Insurance Bureau of Canada urges residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to
check insurance coverage following Hurricane Igor

HALIFAX, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - Canada's home, car and business insurers urge residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to contact their insurance representatives and to protect themselves and their homes against further losses in the wake of Hurricane Igor.

"Insurers have already begun responding to customers affected by Hurricane Igor and helping them recover," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Atlantic, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "With a very high volume of claims coming in and with some areas of the province still without power, it may take time before everyone is able to make contact. Additional claims staff is being brought in to assist. We ask residents to be patient."

IBC reminds consumers that most home insurance policies will cover damage caused by wind, including broken windows and damage that is the result of fallen trees.  However, overland flooding is not covered. Claims for water damage due to sewer backup may be covered under homeowner policies if additional sewer backup coverage has been purchased.

If you have a homeowner's or tenant's policy, you may also be covered for additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable.

Wind and water damage to cars is covered if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Also, many business policies include coverage for wind and water damage, and loss of revenue.

Every situation is unique. Homeowners should contact their insurance professional as soon as possible to verify their coverage and deductible, and begin the claim process. Consumers can also contact IBC's Atlantic Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-565-7189 ext. 227 or 228.

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 $40 billion.

For further information:

Pete Karageorgos at 416-362-2031 ext. 4329