Keeping Hurricane Preparedness Top of Mind

HALIFAX, Sept. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is following developments related to Hurricane Leslie.   While it is still too early to tell exactly where the storm may track and to what extent it might hit land in Canada, IBC says this is a good time to ensure you are prepared in the event of a storm.

"Hurricanes can have a devastating impact on communities, the safety of their residents and the protection of their property. Individuals and families can prepare themselves against their vulnerability to hurricanes and severe windstorms by taking some simple precautions." says Bill Adams, Vice-President of Atlantic Canada for IBC.

Some of these tips include:

• Prepare a detailed home inventory;
• Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family and;
• Check with your insurance representative to make sure you have appropriate coverage

Damage to homes is usually caused by hail or wind and typically that is covered. This includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage to your home and contents from water entering through openings suddenly caused by wind or hail.

Damage to vehicles from wind, hail or water is usually covered if comprehensive or all perils coverage auto insurance has been purchased. This coverage is not mandatory, so check your policy.

In general, overland flooding resulting in water entering a home is not covered. Overland flooding, which usually occurs when bodies of water, such as rivers, dams and other watercourses, overflow onto dry land and cause damage to residential areas, is usually not covered by insurance because it is only a risk for the small percentage of the population who live in a flood plain.

Water damage in a basement due to a sewer backup is only covered if specific sewer backup coverage has been purchased. In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to return home due to insurable damage are entitled to additional living expenses.

If you have questions contact your insurance representative or IBC's consumer information centre at 1-800-565-7189

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 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca and for IBC on Twitter follow @insurancebureau.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact:

Steve Kee 
Director, Media Relations
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4387
[email protected]