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Lynda Tremblay, a personal property and casualty insurance broker with Tremblay Assurance, is a dyed-in-the-wool nature lover who spends much of her time at her cottage. With 40 years of insurance under her belt, she opens up about her career and shares her best tips for insuring cottages or second homes in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
How long have you worked in insurance?
I initially studied home and auto insurance in evening classes. A friend then asked me to join his firm – and here I am 40 years later! The company changed hands several times over the years before becoming Tremblay Assurance in 2012 but I stayed on through all the changes. It’s now a huge office and I’m very proud to be part of it. The firm has become like family to me.
What do you enjoy in dealing with clients?
My priority has always been to give my clients service that is pleasant and reassuring. I’m well known in the Jonquière area where I’ve worked since the beginning of my career. People greet me all the time – at the supermarket or in the street. I often meet my clients here and there and am happy to chat and catch up on their news. I’ve built up friendly relations with all of them and become part of the local community.
You live in the magnificent Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. What’s your favourite area?
I own a cottage in Monts-Valin, about two and a half hours’ drive from my home. My spouse and I go there every weekend year-round. I love outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The sound of birds singing soothes me and recharges my batteries. We have many friends in the area. It’s our little piece of paradise.
What are your best tips for protecting a cottage or second home in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean?
Since this is a heavily-forested region, you need to adequately protect your property against forest fires. I recommend removing as much wood and brush as possible from the cottage surroundings. In winter, it’s also very important to clear the snow off the roof because insurance coverage is not available for roof collapse due to snow.
What are the main factors to consider when purchasing insurance for a cottage or second home in the country?
Recently, forest fires broke out a few hours’ drive from my cottage. We saw shots of burning houses on TV. Although the costs of fire damage can be astronomical, insurance can fully protect you against these losses. We’ve also experienced flooding in our region. Since standard insurance protection for cottages or second homes does not cover flooding and flood damage, you need to protect your property against such eventualities.
What’s the best procedure for renting your property with peace of mind via online platforms like Airbnb?
Airbnb rentals are becoming more popular in our region. If you’re renting your property, the key is to be open and transparent about it and to notify your broker right away. Many insurance companies will cover rentals. My role as a broker is to ask specific questions in order to assess and manage risk on a case-by-case basis. The answers you give must correspond to your actual situation so that an insurance contract can adequately protect you.
What are the main things to cover when insuring a cottage?
People often forget to insure their valuables. For example, I always ask my clients if they have a generator. I can include this specific item in their policy – and the same goes for any boats, ATVs or snowmobiles. These possessions are covered by separate marine and recreational insurance and are not included in your basic protection.
Do you have a particularly fond memory of your time as an insurance broker?
A few years ago, a longstanding client I had become friends with told me that he wanted to change insurers for a cheaper rate. However, the next year he called me back to insure with us again. He said: “Even though your rate is slightly higher, I much prefer your service.” This type of appreciation always makes me very happy. Serving clients by providing the best possible protection is what my job is all about. In fact, for some families, I’ve been their insurance broker for three generations. I’m tremendously proud of that!
Any questions about insuring your cottage or second home? Contact us – we’ll be happy to help!