Halifax, NS – August 21, 2009 – As Hurricane Bill approaches Atlantic Canada, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reminds people to prepare themselves, their homes and their property for severe weather.
“The time to prepare is before the storm hits,” said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC. “While waiting for the storm, you should ensure that lawn furniture is safely stored and that any damaged or dead tree branches are removed from your yard. If possible, valuable property that is stored in your basement should be relocated. And when the storm hits, remember to stay away from windows that may shatter if an object strikes them.”
If the storm causes property damage to your home, you should discuss your coverage, and any deductibles, with your insurance professionals as soon as possible. In addition, you should document all property losses, in order to facilitate claims processing.
Most homeowner’s policies will cover damage caused by hail or wind, such as windows broken by falling trees or branches. Also, if water enters your home through holes made by wind or hail, that water damage is usually covered. Water damage in the basement due to a sewer back-up is also covered, if you have purchased the sewer back-up add-on to your policy. Damage to cars from wind, hail or water is usually covered, if you have comprehensive or all perils coverage on your car.
Generally, any overland flooding that results in water seeping into basements is not covered.
If consumers have questions, they are encouraged to contact IBC’s Consumer Information Centre in Halifax at 1-800-565-7189 x227 or 902-429-2730 x227.
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.
