We all hate paying for insurance—until the day we need it. Then, it becomes one of the most important things we have.

Insurance has a long history that dates back to ancient times, when merchants would pool money together to protect against losses during trade. Over the centuries, this concept evolved into the modern-day insurance we rely on today—for our homes, farms, vehicles, and businesses.

How Insurance Shaped the Community of Tottenham

Right here in Tottenham, insurance has played a key role in protecting and rebuilding our town through some of its most challenging moments.

The Fire of 1895

In June of 1895, a massive fire tore through downtown Tottenham, destroying more than 80 buildings. The community was devastated. Those with insurance were able to begin rebuilding almost immediately. For others, the loss was permanent.

This tragedy became a turning point in our community’s understanding of how vital insurance is—not just for individuals, but for the future of the town itself.

Why Insurance Matters Today

In small towns like Tottenham, Beeton, and Alliston, insurance is more than a contract—it’s a foundation. It allows:

• Farmers to replace lost equipment and livestock
• Business owners to reopen after unexpected damage or loss
• Homeowners to rebuild and recover from fire, flood, or storm
• Drivers to get back on the road after an accident

And just as importantly, insurance gives people the confidence to grow, expand, and take smart risks—because they know they’re protected.

Another growing concern across Ontario is rising auto theft, which is impacting both insurance companies and policyholders. As theft rates continue to climb—especially in urban and surrounding areas—the cost of replacing stolen vehicles is driving up premiums for everyone, even for those who’ve never made a claim. Insurance works as a shared risk pool, which means when theft becomes more common, it affects the entire system. For policyholders, this highlights just how important it is to have comprehensive coverage and to take preventative measures to protect their vehicles. It’s also a reminder that we all play a role in helping keep insurance accessible and affordable in our communities.

How severe weather affects insurance today

The severe snowstorms of early 2025 had a major impact on New Tecumseth and surrounding areas, leading to a significant spike in insurance claims across the board. With relentless snowfall, icy roads, and whiteout conditions, auto insurance claims surged due to an increase in collisions and weather-related accidents. Homeowners also faced challenges, with many reporting roof damage, ice damming, and water leaks. On farms, the weight of the heavy snow caused several barn and outbuilding collapses, resulting in costly farm insurance claims and operational disruptions. The storms were a strong reminder of how unpredictable our winters can be—and how important it is to have the right coverage in place before severe weather hits.

The Bill We all Love to Hate…Until we need it

Let’s be honest—no one enjoys paying their insurance bill. But when something goes wrong, it’s the first thing we turn to. That policy you’ve been paying into for years suddenly becomes your greatest support system.

At McGoey Insurance Brokerage, we’ve been helping families and businesses through hard times for over 125 years. From fire to tornado, from storm to theft—we’ve seen it all. And we’ve stood by our clients every step of the way.

Because when you protect what matters most, you’re not just insuring your home or business—you’re investing in the future of our community.