After a violent storm and tornado hit Goderich last week, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) issued information to consumers about what they need to know if their property is ever affected.
Ralph Palumbo, vice-president of Ontario, IBC, said, “The property damage to homes and personal property, businesses and public buildings is extensive. Ontario’s home, car and business insurers will be there to help residents and businesses recover from this disaster.”
IBC reminds consumers:
– Most home and business insurance policies will cover damage caused by wind, including broken windows and removal of debris.
– Auto policies cover wind damage if comprehensive coverage has been purchased.
– Marine insurance policies will usually cover damage to boats from wind.
– Homeowner’s and tenant’s policies usually provide coverage for additional living expenses if a home is uninhabitable.
After a major storm and property damage, consumers should contact their insurance representative as soon as possible to discuss coverage and deductibles and to report damage claims.
To help with claims processing, homeowners should document all property losses. And, if safe to do so, they should protect their property from further damage.
To help affected residents and businesses in Goderich with insurance-related questions, IBC deployed its Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) to the town.
CAMP is one of a number of initiatives by Canada’s home, car and business insurers to help Canadians prepare for, and cope with, disasters. The national program provides disaster victims with on-site, quick-response, insurance-related information.
In addition, IBC representatives attending the 2011 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) annual conference.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty insurance market in Canada.
