25,000 per member1 - the insurer will reimburse the insured member for a cyber extortion payment to stop a cyber extortion threat
• Social Engineering - $50,000 per member2 - the insurer will compensate the insured member for direct financial losses resulting directly from social engineering fraud
• Payment Card Industry Fines and Penalties - $50,000 per member3 - The Insurer will pay on behalf of the Insured Member, the fines and penalties imposed by the payment card industry that the Insured Member becomes legally obligated to pay as a result of a claim
• Fines and Regulatory Proceedings - $100,000 per member4 - the insurer agrees to pay, on behalf of the insured member, the defence costs and regulatory fines that the insured member becomes legally obligated to pay as a result of a regulatory proceeding related to or arising out of privacy legislation.

For any additional information on the new guarantees offered or on the Lussier Dale Parizeau insurance program, we invite you to contact our team.

If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your confidence.

L’équipe Lussier Dale Parizeau
1 877 287-7238
aqiii@ldpi.ca

Car insurance myths: Separating the real from the fake

28 june 2019 | TD Assurance

Separate the fiction from the reality when it comes to car insurance, with this TD Insurance column shedding light on some common misconceptions.

We hear so many insurance stories from so many drivers that it can be difficult to separate the true ones from the fictional ones.

That's why we'll look at some of the most common stories and test your knowledge. Can you tell the real from the fake?

Read more

Insuring yourself as an independent consultant - Did you know that ...

28 march 2019 | Anick Huet-Richard, Coordonnatrice, chapitre de Québec AQIII

Did you know that

Is it mandatory to join a drug insurance plan?

• For all consultants, membership must first be through a group plan offered by a professional order or an association such as the AQIII or through the spouse's employer.
• If not, via the public plan (RAMQ).

Can the AQIII group plan fit your family and your company of 20 employees?

• In most cases, the options offered by AQIII are more generous and cost less than the coverage offered by RAMQ
• The AQIII group can be extended to your spouse and children
• The employees of your growing company can also be insured through the AQIII group. Ask us how!

Here is a comparative table presenting the particularities and advantages of the different options offered by Médicassurance to AQIII members vs. the coverage offered by the RAMQ.

The no medical evidence option is available to any member wishing to purchase drug insurance. A medical questionnaire must be completed for the primary member and his or her dependents, if applicable, if an enhanced option is requested (options 1, 2, 3 and 4).

Comparative scenarios for Option 2 of the Médicassurance coverage vs. the RAMQ coverage

​

Improvements to the health care programme offered by the AQIII in force since 1 March 2019

• Increase in physiotherapy to $1,000/insured/year
• Increase in occupational therapy to $600 / insured / year

These increases were added at the request of several insured members of the AQIII.

Maintenance of drug, health care, life and AD&D insurance premiums.

16% decrease in dental care premiums! 

Good news for AQIII member consulting firms with less than 20 employees!

SMEs with fewer than 20 employees that are members of the AQIII can now offer their employees (pre-qualified according to certain criteria) the insurance coverage available through the AQIII at the advantageous rate reserved for members.

Aware of the fact that it is difficult for a contractor with fewer than 20 employees to offer group insurance coverage at an advantageous price to its work team, the AQIII Board of Directors has decided to make the various insurance products offered exclusively to members accessible to employees of consulting firms that are members of the AQIII. The employer member must pay the annual fee of $250 for each of its employees that it wishes to insure, but it may request reimbursement of this fee, as well as of the insurance premiums, in whole or in part, to the employees who will benefit from it.

Contact us to find out how to proceed to allow your employees to have access to the benefits offered exclusively to AQIII members.

Before you start working for yourself :

• Check your coverage (especially health and life insurance)

Every year:

• Validate your needs according to each stage or change in your life (birth, business growth, divorce, etc.)

Professional liability for IT professionals

30 November 2017 | Lussier Dale Parizeau

The following tips may help you avoid complaints and/or lawsuits from your customers:

• Offer your services honestly, without exaggerating and being realistic: no false promises or miracles!
• Don't offer the lowest price, as a bad evaluation leads to additional costs
• Inform your clients about the timeframe and estimated costs
• Advise your client that you are not vouching for performance and results
• Insist on a fair written contract, not a copy and paste of other contracts
• Do not assume risk
• Get legal advice on drafting a contract or signing one
• Inform your client as often as possible, you are their advisor!
• Keep your exchanges in writing (customer, product supplier, etc.)
• As soon as you sense that there is going to be a problem, do not try to hide it
• Before sending a request for recovery of unpaid fees, try to find out why the client is not paying, it may be a sign of dissatisfaction

Despite all the precautionary measures you have put in place, what if you receive a lawsuit?

• Although you are deeply disturbed by the lawsuit, try not to be emotional towards your client
• Do not admit fault or apologise to your client
• Don't try to answer the lawsuit yourself, don't play lawyer, even if it is a small claims lawsuit
• Do not offer compensation to the client, monetary or otherwise

What you need to do :

• Call your broker and insurer as soon as possible with a summary of the situation and the demand or counterclaim document
• Gather all documentation related to this client and project to expedite the process
• Continue to serve the client unless prohibited by the client

A professional liability insurance policy protects you from lawsuits, whether or not they are justified, arising out of the provision of your professional services.

Contact your insurance broker at Lussier Dale Parizeau today to learn more about our program tailored to AQIII professionals. We will advise you on the right professional liability insurance product and all other coverages available to protect your reputation and your assets.

Who says you're alone...?

17 june 2016 | Services Financiers Jean Duranleau

A diagnosed disability is not just a cold. While a good cold can put you to sleep, disability takes on a whole new meaning, especially when you have to deal with it. 
The ideal interface at this time is the experienced team at Jean Duranleau Financial Services Inc. 
Customized insurance is a necessary protection: the antidote created and designed for your specific needs. Your disability insurance is like an anti-virus. It is a protection program that you cannot do without, especially when you have devoted time and effort to your professional activity. Security is a major issue for any company; it affects all of the people who make up the company.

Self-employed, you're not alone!

A self-employed person runs his own business. They are therefore responsible for their main asset: themselves! 
In the event of accident or illness, they must ensure an income that maintains their current lifestyle and, above all, they must protect themselves if they become unable to work due to total, partial or residual disability.

One of our main roles is to provide the technical support you need. Taking out disability insurance with us is like taking out "support insurance" from the moment you sign up to the moment you make a claim. We don't want anyone to have to take out disability insurance.  If the need arises, our team will provide you with exemplary support... we know that the confidence our clients, or future clients, have in us is essential to everyone's peace of mind. That's why you can count on us unconditionally. Whether it is for:

• Total disability : you are unable to perform the important tasks of your profession and you are not engaged in any gainful activity;
• Partial disability :you are continuously, but not totally, disabled in your occupation or other gainful activity and you are unable to perform :
  • one or more of the important tasks of your occupation,
  • or the important tasks of your occupation for at least half the usual time;
• Residual disability : you are not totally disabled, you work in your profession or other gainful activity and you are unable to earn more than 80% of your income.

More than 40 years of expertise in disability insurance, a team specializing in the "design, development and adaptation" of high-end disability insurance programs for self-employed workers. This is what we offer. Nothing less!

"The compensation I received allowed me to resume a normal life" - Valérie Roy

"I never felt 'guilty for being ill'" - Robert Girouard

"It is thanks to your benevolence that the impasse in which I found myself at the time, gave me invaluable financial security" - Conrad Robichaud

To ward off fate, you and I tend not to talk about disability. However, it is by consulting us that you can really plan for the unexpected. By doing so, you can enjoy life to the full.

Par Jean Duranleau
Financial security advisor
Group Insurance and Annuity Advisor
Services financiers Jean Duranleau inc.

Tél. : 514-745-8553
Téléc. : 514-332-4750
Cell : 514-943-1680
Courriel: jduranleau@jeanduranleau.com
Internet : www.jeanduranleau.com
*Some conditions apply.

Your main resource? You!

20 May 2016 | Services Financiers Jean Duranleau

What would happen if you were declared disabled? Have you thought about this?

We would all like to be able to format a flawless life course. Unfortunately, a 'bug' can arise and that's when you have to be ready. Are you? 
As an autonomous professional, you are the main "asset" of your company.   So... who has thought about safeguarding your income? 
                     

Disability can occur at any time.

Almost 67% of Canadian workers fear a less productive tomorrow. 
Data suggests that 72% of Canadians would not be able to cope with the direct financial consequences of a three-month work stoppage or, worse, would have difficulty coping with a single delay in their income. 

Before you dip into your personal savings or rely on a life partner's income and before you experience the anguish of a lack of income, you should think about it before it all stops.

Long-term disability can have a serious impact on a person's financial situation, including their ability to cover current expenses, retirement plans and retirement savings. (Mark Hardy, Life and Living Benefits at RBC Insurance).

Consulting to find out is the most practical way to get clarity. In addition to the real benefits of disability insurance in times of need, the simple fact of knowing that you are protected gives you peace of mind. For the self-employed, there are several possible solutions! 

Jean Duranleau Financial Services Inc. in partnership with the AQIII, helps you protect your assets by negotiating a top-of-the-line disability insurance product for members and future members, at preferred rates of 25% off. This, regardless of your medical condition*.  

Being a member of the AQIII, or becoming one, means having access to financial products that are perfectly compatible with the particularities of your profession. It is a direct access. Don't think you've missed the connection. It may still be possible for you to join our great network. Just contact us!

For your memory:

The best time to take out disability insurance is before illness or injury occurs;

• The benefits received would allow you and your loved ones to manage your income as if you were working full time.
• Disabilities are not only caused by a single traumatic event.
• Health conditions such as nervous breakdown, anxiety or diabetes are often the primary causes of disability. They are not considered the illnesses of the century without reason!

(The data and perspectives presented here are from a 2014 survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of RBC Insurance). 

An assessment of your personal profile will be done by one of our specialists. The Jean Duranleau Financial Services Inc. team can design your own individual disability insurance program. Take advantage of this privilege of disability insurance updates. Be even more successful, stay connected and... enjoy life!

You can replace a computer... but can it do without you?

By Jean Duranleau
Financial security advisor
Group Insurance and Annuity Advisor
Services financiers Jean Duranleau inc.

Tél. : 514-745-8553
Téléc. : 514-332-4750
Cell : 514-943-1680
Courriel: jduranleau@jeanduranleau.com
Internet : www.jeanduranleau.com
*Some conditions apply.

1. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: WHAT TO DO TO AVOID A CLAIM OR LAWSUIT FROM YOUR CLIENTS -> TIPS FOR PREVENTION AND CURE

24 juillet 2015 | Lussier Dale Parizeau

« It only happens to other people »
Did you know that a lawsuit and a conviction resulting from an injury caused to others in the context of professional services can result in costs in the six figures? The future of your business, in which you have invested your heart and soul, is at stake. An insurance policy will protect not only your company's assets, but also your personal assets. Examples of complaints - Encon

The following TIPS may help you avoid complaints and/or lawsuits from your customers:

• Offer your services honestly, without exaggerating and being realistic: no false promises or miracles!
• Don't offer the lowest price, because a bad evaluation leads to additional costs
• Inform your clients about the timeframe and estimated costs
• Inform your client as often as possible, you are their advisor! (e.g. status and progress of the project)
• Inform your client that you are not a guarantor of performance and results
• If you have a subcontractor, supervise them well as you are responsible for them
• Insist on a written contract. Do not copy and paste from one contract to another
• Get legal advice on drafting a contract or signing one
• Keep your exchanges in writing (e.g. with a client, a product supplier)
• As soon as you see a problem on the horizon, do not try to hide it
• Before sending a request for recovery of unpaid fees, try to find out why the client is not paying, it may be a sign of dissatisfaction

HOW TO REACT to a lawsuit ?

Despite all the precautions you have put in place, what should you do if you receive a lawsuit to avoid making the situation worse?

• Despite the stress and discomfort of a lawsuit, try not to get emotional in front of your client
• Do not admit fault or apologise to your client
• Do not offer compensation to the client, monetary or otherwise
• Do not try to answer the lawsuit yourself. Do not play lawyer, even if it is a small claims lawsuit

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO :

• Call your broker and insurer as soon as possible to report the situation. Have the demand document or counterclaim in hand, as the case may be.
• Gather all the documentation related to this client and project in order to speed up the process.
• Continue to serve the client unless prohibited by the client.

HOW DO WE HANDLE COMPLAINTS?

A professional liability insurance policy protects you against lawsuits filed against you as a result of your professional services, whether or not the lawsuit is justified.

Contact your insurance broker at Lussier Dale Parizeau without delay, who will tell you about the program tailored to AQIII professionals. We will advise you on the right professional liability insurance product and all the other coverages offered, in order to protect your reputation and your assets.

Traitement des réclamations

Your dedicated professional and business insurance brokers:
Lucie Labonté : llabonté@dpmm.ca
T 1 514 868-6808 T 1 800 361-8715 F 1 514 657-2906 
Martine Lavoie : mlavoie@dpmm.ca
T 1 514 868-6822 T 1 800 361-8715 F 1 514 657-2906 

Par Suzanne Brisebois, B.A.A, C.R.M.
Director of the Professional Liability Department
Commercial Property and Casualty Insurance Broker
Lussier Dale Parizeau