The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has mobilized its Virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (V-CAMP) to help residents affected by the Saskatchewan wildfires navigate the claims process.
The deployment comes as nearly 15,000 people have been forced to evacuate due to widespread wildfires across northern Saskatchewan. A provincewide state of emergency remains in effect.
The fires, fuelled by prolonged dry and warm conditions, have led to the evacuation of more than two dozen communities. Damage has been reported to homes, businesses, and recreational properties.
“Our hearts go out to the individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted by these fires and who have lost property,” said Aaron Sutherland, vice-president, Pacific and Western, IBC.
“We applaud all the first responders who have been working tirelessly to protect the affected communities. Rest assured that anyone whose property was damaged can contact their insurance representative when they are ready to start the claims process.”
The V-CAMP service is designed to answer general questions about home, business, and vehicle insurance, including coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) for evacuees.
According to IBC, standard home insurance policies cover damage caused by wildfire, including fires that spread from neighbouring properties, unless the fire was intentionally set by the policyholder.
Most policies also cover ALE when residents are ordered to evacuate by civil or provincial authorities. Affected individuals are advised to keep all receipts related to temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays and meals, as these costs may be reimbursable.
IBC recommends contacting insurance representatives as soon as possible to start the claims process. Most insurers provide 24-hour claims support.
Once it is safe to return, residents should document damage by listing affected items, taking photographs, and gathering receipts or proof of purchase. Receipts for clean-up and temporary living costs should also be retained.
Owners of seasonal or secondary residences are encouraged to check those properties and report any damage promptly. Coverage terms for these properties may differ from those for primary residences.
The IBC also recently activated its V-CAMP to support residents affected by the wildfires in northern Manitoba
For more information, The IBC urged residents to visit its Wildfires & Insurance webpage. Updates on wildfire conditions and emergency measures are also available on the Government of Saskatchewan’s Emergencies and Response webpage, the agency said.
