News

We strive to make sure our customers are aware of current innovative product announcements and recent news stories at the Cooke Group. We value your questions and feedback on any news topic and we'd love to hear from you - call Toll Free 1-800-566-5666 or send us an email.

Preparing for Hurricane Earl Thursday, September 2, 2010  While Hurricane Earl is still far out in the Atlantic with fluctuating forecasted severity, Atlantic Canada is expected to feel its effects by Saturday, probably with high winds, heavy rains and water surges. It is important that you be prepared should Earl or other Hurricanes affect you. The National Hurricane Centre provides the most up-to-date information about the hurricane as well as information on what you should do to prepare. We have additional claims specialists on call to assist you with any emergency claims, please call us at 1-800-566-5666 if you have a claims emergency. We hope you stay safe and dry!

Auto Insurance System Continues to Serve New Brunswickers Well August 11, 2010 The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reminds New Brunswickers that auto insurance premiums have decreased by 35% since the implementation of a cap on pain and suffering awards for minor injuries sustained in traffic collisions. As in every jurisdiction, a stable auto insurance system must strike a balance between providing fair benefits for those who make a claim and affordable premiums for all who drive. In New Brunswick, auto insurance rates are reviewed and approved by the New Brunswick Insurance Board. It is a very competitive marketplace with 67 auto insurers competing for business. Thanks to the minor injury cap, which set a reasonable limit on the right to recover damages for pain and suffering in specific circumstances, consumers in New Brunswick now enjoy some of the lowest auto insurance premiums and among the best benefits in the country. Claimants who are unhappy with their claims service have numerous avenues for recourse, including complaint mechanisms, mediation and the courts. “Prior to the minor injury cap’s introduction, significant pain and suffering court awards for minor injuries were driving up claims costs and destabilizing the entire system,” said Bill Adams, Vice-President Atlantic, IBC. “Premiums shot up and the affordability of auto insurance became a serious issue. Today, on the other hand, New Brunswickers enjoy one of the most stable and competitive auto insurance systems in Canada.” IBC stresses that the minor injury cap applies only to pain and suffering damages awarded to collision victims who have suffered minor injuries. When these awards remain reasonable, a more stable auto insurance system ensues. Visit our "Did You Know" section of our Client Center to read more about the Minor Injury Cap

Congratulations Dean Hayden! We would like to thank and congratulate Dean Hayden. Dean was the winner of our Referral Rewards Contest, he made the most successful referrals to Cooke Insurance and for that he receives $1000 towards his upcoming renewal. We appreciate the trust Dean places in us and we are thrilled he has shared this with others.

A big "Stuff That Bus" Thank You Thanks to EVERYONE who contributed to the “Stuff That Bus” food drive for the Charlottetown Food Bank. We consider it a huge success when people come together to support others in need. Special thanks to Trius Transit for donating the use of the bus and driver; Home Hardware in North Rustico for delivering the food donations the next day to the Food Bank; North Rustico Co-op for the use of the grocery carts with food donations to get things started. We had wonderful crew from the Cooke Insurance Group of employees and some of their families who gave up several hours of their Canada Day for others. There is already some talk and excitement for what “we should do next year, :). Thanks to all for your contributions!!

Congratulations Cooke Insurance Southeast Selects! The Cooke Insurance Southeast Selects beat the Nova Scotia Selects 6-3 to win the Lobster Cup in Shediac NB held April 9-11 /2010.

Cuba Health and Medical Insurance Update Update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Cuban government announced in February that beginning May 1, 2010, foreigners and Cuban emigrants must carry a travel insurance policy with medical coverage in order to enter Cuba. The Cuba Tourist Board in Canada has confirmed that no list of Cuban-approved travel insurers exists; every valid travel insurance policy qualifies. The Cuban Embassy in Canada has also released more information on their official website. Travellers arriving in Cuba shall have a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses or a policy for medical expenses with coverage in Cuba. The insurance policy should be purchased in the traveller’s home country. Any valid travel insurance policy issued by an insurance company will be accepted in Cuba. Upon demand after their arrival all travellers shall present an insurance policy, certificate or travelling assistance card valid for the time they will stay in Cuba. Tourists who arrive without proper coverage will be required to purchase an appropriate policy from a Cuban insurance company at the airport, port or marina where they arrive.  In case of any medical emergency, the Cuban health system guarantees the necessary medical care through a network of clinics and hospitals, travel assistance services in Cuba are provided 24/7 by Asistur S.A.

30th Annual Terry Fox Run 30th Annual Terry Fox Run for the Cure is taking place on the Confederation Bridge on Sunday September 19, 2010.Employees, Family and Friends of Cooke Insurance Agency Ltd., Cooke Capital Group, Atlantic Adjusting Agency Ltd. and the Insurance Company of PEI are joining forces to take part in this wonderful event.  Walk Begins at 7am on Sunday Sept. 19, 2010 at the PEI or NB side of the Bridge. We will be walking the full length of the bridge or walking to the half way point and turning around. Our Goal is to raise $5,000, our team is called the “Cooke Group Pacers”. If you want to sponsor us or join our team, go to http://www.terryfox.org/ and register under our team name.  Join us in supporting this monumental cause for the “CURE”.  We all know someone affected, or have lost someone special to this disease and we need to find a CURE.  We recently lost a very dear Friend, Co-Worker and Family member to this disease,  Alan Saint, and we will be thinking of him and everyone else we have lost to this disease and we will walk in memory of them.

Congratulations Holland College Busary Recipients! We would like to congratulate our Cooke Insurance Bursary recipients at Holland College PEI. These students have excelled in their chosen studies and are well deserving of the assistance this provides them. Please see our community page for a list of the recipients.

Congratulations Kent Center Cooke Capitals! Well done on the weekend, see our community page for pictures and more details!