In early May, a raging wildfire near Fort McMurray forced thousands to evacuate their homes, raising concerns about whether they would have homes to return to. Many residents, prepared with packed bags and important documents, faced more than just the immediate threat of fire; insurance considerations became paramount.
Rob de Pruis, the National Director of Consumer and Business Relations for the Insurance Bureau of Canada, emphasized that standard home and tenant insurance policies do cover fire damage, including smoke damage. These policies often extend beyond the physical contents of homes, providing coverage for accommodations during mass evacuations.
“This standard coverage is widely available throughout Canada, even in high-risk wildfire zones,” de Pruis told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday. He reassured residents that insurance policies are typically locked in and remain unchanged if a wildfire occurs. However, he noted that insurance premiums are risk-based, meaning those in fire-prone areas like Fort McMurray may face higher costs.
The competitive nature of the insurance industry has led companies to innovate. For instance, Intact Insurance has initiated a pilot project in Alberta and British Columbia that provides physical protection for homes during wildfire season at no additional cost. Under this project, crews perform protective tasks such as cleaning gutters and installing sprinklers to safeguard homes.
David Torgerson of Wildfire Defense Systems, which partners with Intact on this project, highlighted the importance of proactive measures in addressing the growing threat of wildfires. “Climate change presents challenges in many areas, and this is one way to actively address those risks,” he said.
As wildfires become more frequent and severe, initiatives like Intact’s pilot project represent a modern solution to an escalating problem, providing homeowners with crucial support and peace of mind during wildfire season.
