Insurance Bureau of Canada launches 2016 Alberta consumer information tour

EDMONTON, Aug. 8, 2016 /CNW/ - In the aftermath of the devastating wildfire in Fort McMurray, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) will visit communities across Alberta to help residents better understand their insurance policies, their coverage options, and what to do when disasters strike.

"We continue to hear so many heartbreaking stories from residents of Fort McMurray as they navigate their way through this tragedy," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western and Pacific, IBC.  "We want all Albertans, and indeed all Canadians, to have a strong understanding of their insurance policies and how best to prepare for these often-unpredictable disasters. The Fort McMurray wildfire has shown that we all need to be prepared for the risks we face to ensure we can both mitigate the impacts to our family and community, but also expedite the recovery process."

The tour officially kicked off on July 30 in Inglewood and has already made a stop in St. Albert. Over the next several weeks, IBC representatives will be travelling across the province to highlight the importance of having a 72-hour emergency preparedness plan, creating and maintaining a home inventory, and fully understanding your insurance policy and what it covers.

"The wildfire in Fort McMurray has demonstrated just how resilient Albertans are," added Adams. "It also showed us what we as an industry can do to help make sure residents have the tools they need to recover from disasters as quickly as possible."

Be sure to stop by and check out IBC on the following dates:

• August 23-27, Lethbridge
• September 4, Calgary
• September 9-10, Chestermere
• September 25, High River
• October 5-7, Edmonton
• October 21-23, Medicine Hat

"We strongly encourage all Albertans to take a few minutes to better understand the risk they face. This includes contacting their insurance representative for information on their policies and what types of coverage best suit their circumstances," added Adams.

For more information on home, auto and business insurance, phone IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1 844 227 5422) or visit www.ibc.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $8.2 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1‑844‑2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Andrew McGrath, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [email protected]