After a long, hard winter, brokers in the Prairies provinces should remind clients that along with the spring rain comes hail, lightning and strong winds.
Hail season usually runs from June until September – and the damage can be devastating. The
Insurance Bureau of Canada is urging brokers to remind their clients that they should check their policies to see if they are prepared for a severe storm.
“It's a fact that the frequency, severity and cost of severe weather are on the rise all across Canada,” says Bill Adams, vice-president, Western and Pacific for IBC. “We're certainly seeing this in Alberta and the Prairie provinces where homes are being damaged more frequently by hail, heavy rainfall and strong winds, which makes it critical for people to know how to protect themselves and their property.”
Although the focus has been on overland flooding as of late, hailstorms have had a serious impact on the Prairies, and Alberta in particular.
According to Adams, in 2012, severe storms in Alberta resulted in more than $700 million in insured losses. In 2011, storms and hail accounted for another $380 million in insured losses. Severe storms with crop-damaging hail have also had a significant impact in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. (continued.)
#pb#
Adams suggests to brokers to go over this checklist with clients to ensure they are prepared:
• Damage to homes caused by hail or wind is usually covered under most home insurance policies. This includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage to your home and contents from water entering through openings caused by wind or hail. Obviously, pre-existing damage is not covered;
• Damage to vehicles from wind, hail or water is usually covered if you have purchased comprehensive or all perils auto insurance. This coverage isn't mandatory, so check your policy; and
• Damage to mobile homes or trailers from hail or wind may be covered. Policy wordings vary so it's best to check with your insurance representative.
Tips for starting the claims process:
• Call your insurance representative or company. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims service. Be as detailed as possible when providing information;
• List all damaged or destroyed items. If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Take photos of damage incurred and keep damaged items, unless they pose a health hazard;
• Keep all receipts related to cleanup and living expenses if you've been displaced. Ask your insurance representative about what expenses you're entitled to and for what period of time; and
• Review your policy to ensure you are familiar with specified deductibles, coverage limits and replacement values. Talk to your insurance representative if anything is unclear.
