TORONTO, April 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reports that a windstorm which affected parts of southern Ontario on March 8, 2017 has resulted in almost $100 million in insured damage according to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ).
A low pressure system brought damaging winds to southern Ontario. The strongest gusts were felt in Hamilton, ON with wind speeds nearing 115 km/hr. Other parts of the region received wind gusts in the range of 70-105 km/hr.
"Windstorms can be a devastating force of nature. They can cause significant damage in a very short amount of time," said Kim Donaldson, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. "It is important that consumers take precautions and secure their property in an effort to minimize potential damage. Consumers should also understand their insurance policies and know what's covered before storms like these, or other catastrophes strike."
The strong winds damaged roofs and caused trees and branches to fall on houses, roads, and power lines. Approximately 68,000 residents lost power and the Burlington Skyway was closed for several hours following a transport truck rollover caused by the wind. Unfortunately, a 23 year-old man died as a result of this storm.
For more information on how to protect property against windstorms and other disasters please visit IBC's website.
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 $9 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_Ontario 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.
About CatIQ
Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ) delivers detailed analytical and meteorological information on Canadian natural and man-made catastrophes. Through its online subscription-based platform, CatIQ combines comprehensive insured loss indices and other related information to better serve the needs of the insurance and reinsurance industries, public sector and other stakeholders. To learn more, visit www.catiq.com.
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]
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC...
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