This information is intended as
a general reference only. You should
thoroughly review your policy so that you are aware of
specific definitions and conditions that apply to the
insurance coverage you purchased.
Insurance policies are
contracts between you and your insurance company. You
should understand the policy before a loss occurs. Review
your policy with your insurance broker so you'll know
what's covered.
Filing Your Claim
- Contact your Broker about your loss. If the loss or damage is not an emergency you may contact your Broker on the next business day. If the loss or damage is an emergency, you may contact your broker or the nearest Wawanesa office to report your claim. After Hours Claim Emergency Number.
- Report any burglary
or theft to police. In many areas all personal
injury automobile accidents and all accidents
resulting in property damage in excess of a
certain dollar amount must be reported to the
police.
- In the event of an
accident, phone your Wawanesa Broker immediately,
regardless of who may have caused the accident.
Ask questions such as "What coverage do I
have ?" "How long does the claim
process usually take ?" Who is responsible
to obtain damage estimates?" "Does my
claim exceed my deductible?
- As soon as it is safe
to do so, make temporary repairs and take other
steps to protect your property from further
damage. Save receipts for what you spend and
submit them to us for consideration. Remember
that payments for temporary repairs are part of
the total settlement.
- You may be required
to submit various forms or documents in support
of your insurance claim. Examples are:
"proof of loss" forms; medical
invoices; repair bills and a copy of the police
report. Your insurance broker or the adjuster
will help explain what is needed. Return the
properly completed forms as soon as possible.
- Let us know where you
can be reached.
- Maintain records of
your expenses and copies of your paper work. Also
retain copies of whatever documents and
correspondence we provide to you.
Preparing For The Adjuster's Contact
The claims process may begin in one of three ways:
- An adjuster may
contact you by telephone to obtain specific
details and provide instructions.
- We may send you a
claim form, known as a "proof of loss"
form, to complete.
- An adjuster may visit
your home before you're asked to fill out any
forms.
Property Loss
- Do not dispose of
damaged items. The adjuster may want to see them.
Make detailed lists, room by room, of all damaged
items identifying brand names and model numbers.
Identify where and when you bought the item and
its original purchase price. If in doubt, ask the
adjuster and he or she will provide assistance.
- If it is safe to do
so, take a good look around your property and
make a note of any structural damage. Don’t
forget to look at all structures on the property
such as sheds, fences, garage, etc.
- If you suspect
damage, even though there are no outward signs of
it, the adjuster may recommend hiring experts
such as a structural engineer to carry out a
further detailed inspection.
- You should obtain
detailed written repair estimates from reliable,
licensed and bonded contractors. The estimate
should clearly detail what labour and material
are needed.
- There can be times
when your home sustains substantial damage to the
point where you must move out while repairs are
being made. If this happens, save receipts from
any additional living expenses you incur while
away from your home. Your policy only considers
those expenses over and above your normal
expenses.
Inquiry Procedure
As your Insurer, Wawanesa
strives to maintain the highest standard of service at
all times. If you have an inquiry or concern regarding
your policy or claim we encourage you to ask your
insurance broker, company representative or claims
adjuster for an explanation. Have all the pertinent
information and documentation available. Make sure that
you keep a record of who you talked to and what was said.
If your concern is still
not addressed to your satisfaction we urge you to write
to the Manager of the service office that issued your
policy.
We will of course make every effort to resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable manner. However, should you feel the need for independent assistance, you certainly have the right to contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Consumers Bureau or the Insurance Branch (Superintendent or Ombudsman) of your provincial or territorial government.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada may be contacted at:
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
6th Floor, Enterprise Building
427 Laurier Ave. West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1R 1B9
Settling Your Claim
Once we agree on the terms of the settlement, payment
will be sent promptly.
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