Insurance industry responds to BC wildfires, helps affected locals

Wildfire event has brought the insurance industry together in an attempt to help as many affected homeowners as possible

Insurance industry responds to BC wildfires, helps affected locals

Insurance News

By Lyle Adriano

Realizing the risk posed by the spreading wildfires in BC, the nation’s property and casualty insurance industry is responding to the needs of their affected customers.

According to reports, as of Monday, there were about 230 active wildfires in BC – 23 of those wildfires spanned over 10 hectares, while another 10 were bigger than 1,000 hectares. The provincial government declared a state of emergency as the fires spread throughout the interior.

The insurance industry has been quick to respond to the wildfire situation, offering advice and aid to those displaced by the blaze.

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The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) deployed its Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) to the Kamloops region, where it will provide insurance information and advice to those affected by the catastrophe.

“IBC’s CAMP is set up on site following the disaster to answer insurance-related questions and help evacuation victims get started on the claims process during a time when they need help the most,” said IBC vice-president of Pacific Aaron Sutherland. “Our thoughts are with those whose lives have been disrupted and whose property is at risk. The priority right now is the safety of those affected and their loved ones.”

Several individual insurance companies have also pledged their support to help affected BC residents.

Aviva Canada announced that it has property claims experts on stand-by across the country for any related concerns, and that its Claims Customer Care team can be reached 24/7.

The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) revealed that it had contributed $100,000 to the Red Cross to support families whose homes were devastated by the inferno.

The Guarantee has also made a $10,000 donation to the Red Cross to help relief and evacuation efforts.


Related stories:
BC wildfires: It’s time to have frank discussions with clients
BC wildfires evacuation toll tops 10,000

 

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