Latest news with #AnneMarieThomas
Global News
4 days ago
- Business
- Global News
What is covered under wildfire home insurance?
Insurance is top of mind for some 15,000 wildfire evacuees while they keep a close eye on the fire situation. Saskatchewan Government Insurance says it includes evacuation coverage on all home insurance policies. This coverage helps with living expenses — including hotel accommodations, food, and gas. As well, home or business policies will help repair damage to your buildings caused by a wildfire. Insurance company Wawanesa deployed its mobile response unit (MRU) to the evacuee reception centre in Prince Albert. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The team will provide support by helping members open claims, answering questions, and distributing care kits. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) also deployed its virtual community assistance mobile pavilion, helping people sort out what coverage they might have. Anne Marie Thomas, IBC director of consumer and industry relations, says most insurance companies have 24 hour help lines. Story continues below advertisement But if people don't know what to do they also help. 'Sometimes they don't even know what questions to ask, so we can help them through that process,' said Thomas. The IBC says all standard home insurance covers additional living expenses and damage by fire. As for starting the claims process, the IBC says to call your insurance company as soon as possible, keep all receipts and take pictures of any damage. 'Only when it is safe to do so, only when you're allowed back in your home, you can start to document the damage,' said Thomas. Saskatchewan insurance companies along with the IBC say they are here to help support people during this difficult time.
Globe and Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
High rents are no excuse for skipping tenants insurance
Rents are astronomically expensive in many parts of the country, and the latest inflation numbers suggest there's no relief in sight. Sorry to pile onto this huge affordability problem, but renters insurance is a must-have purchase. Renters insurance, also known as tenants insurance, is about covering your possessions against theft or damage, and protecting you against liability from damage you accidentally cause. A recent survey by suggests that 35 per cent of Ontario renters don't have this type of insurance. If expensive rent simply doesn't allow for this extra cost, OK. But if there's a way to cover it, do so. Here are five things you should know about tenants insurance: Landlords may require it before renting a place to you: 44 per cent of renters in the survey were required by their landlord to have tenants insurance. Call this a win-win. Your insurer may ask for permission to view your credit score: 'The great thing about a credit check, if you have a good credit score, is that it can oftentimes result in a lower premium,' said Anne Marie Thomas, director of consumer and industry relations at the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Premiums: $300 to $700 per year in rough terms. Variables include the replacement value of your possessions, the type of rental and the amount of liability you choose. Coverage for $1-million in liability makes sense. Worthwhile add-on: Sewer back-up coverage if you live in a basement apartment, Ms. Thomas said. Deductibles typically range from $500 to $1,000: Ms. Thomas said some companies may allow you to choose lower deductibles as you establish a claims-free history. Do you have a question for me? Send it my way. Sorry I can't answer every one personally. Questions and answers are edited for length and clarity. How to spot phishing texts, which are designed to get your personal finance information.
