Once a disaster is brought under control, the question quickly arises: where can victims turn for help to get back to their lives? Their insurance company, their savings, the government? As you read this, you\u2019re probably wondering: \u201cAm I covered in case of disaster and, if so, just how much protection do I have?\u201d<\/p>\n
Here are some answers to those questions.<\/p>\n
Forest fires<\/strong> Earthquakes<\/strong> Windstorms<\/strong> Tornadoes<\/strong> Ice storms<\/strong> Hail<\/strong>
\nFire protection is included in your home insurance policy. Whether a fire breaks out in your kitchen or a candle flame ignites your curtains, you\u2019re covered. As for forest fires, they are treated like any other type of fire and, if it causes damage to your home, it is also covered by your insurance policy.<\/p>\n
\nIn Quebec, earthquakes are rarely strong enough to cause damage, but earthquake insurance can be added to your home insurance policy. This type of protection can prove useful for people who live in areas prone to earthquakes.<\/p>\n
\nThe wind is normally a harmless natural element, but it can cause a lot of damage when it\u2019s coupled with a storm. If a violent storm were to tear off a part of your roof and destroy your shed, would you be covered? Yes, your home insurance policy covers damage caused by wind. So if a windstorm rips away a piece of your roof and carries it into your neighbour\u2019s yard, your insurer will cover the costs of any necessary repairs.*<\/p>\n
\nHere in Quebec, we\u2019re more used to seeing tornadoes in disaster films than in close proximity to our homes. But while they are a rare event, some areas have been affected by tornadoes in recent years. The damage they cause is covered by your home insurance policy.*<\/p>\n
\nDamage caused by ice storms is generally covered by your home insurance policy. For example, if you have the \u201call risk\u201d protection, you\u2019re covered if your roof collapses under the weight of ice or if an ice-laden tree branch breaks off and falls on your home causing damage. However, the felled plants, shrubs and trees in your yard and garden are not covered by your policy.<\/p>\n
\nThe hailstones that sometimes fall in thunderstorms are actually balls of ice that can reach several centimetres in diameter. There\u2019s no doubt that they can quickly cause some real damage to your home. Your home insurance policy includes protection against hailstorms. For example, if hailstones damage the exterior siding or the roof of your home, the cost of repair or replacement would be covered by your home insurance.*<\/p>\n