Thousands of claims are expected to be filed to insurance companies, as a result of the damage from high winds, and power outages.
Maybe a tree or branch fell on your home or shed or maybe you’ve been without power for days and have lost everything in your freezer.
Spokesperson for the Insurance Bureau of Canada Vanessa Barrasa says your insurance policy could cover all of your losses….or just certain ones.
“One of the very first things you should be doing is contacting your insurance rep, to review what you have in your policy, what your deductible is and what is covered and what is not covered,” Barassa says.
List all of the damaged items and take photos, and if possible, locate your proofs of purchase, receipts and warranties.
Barassa adds, “If you have had to have someone come in to do a cleanup, keep those receipts as well. If you are unable to live in your home, keep the receipts.”
Once you have filed your claims, be patient, “The process could be lengthy, depending how many customers have been affected in the area, and are also in the process of making claims.”
Reporting a claim
If you have been affected by the windstorm, when safe to do so, take the following steps:
Assess and document damage. Taking photos can be helpful.
Call your insurance representative and/or company.
List all damaged or destroyed items.
If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Keep damaged items unless they pose a health hazard.
Keep all of the receipts related to cleanup. If your home is not fit to live in, keep the receipts for your additional living expenses.
Ask your insurance representative what additional living expenses you may be entitled to and for what period of time.
Next steps
Once you have reported your loss, you will be assigned a claims adjuster. It may take some time given the number of people affected by the windstorm, but you will be contacted.
The claims adjuster will investigate the circumstances of the loss, examine the documents you provide and explain the process. Take notes during the conversations and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
