Millions of Quebecers will be making insurance claims in the coming days. Here are a few tips.
• Read also: Ice storm: here’s what to do with your food after a power outage
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Before starting, let’s remember that, normally, home insurance contracts cover the majority of damage (building, outbuildings and swimming pool) caused by the ice.
On the other hand, hundreds of thousands of people will lose food in their freezers or fridges because power will not be restored quickly enough. These foodstuffs are also covered by home insurance, normally up to a limit of $1,000.
If you have your grocery bills, great. But it is not compulsory. On the other hand, you will have to make the list and take pictures before throwing this food. Note that game is also covered (contact your insurer to find out the extent of your coverage).
If you have to leave your home because it is no longer habitable due to damage caused by ice storms or a fallen tree, your insurance contract provides for living expenses. However, you will not be compensated if you leave your home only in the event of a power failure.
The broken branches of a tree located on your property have damaged the neighbour’s house, car or shed? Your insurer will pay. But you will need to coordinate communications between your neighbor and your insurer.
If your tree or its branches represent a threat to the structure of your house or that of your neighbour, you can immediately hire personnel to clear the parts of the tree causing the threat. It is best to discuss this with your insurer beforehand, but it would be surprising if he refused to assume the costs of this cleaning.
The contracts do not cover damage caused to your landscaping or that of the neighbor (in particular trees and shrubs). However, fences and certain structures are covered, but it depends on the contract.
If your roof is damaged to the point where you suffer water infiltration, this damage is also covered if you have the “above ground water damage” endorsement (addition to the policy). The insurer will eventually dispatch one of its claims adjusters before moving your case forward.
Automobile
Your vehicle is unusable due to the fall of a tree or branches? No need to call the police. Take photos from multiple angles as well as some notes on the damage to the vehicle.
Normally, your insurer will not require an occurrence report from the police department. Obviously, the damage is covered according to the type of protection provided for in your contract. If it provides for a replacement vehicle, find out the duration of the rental.
Advice
- Before calling your insurer, take notes, list all damages and losses to your property, take several photos. Note that the deductibles provided for in your insurance contracts (the portion that you must pay out of pocket) are applicable.
- Objects that were in the car and that have been destroyed or badly damaged by ice or a falling tree are covered by home insurance. Objects that are attached to the car (bicycle or smartphone holder) are covered by automobile insurance.
- Before leaving the house, turn off the water and unplug the circuit breaker of your water heater.
- For more information, contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada Information Center at 1-877-288-4321 •
