Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) has issued a reminder to residents who have evacuated their homes following a wildfire alert, telling them that they may be eligible for some coverage.
Andrew Cartmell, SGI president, said customers are urged to get in touch with their insurance broker to confirm if their living expenses can be covered while they are displaced.
“Their insurance broker can provide details about the amount of coverage available,” Cartmell said in an emailed statement.
Cartmell added that customers with a personal property policy (whether it is a prestige, home, mobile home, tenant or condo) should have mass evacuation coverage. The coverage includes expenses for hotel/motel stays, subsidies for those living with friends or family members, fuel, food, and transportation costs. The costs can be covered up to a period of 30 days. Customers are asked to save their receipts for if they ever decide to put in a claim.
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SGI added that while customers are evacuated from their homes, their policies will not be cancelled if they cannot renew or pay within a 30-day grace period. This also applies to the insurer’s auto policy customers who have evacuated.
The insurer said that it has employees stationed at Saskatoon and Prince Albert shelter locations to provide assistance to customers.
CBC reported that, as of Monday, there were 37 active fires burning in Saskatchewan – six of which have not yet been contained.
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