For residents forced from their homes by wildfires in B.C.’s South Okanagan, the uncertainty goes beyond when they can return. Many evacuees are also trying to understand what support their insurance policies provide while they’re displaced and whether coverage depends on damage to their homes. Lucinda Bibbs, who was evacuated from her Summerland home, said she received conflicting information from her insurance company. “The first agent I spoke to said it was up to X amount, obviously a very generous amount for the length of time we were evacuated,” Bibbs said. “Then being sent to another agent, it was made clearer that we can only claim that if there is damage to our property.” Bibbs said her home is still standing, but she does not yet know whether it sustained any damage. She said she was told that could determine whether she’s eligible to claim certain expenses. The Insurance Bureau of Canada said that is not how standard home insurance policies work. “Fire is covered by all standard home insurance policies and so that financial protection will be there. Insurance is there to provide assistance with the cost of hotel rooms, food, any additional living expenses you’re incurring having been forced outside your home due to these wildfires,” said Aaron Sutherland, vice-president for the Pacific and Western region with the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Still, experiences can vary between policyholders. Sharon Perry, a Coquitlam resident with a vacation home in Summerland, said she was surprised when her insurance company contacted her first. “I was really quite impressed that because that’s just unheard of,” Perry said. She believes having a strong relationship with an insurance broker is important when disaster strikes. “I think it makes a difference,” she said. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, natural disasters have become more frequent and more costly over the last decade, contributing to higher claims costs and rising insurance premiums. “The risk in this province is growing. We’re seeing this year after year after year. It’s no longer a question of, ‘Are we going to see a wildfire?’ It’s a question of, ‘When are we going to see it and where and how intense is it going to be?’” Sutherland said. As wildfire threats continue across British Columbia, many evacuees remain in limbo, waiting to learn whether their homes were damaged and what financial support will be available as they recover.
