04/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/18/2024 06:09
Have you prepared your home for a wildfire? Being prepared for a wildfire as a homeowner can lessen any damage and injury and help save lives. You also need to know how your home insurance covers a wildfire.
Wildfire season in Canada typically occurs between April and October, with peak activity in July and August.
Do you know if your home insurance covers a wildfire?
Wildfires are typically covered by your home insurance policy, but you should always check the coverage details. Talk to your Western Financial Group home insurance expert if you have any questions about wildfire insurance coverage.
How to prepare your home for a wildfire
Start with the outside of your house and your yard
Wildfires are often spread by embers or sparks igniting materials on or near your home.
Preparing for wildfire season begins with checking your landscaping and doing yard
maintenance.
Check your yard and home:
Make sure that your property's address is clearly marked so emergency services can locate it quickly.
Inside your house
Here are some tips to help minimize damage from a wildfire and protect your most important belongings:
What does home insurance cover when there is a wildfire?
If your home is damaged by a wildfire, your home insurance typically can help repair or rebuild your home and repair or replace damaged personal property. If you need to move out while your home is being repaired, your home insurance should cover additional living expenses for this as well and usually for a set period of time.
If you need to leave your home because of a mandatory evacuation order issued by civil authorities, most homeowner's and tenant's insurance policies typically provide coverage for reasonable additional living expenses for a specified period of time.
If you have a claim, your Western Financial Group insurance claims expert will help clarify the details of your policy.
Is my car covered by a wildfire?
Comprehensive or "all perils" car insurance policies cover your vehicle for fire damage. While most drivers have this coverage, it is not mandatory, so make sure to check your policy.
Your pets
Don't forget about your pets! Pack food, water, and toys for them. Have a list of pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route.
Did you know that your insurance documents are available online by visiting your MyWestern account?
How to protect yourself from smoke