Train disaster in Lac-Mégantic - IBC there to help victims

MONTREAL, July 15, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) returned to Lac-Mégantic today to answer victims' insurance questions, as well as give them information about the coverage under their home and auto insurance policies, and about the claims settlement process.

Insurance coverage specifics
A lot of the damage suffered resulted from the fire and explosion, risks that are covered under home insurance policies.

Other damage includes loss of freezer content and additional expenses that residents incurred or will incur for shelter and food, which are also covered under the home insurance policy.

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.

Since differences may exist from policyholder to policyholder, more specifically when it comes to compensation, IBC would like to note that it is important for victims, if they haven't already done so, to report the loss to their insurer or broker, who will be able to give them the right information and let them know what to do.

An industry mobilized to service the population
"For the past week, we have been coordinating our efforts with insurers, the Department of Public Safety and the Red Cross to meet victims' needs and answer their questions.  We are here today at the Montignac High School along with all the government departments and agencies concerned," stressed Line Crevier, Supervisor, Technical Affairs and Insurance Information Centre at IBC.

IBC and its members are doing everything they can to forward and process claim requests to ensure that policyholders can return to their normal activities as quickly as possible.

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.infoinsurance.ca.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

Julie Bellemare
Public Affairs Consultant
Cell.: 514-953-0828