Fort McMurray evacuees urged to call insurers for expenses and coverage details
CBC News | Posted: May 5, 2016 9:23 PM | Last Updated: May 5, 2016
Help available for home-based business owners
Once Fort McMurray evacuees are safe, their next step should be to contact their insurance agents, says the Insurance Board of Canada
Insurance companies already have representatives at evacuation centres in Lac La Biche and Edmonton, said western region vice-president Bill Adams.
It's important for people to open claims to find out what coverage their policies offer and what additional living expenses they're now incurring, such as food and gas, they're allowed to claim for.
Under the standard home-owner policy, fire is a covered peril, Adams said.
"So I can give comfort to the vast majority of people who have been evacuated, that if they have a home insurance policy, it is highly likely that the damage to their homes will be covered.
Of course, some people have more insurance than others, he said, hence the need to get in touch with their agents.
And if people don't know their insurance company?
"We realize people left their homes in a hurry," Adams said. "They probably weren't thinking about reaching for their insurance documents.
"Some people don't even know who their insurance representative is. That's OK. Reach out to us by calling 1-844 2 ASK IBC."
- Fort McMurray fire could cost insurers $9B, BMO predicts
- WATCH: What to do if your house is in the area of Fort McMurray
For many homeowners with home-based businesses, the fire is an even bigger blow.
For those people, the first step is to remember you're not alone, said an Edmonton management consultant.
"There's a team of people around your business that want you to be successful," said Marty Rybiak. "Your suppliers, your customers, your banker, your IT guy, your marketing people."
Rybiak said for small business owners who have fled Fort McMurray, their livelihoods are probably much in their thoughts when it comes to rebuilding their city and their lives.
But help is available — businesses should speak to their banks, Rybiak said. Banks can offer opportunities to defer loans and other financial commitments faced by small business owners.
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is offering free space for Fort McMurray business owners to meet and plan their next steps. The Rotary Club of Edmonton is also offering help for displaced small business owners, Rybiak said.
These are just short-term options that can help get business owners focused on immediate concerns and needs.
"When they come back to Fort McMurray, the big job is going to be rebuilding," Rybiak said.
"Maybe the services that they provide now can be tailored to meet that new demand, as opposed to their traditional demand. So they may need to be a little bit flexible in terms of the services or products they're offering."
___________________________________________________________________________________________________