Summer flooding in Prairies pegged at over $60 million in insured damage

EDMONTON, Aug. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reports that the estimated insured damage caused by heavy rains and high winds across southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba in late June and July was just over $60 million, according to Property Claim Services (PCS).

"The flooding, wind damage and transportation disruptions caused by these storms disrupted people's lives and businesses," said Bill Adams, IBC Vice-President, Western and Pacific. "People were forced from their homes, roads were flooded and crops were destroyed. These storms are another example of the toll severe weather events are taking on Canadian families and communities." 

Parts of southeast Saskatchewan and areas of western Manitoba reported heavy rain fall. States of emergency were called in both provinces. Hundreds of residents had to leave their homes and dozens of roads were impassable due to flooding.

Sections of at least 15 highways, including portions of the TransCanada Highway, were closed due to the flooding. The rain also led to record flow levels on rivers and streams in both provinces.

"The insurance industry continues to spread the word about the need to update infrastructure, to engage consumers on how to protect themselves and their properties against severe weather.  The industry is also working with all three levels of government to help develop, promote and implement adaptation measures," Adams said.  

He also reminded residents that most insurers offer a 24-hour claims service for filing claims. Claimants should give as much detail as possible when providing information to their insurers, he said.

If you need help getting in touch with your insurer, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-877-772-3777 ext. 222. 

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 private P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

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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: Steve Kee, Director, Media & Digital Communications, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 ext. 4387, 416-841-5669, [email protected]