Canadians lack understanding of coverage and claims process: Allstate survey

Canadians are buying insurance without understanding their coverage and do not know how to make a claim when the unexpected happens, according to a survey commissioned by Allstate Canada.
Leger Marketing surveyed 1,514 Canadians, 18 years of age or older and that held either home, tenant and/or car insurance.
Findings from the survey include:
•48% of Canadians would have their car towed following a collision without first confirming that their insurance covers the charges;
•only 18% of Canadians know that their home insurance covers them for accidental damage to someone else’s property;
•35% of young Canadians (ages 18-34) are unsure of what damages are covered by their car insurance; and
•29% of young Canadians (ages 18-34) don’t know if their home or tenant insurance covers loss from fire.
“What is clear from our survey is that Canadians are purchasing home and car insurance without taking the steps to understand what they are getting,” said Saskia Matheson, Allstate Canada’s spokesperson.
“While we understand insurance policies may not offer the most entertaining read, if people are not fully aware of what their coverage entitles them to or the process to make a claim, then they may not get the full benefits of the coverage when they need it most.”