TORONTO, May 7, 2009 – What do you have to lose? Many Canadians aren’t sure. During Emergency Preparedness Week, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is urging all Canadians to change that and take inventory of their possessions before a disaster strikes.
“A home inventory helps to ensure you know exactly what you own, and, of course, if you have insurance coverage” said Mary Lou O’Reilly, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Marketing, Insurance Bureau of Canada. “If you ever have to file a claim this inventory makes the process quicker and easier.”
A new online version of Know Your Stuff – IBC’s home inventory tool – is now available for free at www.ibc.ca. The tool makes it easy for users to build a room-by-room record of their belongings, and attach pictures and receipts. The file is stored securely online and can be accessed anywhere there is an Internet connection, anytime.
Homeowners and renters alike should keep a home inventory. Most homeowners have insurance, and their policies automatically cover contents, however many renters do not have insurance. These renters should consider that their contents may not be covered.
“You may not think you have much of value, but if you had to replace all your possessions all at once you will likely find it’s more than you realize,” added O’Reilly. “A home inventory can help determine the total replacement value of your belongings.”
To create your own free home inventory, visit www.ibc.ca.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent nearly 95% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 110,000 Canadians, pays more than $6 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $38 billion. www.ibc.ca.
