Summer is the season for storms, wildfires and other emergencies. Not all emergencies lead to an evacuation, but some do. Do you know how to handle an evacuation? Where would you go? How does your insurance work in this situation?
The good news is...You may already have this coverage
You may not realize that, if you have a house, condo, or tenant insurance policy, chances are, you already have Mass Evacuation Coverage. This coverage is intended to help with the increased cost of living you’d have to deal with if you had to leave your home suddenly.
It applies ONLY if:
• The situation is a risk covered on your policy;
• the situation happens in Canada or the United States, and impacts your property here;
• it results in an evacuation order from a civil authority, such as a rural municipality, town, city or provincial government.
Note: You won’t be eligible for this coverage if you leave your home without an evacuation order.
What can I claim?
This coverage will take care of living expenses such as:
• your hotel room;
• your meal costs;
• your fuel;
• other essential items you need that you can’t bring from your home.
You will be covered for an evacuation of up to 30 days, based on the amount on your policy coverage.
How do I make a claim?
If you have to be evacuated, once you’re safe and settled, contact your insurance broker and they can start the claim process for you.
Be sure to keep all the receipts. Write on each receipt the reason that you made the purchase and how you’ll use the item or service.