As Hurricane Dorian dissipated and moved toward the US, the neighborhoods in the Maritimes calculated the damage remaining afterward.
Homeowners will be looking to submit insurance claims for splash and puddle damage, fallen trees in the home, wind damage, and also crushed food. The whole process can be frustrating, especially for those whose homes may be temporarily uninhabitable.
Amanda Dean, Vice President, Atlantic, Canadian Bureau of Insurance (IBC), reassures homeowners, “We understand that there is considerable damage throughout the area, and many families are having their lives compromised. The ability to call, your insurance provider is prepared to listen. your claim information.”
Assessing Damage
When assessing damage to your home, property, or car, the IBC advises policyholders that they should take the necessary action when it is safe to do so. Start preparing your insurance claim by:
- Assess and document damage: Take pictures of all damage triggered by a tornado, regardless of how insignificant you think it is. This can help you pinpoint your claim or receive payment for coverage you didn’t know about.
- Contact your insurance: Contact your insurance agent and state your name. Depending on the damage, you may need to wait for larger claims to be dealt with first.
- List of all issues: Provide a list of all damaged or destroyed items to your insurance company. By doing this, they can begin to understand the level of your claim.
- Assemble key documents: If possible, collect drawings, invoices and warranties. This can help evaluate the value of your item as well as confirm proof of purchase. Keep items that are damaged, unless they put your health and well-being at risk, until after your claim is approved.
- Inquire about living expenses: If your home is deemed unsuitable for living after a tornado, your home insurance coverage may cover living expenses. Check with your insurance provider to see if a resort/motel fee is included in your package.
- Prevent further damage: It may take some time to repair the damage to your home. Try to prevent further damage in the meantime. For example, cover locations where splashes can get into your home and dry items that might be at risk of mold and mildew.
Coverage Damage
Dean told CBC that, “The claims process will begin once the individual contacts their insurance company and records the damage, which can take a while to process.” Due to the high number of individuals impacted by Dorian, companies will have their hands full.
You can clear up your plan information by talking to your insurance agent. If the damage to your home is severe, you should call the emergency number associated with your provider and make sure your claim is heard right away.
Contact information for your insurance company should be listed above your plan, but if you can’t find your paperwork in the midst of the chaos, you can call the IBC at 1-844-227-5422, expansion 228. They can give you the information you need.
I’ve Submitted My Claim, What Now?
After you report loss and damage, the insurance company will provide you with an adjuster. A claims adjuster will investigate your circumstances — this is where photos and key documents will come in handy — and take you through the insurance process.