Was your home damaged by the Ontario storm? Insurance companies say payouts could take weeks to process
The insurance industry says it could take up to six weeks to get an idea of how many hundreds of millions of dollars in pay outs will be required from the weekend storm that brought death and destruction to Ontario and Quebec, but that early estimates are substantial.
“We don't have the damage estimates yet, but just within the last hour it has been declared a catastrophe from an insurance perspective" Anne Marie Thomas, director of consumer and industry relations with the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), told CTV News Toronto Wednesday.
The high winds that took down trees and power lines will lead to major claims and insurance companies say they're trying to process them as quickly as possible, but there's also expected to be hidden damage or minor claims that some homeowners will pay themselves.
In Ottawa, trees snapped and crashed onto the roof of Al Rhoades’ home and he said he only recently got through to his insurance company.
“I don't know what order things are going to happen in. I’m waiting for an adjuster, a crane and a restoration company," he said.
In Uxbridge, it may take even longer to get the community back to how it was before it was hit with tornado strength winds.
IBC said what's important for those affected by the storm is to know that wind damage is covered under most policies.
“Wind damage is covered under the typical home insurance policy and we know it was a tornado that touched down in Uxbridge and that would fall under the peril of wind,” Thomas said.
The insurance industry believes there will be a mix in the severity of claims – everything from major damage to homes and property, to spoiled food, missing shingles or damaged patio furniture.
If you file a claim, you will have to pay your deductible and it will count as a claim on your insurance policy.
“By the time you subtract your deductible and the claims free discount you may find it's not worth it to make a claim, but it's a personal decision and everyone's financial position is different,” Thomas said.
It's best to take photos and video of the damage, try to prevent further damage by boarding up windows or stopping leaks and save receipts and documentation. You should also get repair estimates if necessary and contact your insurance company soon as possible.
“The insurance adjusters will get back to you. They're working their way through a lot," Thomas said.
If you have to leave your home you can also be reimbursed for hotel stays, meals and other expenses.
It may also be a good time to check your home insurance coverage and you can do that through your provider or you can also check with IBC. You can call or email them about any wind or other insurance related questions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.