British Columbia insurers are acting quickly to assist those whose homes and businesses have been affected by the forest fires currently raging in the province, the Insurance Bureau of Canada said Monday.

“It is important for everyone to understand that forest fires are covered by standard homeowners and business insurance policies,” says Lindsay Olson, v.p., B.C., Saskatchewan & Manitoba, Insurance Bureau of Canada. “There is always some anxiety and confusion over what is covered by insurance in times like this; we want to assure everyone that property insurance policies in force at the time of the loss will respond to damage caused by these fires.”

Even if there is no loss or damage to a home or property, homeowners insurance policies may also provide some coverage for additional living expenses if the policy holder is complying with a government evacuation order.

The IBC urges consumers affected by these fires to contact their insurance representative as soon as possible.

IE