Safety remains first priority
EDMONTON, May 4, 2016 /CNW/ - As tens of thousands of residents are evacuated from their homes in Fort McMurray and the surrounding area, in one of the largest fire evacuations in provincial history, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reaching out with information and advice for those affected by these devastating wildfires.
"Our thoughts are with those whose lives have been disrupted and whose homes have been destroyed. The priority right now is the safety of those affected and their loved ones," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC. "The insurance industry is here to help. Anyone with questions about their home, car or business insurance can call their insurance representative or IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ASK-IBC."
What insurance covers
Most home and business insurance policies cover fire damage. If residents have to leave their homes because of a mandatory evacuation order issued by civil authorities, most home and tenant's insurance policies will provide coverage for reasonable additional living expenses for a specified period of time. Your insurance representative is at the ready to clarify the details of your policy.
The claims process
If you have been affected by a wildfire, when safe to do so, take the following steps:
Next steps
Resources
Anyone with questions should contact their insurance representative, or for more information , contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.
For additional information, consumers can also visit www.ibc.ca.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $8.2 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.
For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or 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.
If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.
SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada
For further information: To schedule an interview, please contact: Ariella Kimmel, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 416-550-9062 (after hours), akimmel@ibc.ca
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