The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) announced it has deployed its Virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion, dubbed V-CAMP, to provide insurance information to Alberta residents affected by more than 100 active wildfires burning in the province.
“IBC is in close contact with (the) provincial government and emergency management officials, as well as with municipal officials in the affected communities,” they write in a statement issued May 8. “This situation is changing extremely rapidly.”
After thanking first responders, the statement goes on to say insurance companies serve as second responders in the recovery phase after catastrophe strikes. “IBC’s virtual CAMP is staffed with trained insurance personnel who are on hand at IBC’s consumer information centre,” they write. Those with general questions about their home, business or vehicle insurance policies are encouraged to call (844) 227-5422.
“Virtually every home insurance policy covers damage by fire, even if the fire began on a neighbouring property, as long as the fire was not started intentionally by the policy holder or a member of their household,” the statement adds, before providing tips for starting the claims process. The IBC wildfires page further provides tip sheets about fire damage to homes, businesses and vehicles, along with a note about what insurance covers, the claims process and next steps once consumers have reported a loss.
