MONTREAL, July 8, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - This afternoon, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) deployed its Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) to assist victims of the disaster in Lac-Mégantic and to inform them that most home and auto insurance policies cover material damage caused by this disaster.
Quick, on-site response
A number of residents have lost their homes or have had to evacuate their houses, and cannot access their insurance policies. "Our thoughts go out to the families and all who have been affected by this tragedy. The explosions and fires caused major damage to homes and businesses in the community. Insurers will do everything they can to enable those affected to resume their normal activities," explained Pierre Babinsky, Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, at IBC.
Under these circumstances, residents who are unable to return to their homes because of insurable damages may be entitled to compensation for additional living expenses. We therefore recommend that those affected quickly contact their insurer or broker to validate their policy coverage. "If they have questions about their policy, IBC agents will be on site to assist them," noted Pierre Babinsky.
Personal safety has to be of uppermost concern. Those affected are asked to take every precaution to protect their property and, where possible, avoid aggravating the loss. IBC is also advising victims to keep all invoices and vouchers for expenses incurred as a result of the disaster.
As for damaged vehicles, IBC reminds policyholders that their cars are covered under their auto insurance policy depending on whether they purchased "All Perils", "Accident Excluding Collision or Upset", or "Specified Perils" coverage.
About the Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP)
CAMP is one of a number of initiatives by Canada's home, car and business insurers to help Canadians prepare for, and cope with, disasters. The national program provides disaster victims with on-site, quick-response, insurance-related information.
About IBC
Insurance Bureau of Canada, which groups the majority Canada's P&C insurers, offers various services to consumers in order to inform and assist them when purchasing car or home insurance, or making a claim. For all other information, we invite you to contact our Insurance Information Centre at 1-877-288-4321, or visit our web site at www.infoassurance.ca.
SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA
Julie Bellemare
Public Affairs Consultant
Cell.: 514-953-0828
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