Preparing for wet and windy weather - Insurance Bureau of Canada offers tips for Alberta residents

EDMONTON, July 24, 2014 /CNW/ - With predicted heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and high winds in Alberta, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) encourages residents to take precautions including the following:

• Ensure that you and your family are safe.
• Review your insurance policies – call your insurance professional if you have questions about your coverage or call IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-377-6378.
• Damage to vehicles from water is usually covered by an auto insurance policy if comprehensive or all perils coverage has been purchased. This coverage is not mandatory, so check your policy.
• Wind damage to your home is generally covered. To be certain, check your policy.  
• Move valuable items from your basement to higher levels in your home.
• Clear eavestroughs and downspouts – if safe to do so – to direct water away from your home.
• Ask someone to check your property if you are away.

"If you experience damage as a result of heavy rainfall or winds, safety must be the top concern," said Bill Adams, IBC's Vice-President, Western and Pacific. "If you have questions about insurance coverage, contact your insurance representative. For questions about home, auto or business insurance, you can also call IBC's Consumer Information Centre or visit ibc.ca. We're here to help."

It is important to note that damage as a result of sewer backup may be covered by home insurance policies but this coverage must be purchased as an add-on. 

Damage caused by overland flooding and ground seepage is not generally covered by home insurance policies in Canada.  Overland flooding usually occurs when bodies of water, such as rivers, dams and other watercourses, overflow onto dry land and cause damage.

For tips on how to protect your family and home from severe weather:|

Water Damage Is on the Rise: Are You Protected?
Getting Ready: A Guide to Emergency Preparation

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes and levies to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

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: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031, ext. 4312 (daytime), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]