SGI to offer insurance premium relief for evacuees

An insurer is taking a stand by offering an extended window for overdue payments and suspending bill collection for this vulnerable group.

Property

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In an effort to provide some peace of mind to wildfire victims in its province, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) has announced that residents under mandatory evacuation are temporarily relieved from overdue payments and will continue to receive coverage throughout the time that they are displaced from their homes.
 
“Being away from your home and your community is stressful enough without worrying about bill payments or insurance coverage lapsing,” said Premier Brad Wall in a public statement. 
 
In addition, the province has announced that vehicle plate insurance and driver’s licenses will not expire as the result of unpaid premiums or the inability to renew policies. Other insurance policies offered through SGI Canada incorporate a grace period that includes the time period of an evacuation as well as 30 days after its conclusion.
 
The wildfires have displaced approximately 13,000 Saskatchewan residents and destroyed 81 houses and cabins in the past two weeks, according to the Canadian Press. While many are eager to return to their communities, emergency officials warn that it is still too dangerous and request that homeowners wait until the wildfires become “a bit more normalized.”
 
“Until wildfire management actually issues an all-clear for people to return, we respectfully request that people restrict on themselves travel in those areas," said Duane McKay, commissioner of emergency management and fire safety.
 
A representative for SGI Canada has also reminded residents to re-examine their home insurance coverage and check with a broker to see whether such evacuation needs as accommodation, food and fuel can be listed on a claim.
 
“Being separated from their friends, family and neighbours without the comforts of home is a hardship that we’re hoping can be eased a little if they have this mass evacuation coverage, which is a common feature on many home policies,” said Don McMorris, the minister responsible for SGI Canada.
 
In addition to insurance relief, Saskatchewan’s utility Crown corporations SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy are suspending bill collection services and waiving late payments until September 1, 2015.

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