Ontario and Quebec's November storm tops $90 million in insured damage

TORONTO, Dec. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reports that the heavy rains and winds that swept across Ontario and Quebec on November 24 and 25 caused more than $90 million in insured damage, according to the preliminary estimate by Property Claim Services.

The storm brought wind gusting as strong as 100 kilometres per hour, causing widespread damage. Trees fell on buildings and vehicles, and hydro lines were downed, causing power outages for tens of thousands of people.

"Severe weather causes significant damage to Ontario communities far too often," said Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. "In 2014, weather-related insured damage in Ontario hit $200 million; that includes claims from the Burlington floods and the tornado in Angus."

"The home, car and business insurance industry advocates for helping communities adapt to increasing severe weather and reduce its impact," he said. "We're talking with governments about improving infrastructure, updating flood maps and revisiting land use planning to keep homes off flood plains."

The industry also provides individual consumers with advice so that  they are properly covered. Before storms hit, consumers should contact their insurance representative for information about their policy. For more information on home, car or business insurance, phone IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-387-2880 or 416-362-9528 or contact IBC.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Ontario or like us on Facebook.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (daytime), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]