IBC information centre taking calls about Alberta flood claims
July 4, 2013 by Canadian Underwriter
Print this page Share
The Insurance Bureau of Canada is taking calls through its information centre related to the recent severe flooding in southern Alberta, the organization said Thursday.
According to an IBC survey, about 5,000 insurance company personnel have been deployed to work on Alberta claims in this disaster situation.
IBC’s information officer Frits Wortman has handled hundreds of calls since the Alberta floods, IBC said in a release.
The 50-year insurance veteran, who is one of the insurance professionals staffing IBC’s Consumer Information Centre, says most callers ask about the process of both filing a claim and applying for government disaster relief.
He has also advised consumers on how to proceed if they don’t agree with their insurer’s decision to deny a claim. “I tell them there’s a process to follow,” he said, including contacting the company claims manager, followed by the company liaison officer. Consumers can then also appeal to the General Insurance Ombudservice, as every insurer has an ombudsman at the ready to review the concerns of customers.
Wortman has also answered a range of complex insurance questions related to the floods, IBC said. In particular, consumers have had insurance questions related to condominiums, small business, non-profit organizations, secondary homes, rental properties.
Insured loss estimates from the flooding range between $1 billion and $3.75 billion, although total economic losses could be as high as $5 billion.
IBC’s Consumer Information Centre can be reached at 1-800-377-6378.
Print this page Share
Good afternoon. My name is Doug Marcinowski. I am the Owner of Your Dollar Store With More in Fort McMurray Alberta. I have a store in Fort McMurray that was just involved with the flooding. I have some questions in regards to what to do with some of the things that have been in contact with the flood water. I was not sure what the status of the flood water was so I had a sample of it taken to a lab and I had to test it for fecal matter done. The test came back positive. It came back with a very high a value of 61. From what I understand this is a very very high number. There has been some pushback with my insurance company. At first they said that they’re only going to replace the product that has been in contact with the water. The water in the store maybe got a foot to foot and a half deep. When the water receded we were left with about 2 inches of mud and crap on my vinyl tile floor. The insurance company, after some arguments has now agreed to replace all my shelving because it’s structurally Integrity has been compromised due to the water. Right now we’re arguing over the inventory. I’m telling them that I want all the inventory replaced. The mud and water sat in my store for 10 days. I’m worried about mold contamination. I have requested some type of mold test be done on the store along with its product to make sure it’s safe to sell. In my mind it should all go in the garbage. Now I’m worried about my floor. I’m worried that this contaminated water has seeped under my vinyl tiles. Should I be insisting that my vinyl tile floor be replaced. The mud has wrecked the surface on the tiles. Maybe a wax and buff might clean them up. I think the store should be a complete gut job. What are your thoughts should I force the insurance company to replace my floor and everything in the store. I’m covered for flood and Sewer backup. Can anybody help me with these questions or point me in the direction for help.