The devastating wildfires that struck the southern and central interior of British Columbia in August have spurred insurers to come together and provide crucial support to affected residents.
In mid-August, the McDougall Creek wildfires ravaged through the Okanagan area. This was immediately followed by the Bush Creek East wildfire that swept through North Shuswap communities, including Scotch Creek and Celista.
Amid the disaster, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) coordinated with insurers and other industry players to help residents rebuild.
As part of this initiative, IBC established its Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) and brought local insurers, adjusters, and trained insurance professionals on the ground to address consumer inquiries.
IBC and several insurers also joined forces to create a centralized insurance hub at a reception centre in West Kelowna, where evacuees could get first-hand information on the insurance claims process.
Additionally, IBC conducted morning briefings for insurers to provide situational updates based on interactions with government officials, residents, stakeholders, and other organizations.
“It was wonderful to see everyone together with a shared purpose – to ease the fears and anxiety that people had about their insurance coverage and assure them our industry would be a partner for the long term to help them recover,” said Rob de Pruis, national director, consumer & industry relations at IBC. “In many cases, evacuees were able to access much-needed financial assistance on the spot from the adjusters at the reception centre.”
Representatives from IBC also extended their support to neighboring reception centers in Kamloops, Vernon, and Penticton, providing assistance and contact information for residents with insurance-related questions.
Initial estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ) have indicated that the McDougall Creek and Bush Creek East wildfires resulted in over $720 million in insured damage, with nearly 500 homes completely destroyed. It is now the costliest insured event in British Columbia’s history.
“In the weeks and months ahead, recovery and rebuilding will be ongoing,” said de Pruis. “Adjusters have been meeting with residents and inspecting damaged properties; however, after events of this magnitude, the claims process can take time. We are not rebuilding one home or one business. The insurance industry will be helping rebuild entire neighbourhoods.”
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