Best Buy Insurance Inc.

Hosting Backyard Gatherings? Liability Risks to Consider

Summer in Ontario means backyard gatherings with family and friends. Whether you’re planning a barbecue, pool party, or casual get-together, hosting outdoors is a great way to enjoy the season. Before the fun begins, it’s important to consider how your insurance coverage protects you if something goes wrong.

Home and condo insurance policies typically include personal liability coverage, which helps protect you if a guest is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s belongings. For example, if a guest slips in the yard, a child falls near a fire pit, or an errant ball breaks a neighbour’s window, liability coverage can help with legal defence costs and potential settlements.

If your gathering includes activities that increase risk—such as a swimming pool, trampoline, play structures, or serving alcohol—make sure your policy limits and coverage are appropriate. Larger events with many people can raise the likelihood of accidents, and your liability exposure could exceed basic policy limits in rare circumstances.

A review with a Best Buy Insurance broker can help confirm that your liability coverage reflects your lifestyle and backyard activities. Knowing your insurance is up to date can give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on making summer memories—safely.

Insurance for Seasonal Employees & Summer Hiring

With summer approaching, many Ontario businesses are preparing to hire seasonal employees to meet increased demand. Whether you operate a café, landscaping service, retail store, or hospitality business, adding staff can boost productivity—but it also brings important insurance considerations.

When hiring seasonal employees, it’s essential to ensure your business insurance reflects changes in your workforce. Personal insurance policies do not cover business activities, and employer-related risks should be addressed through proper commercial coverage. Commercial general liability insurance helps protect your business if an employee or customer is injured on your premises or as a result of your operations.

If seasonal workers use vehicles, tools or equipment, confirm that your commercial auto and equipment coverage are current. Coverage that works during slower months may need adjustment once staff and equipment increase.
Workers’ compensation requirements should also be reviewed to ensure compliance with provincial regulations.

A Best Buy Insurance broker can help assess your current policies and recommend appropriate coverage for your summer staffing plans. Reviewing your insurance now helps protect your business and team throughout the busy season.

🚗 INSURANCE IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST YOUR VEHICLE 🚗

Ontario Accident Benefits are designed to help protect you financially after an accident injury — not just repair your car.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Ontario drivers may notice changes to how some of these benefits are offered under their auto insurance policies.

Information from Aviva, Economical, CAA Insurance, Wawanesa and other insurers, indicates that some benefits may become optional selections at renewal.

This means reviewing your coverage carefully will become more important than ever.

Best Buy Insurance can help explain:

✔ What benefits are changing
✔ Which coverages may become optional
✔ How the changes could affect your protection
✔ What options may fit your needs

Contact Best Buy Insurance for more information before your next renewal.