EDMONTON, AB, July 25,
2024 /CNW/ - With nearly 200 active wildfires in
Alberta, including a devastating
fire that has already caused damage to structures in the
Municipality of Jasper and forced
thousands of people to evacuate, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)
has deployed its Virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion
(V-CAMP) to provide general insurance information to affected
residents.
IBC is in close contact with the provincial and federal
governments and emergency management officials, as well as with
municipal officials in the affected communities. This situation is
changing extremely rapidly.
"Unfortunately, the wildfire that has impacted the Municipality
of Jasper was confirmed by Parks
Canada to have caused structure loss. As the extent of the damage
is being assessed, our thoughts continue to be with the impacted
residents whose lives have been disrupted and whose property has
been damaged," said Rob de Pruis,
National Director of Consumer and Industry Relations, IBC. "We
applaud all the first responders who have been working tirelessly
to protect lives and property. While recovery efforts continue,
rest assured that anyone whose property or vehicle was damaged can
contact their insurance representative when they are ready to start
the claims process."
Insurers serve as "second responders" in the recovery period
after catastrophe strikes. IBC's Virtual CAMP is staffed with
trained insurance industry personnel who are on hand at IBC's
Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) to
help address consumers' general questions about their home,
business or vehicle insurance policies. Albertans can also visit
IBC's 2024 Wildfire Season webpage to learn more about insurance
coverage and the various stages of the claims process.
For information about the wildfire status at Jasper National Park, please visit
Park Canada's Wildfire status
webpage. Information about the current forest fire danger, forest
fire activity and fire restrictions across the province can be
found on the Government of Alberta's Wildfire webpage. Residents can also
access the Government of Alberta's Wildfire Status Dashboard for
real-time information on active fires, current fire danger across
the province, and restricted fire zones in effect.
When the Smoke Clears . . . What's Covered?
- All standard homeowner's and tenant's insurance policies cover
damage caused by fire.
- Damage to vehicles from fire is usually covered if
comprehensive or all perils coverage car insurance was purchased.
As this coverage is not mandatory, talk to your insurance
representative to ensure that you have appropriate insurance
coverage.
- In certain circumstances, homeowners who are evacuated or
unable to return home as a result of insured damage are entitled to
additional living expenses. For more information on additional
living expenses, please refer to IBC's Additional Living Expenses
brochure.
Tips for Starting the Claims Process
- Call your insurance representative. Most insurers have a
24-hour claims service. Be as detailed as possible when providing
information.
- List all damaged or destroyed items. If possible, assemble
proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Take photos of
damage incurred and keep damaged items, unless they pose a health
hazard.
- Keep all receipts related to cleanup and living expenses if
you've been displaced. Ask your insurance representative about what
coverage for expenses you may be entitled to and for what period of
time.
For commercial insurance policyholders
Just as with home insurance policies, all commercial property
policies cover fire damage, so long as it was not intentional on
behalf of any insured.
Business interruption coverage is usually triggered by direct
physical damage to your business or damage to a neighbouring
business that causes your location to be shut down. Consult with
your insurance representative to determine whether your business
interruption coverage will cover the event.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the
national industry association representing Canada's private home,
auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast
majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty
(P&C) insurance market.
As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers,
IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to
support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance
industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of
today and tomorrow.
IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and
resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides
insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For
media releases, IN Focus articles, or to book an interview with an
IBC representative, visit ibc.ca. Follow us on LinkedIn, X and
Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about
home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer
Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help.
SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada