With parts of Newfoundland and Labrador still under states of emergency due to a winter storm, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has issued a notice reminding drivers that the state of emergency does not mean they will be denied insurance.
This means drivers who were unfortunate enough to be out on the roads despite the province-wide warning and got in an accident still have a chance to secure coverage.
Driving has been restricted or outright prohibited in some NL towns that have declared states of emergency, to keep motorists safe.
Although insurance companies respect the driving prohibition implemented by some municipalities, driving itself does not necessarily invalidate a motorist’s policy, explained IBC Atlantic manager of government relations Erin Norwood.
“Driving during a state of emergency in and of itself would not typically invalidate auto insurance coverage,” Norwood told CBC News.
IBC Atlantic vice-president Amanda Dean added that other considerations still apply when a claim is filed, such as who is at fault and whether your vehicle was in a fit condition to drive. The vice-president also cautioned that drivers must prove they took every safety precaution before and while driving, which includes clearing snow from their vehicles.
