IBC urges Newfoundland residents to review policies after intense rains cause damage

The Insurance Bureau of Canada is urging residents of the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland to remember safety first following intense rain, flooding and damage on Saturday night.

 Some residents in Marystown and along the peninsula have experienced flooded basements after rains that also damaged municipal and provincial roads, IBC said. Engineers have been called in to assess the flash-flooding damage, CBC News reported Monday.

“If you’ve experienced property damage as a result of the storm, you should discuss your coverage and any deductibles with your insurance professional as soon as possible,” Amanda Dean, IBC’s vice president for the Atlantic region urged Newfoundlanders.

Dean also recommended consumers check immediately whether their policies include sewer back-up coverage and report insurable claims right away.

“Starting the clean-up process right away is also a good practice,” Dean added. “Reach out to neighbours, particularly elderly and those needing assistance. Insurers are actively responding to customers to try to get life back to normal as soon as possible.”

Check out our latest Burin Peninsula flood damage gallery http://t.co/hNwypb8XlH

— CBC Newfoundland (@CBCNL) August 12, 2013

In an average year the Canadian insurance industry pays approximately $1.7 billion in claims due to water damage, according to IBC.