Flooding and Insurance

Filing an insurance claim

• STEP 1. Document everything

  When it’s safe to do so, make a complete list of all damaged, destroyed or lost items. Remember these tips:

  • If possible, attach proofs of purchase, receipts, police reports, owner’s manuals and warranties for lost or damaged items.

  • Take photos of any damaged or destroyed items. Review your files for photos of any lost items.

  • Keep notes and be as detailed as possible when documenting damage and providing information.

  • Keep ruined items unless they are dangerous or pose a health hazard.

  • Keep all receipts related to cleanup.

  • Review and update your home inventory list after you experience a loss.

• STEP 2. Contact your insurance representative

  While you legally have two years from the date of the incident, it’s recommended that you report an accident or claim to your insurance representative and provide complete, accurate details as soon as possible following a theft, accident or property damage. Most insurance companies have a 24-hour claims service.

  Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Always keep your insurer’s contact information handy.

  • Be as detailed as possible regarding the circumstances of the loss and any subsequent damage.

  • In the event your home is unfit to live in, ask your insurer about the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) that are covered under your policy and what the limit is.

  • Most personal property insurance policies (homeowner, condominium unit owner and tenant) cover the cost of alternate accommodations and living expenses for people whose home has become unliveable after an insured loss. There may also be limited coverage for mass evacuation under certain circumstances. This is typically called Coverage D - Additional Living Expenses or ALE in an insurance policy.

  • ALE covers anything over and above your normal expenses. For example, if your temporary accommodations doesn’t have laundry facilities and you have to use a laundromat, those expenses may also qualify. However, ALE does not cover all of your living expenses while you are displaced; it covers your increased cost of living as a result of being displaced.

  • Keep all receipts and invoices for additional living expenses following your loss.

  • Remember that your insurance representative is your advocate when bad things happen.

  • After filing your claim with your insurance representative or directly with your Insurer, a claims specialist or adjuster will contact you. They will investigate the loss circumstances, examine the documents you provide and explain the next steps.

• STEP 3. File a proof of loss if requested

  When you file your claim, your insurance company will ask you to complete a “proof of loss” form. This form lists all damaged or lost property or items with the value or cost of the damage or loss.

  You must sign and swear the statements you make are true. If any of the statements are untrue, your insurance may be voided.

  Typically, a proof of loss must be completed and returned to your insurance company within 30 days. Your insurance representative or claims adjuster can answer any specific questions you might have.

• STEP 1. Document everything

  Things can change rapidly and unexpectedly in the aftermath of a collision or if your car has been damaged. This is why taking photos and making a detailed record at the scene of an event is so important.

  Once it’s safe to do so at the site of a collision you and any other driver(s) involved should both take photos and immediately document:

  • date, time and specific location where the event occurred

  • drivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, drivers’ license numbers, vehicle registration and insurance information

  • contact information for anyone who is injured or potentially injured, involved in the incident or a witness

  • all details about any injuries, potential injuries or property damage

  • specific information about the collision or incident – how it happened, speed, weather and road conditions and anything else you think may be important

  • if witnesses are available, their description(s) of the collision or incident – what happened before, during and immediately after

  • if a police officer attends the scene, note their name and badge number

• STEP 2. Contact your insurance representative

  With the appropriate coverage in place, your insurance provider will support you in a number of ways.

  • They’ll authorize repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged and repairable. Your insurer may suggest repairs be carried out by their preferred shop(s) to ensure they can confirm the quality of the work.

  • If damage is major and cannot be repaired safely, or the cost of repairs is more than the value of your car before it was damaged, your insurer may declare it a “total loss”. This means the car will not be repaired and your insurer will provide you with a settlement.

  • If you’re injured, you may be entitled to benefits. They’ll provide claim forms for accident benefits and help you through the process.

Additional living expenses

• When is ALE triggered?

  Each situation is unique, but there are several categories of claims that fall under ALE.

  When an event like wildfire triggers insurance coverage, it is crucial that policyholders discuss their specific circumstances with their insurer so they are aware of when this comes into play.

• My insurer says I can go home, but I don’t think it’s safe. Can I still get ALE?

  When an evacuation order is lifted, prohibited access coverage ends. If your home is not damaged and the governing authority has given an all clear to return but you choose not to, you will not be eligible for further ALE. If there are extenuating circumstances, you should contact your insurer.

• What is a reasonable length of time to wait for insurance companies to reimburse us for living expenses?

  Reimbursement periods vary from insurer to insurer; however, insurance companies understand that homeowners need to pay their expenses. Keep all your receipts and speak with your adjuster about what to expect regarding the timing and frequency of reimbursement. In some instances, your insurer may even provide an advance on ALE.

• What does ALE cover?

  ALE covers the increased cost of living as a result of being displaced, such as hotel accommodations and anything else over and above normal living expenses. For example, if your temporary accommodations didn’t have a kitchen and you had to eat in restaurants, those meals expenses would be typically covered.