Aviva Canada is mobilizing to assist Fort McMurray customers in wildfire

Ready to take calls now, claims centre opening in Lac la Biche tomorrow morning

TORONTO, May 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Aviva Canada is mobilizing its Catastrophe (CAT) team to assist customers in the Fort McMurray area, will be on the ground tomorrow morning and are at the ready to take calls now.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Fort McMurray.  The safety of the residents, and that of the fire-fighting teams who are doing everything possible to get the situation under control, must be the primary focus," said Greg Somerville, President and CEO, Aviva Canada.

Starting tomorrow, senior Aviva claims representatives will open a temporary command centre at the Canalta Lac la Biche Hotel, 9905 83 Avenue, Lac la Biche. Initial support will focus on issuing cheques for living expenses and other immediate needs. "Every effort will be made to respond to the needs of our customers. They can count on us to be there for them," said Somerville.

Peter Corsano who is leading Aviva Canada's catastrophe response is personally directing claims service for the area. Area residents with an Aviva policy are asked to contact Aviva as soon as possible at 1 866 MY AVIVA (1 866 692 8482) to register their claim and receive immediate assistance. Aviva is working with their insurance brokers in the area to provide additional support.

As soon as the evacuation order has been lifted from Fort McMurray, a new temporary Aviva location will be set up in the town and adjusters will be able to respond directly to the catastrophe and help the community deal with their losses.

Customers can check avivacanada.com for more information on Aviva's response and updates on the situation.

About Aviva Canada

Aviva Canada is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country providing home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance to more than three million customers. A wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the company has more than 3,500 employees, 25 locations across Canada and approximately 1,500 independent broker partners.

Aviva Canada invests in positive change through the Aviva Community Fund, Canada's longest running online community funding competition. Since its inception in 2009, the Aviva Community Fund has awarded $6.5 million to over 222 charities and community groups nationwide.

For more information visit avivacanada.com, our blog or our Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

SOURCE Aviva Canada Inc.

Media Contact: Priscilla Wong, Public Relations Specialist, Aviva Canada Inc., Desk: 416 288 6780, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]