Insurance Bureau of Canada launches national program to assist Canadians when
disaster strikes

HALIFAX, May 3 /CNW/ - Canadians who are suddenly forced to cope with extreme weather events such as windstorms, wildfire and torrential rains, as well as other disasters, will now have quick access to on-site insurance-related information, thanks to a new national program launched today by Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) as part of Emergency Preparedness Week.

In consultation with provincial authorities, IBC will deploy its Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) to disaster sites that have significant insured damage, to help Canadians with their insurance questions. CAMP will be set up at emergency shelters and community centres where individuals are gathered and will be staffed by trained insurance industry personnel.

"People forced from their home because of a disaster may not have their insurance information with them and that's where CAMP can help," said Don Forgeron, President and CEO of IBC. "They may not have the name and phone number of their insurance representative. And they may not know exactly what their policy covers. For example, does it cover the cost of hotel accommodation after they are forced from their home? It's important to know this information quickly."

IBC has had experience providing this sort of assistance at disaster sites in the past. In 2009 alone, IBC representatives were on hand to talk with victims of wildfires in Nova Scotia, tornadoes in Ontario and hailstorms in Alberta.

"Whenever we have attended these events, disaster relief agencies have welcomed our participation and we have received gratitude from disaster victims," said Forgeron. "With CAMP, we're really formalizing this service and taking it to the next level."

CAMP is one of a number of initiatives introduced by Canada's home, car and business insurers to help Canadians prepare for, and cope with, disasters as we continue to adapt to climate change.

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 90% 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 $39 billion.

To view news releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

For further information: Ellen Woodger at [phone] or Pete Karageorgos at [phone] ext. 4329