By Charles Lefebvre

Insurance calls up following Thursday thunderstorm

Jul 3, 2019 | 4:34 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — At least one local insurance company says they’ve received a steady stream of calls for insurance claims following last week’s thunderstorm

“For the most part, I think we’re finding that although there was a substantial amount of hail, the damage caused by the hail itself may not have been that extensive, but certainly, we had standing water and overland flooding issues in certain areas of the city,” said Gord Cowan, an insurance broker with Westland Insurance in Medicine Hat.

A storm bringing high winds, heavy rain and hail hit the city Thursday afternoon. Cowan says the majority of the calls received have been about property damage from the storm, with some regarding vehicle damage.

Cowan notes many insurance policies will accept claims up to one year following the date of an incident, such as a weather event, however he says its important for the customer to call their insurance broker, who will know the details of their insurance policy.

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“Make a claim or set up for a visit from a claim adjuster, and just determine if there has been any damage sustained by the person,” he said.

Cowan notes claims adjusters will typically respond within 48 hours after receiving a call, but is asking people to be patient, noting due to the high call volume, adjusters have been busy.

While property owners are waiting for an adjuster to validate their claim, they will have to work to protect their home or property while they’re waiting.

“One of the main things that the insurance industry and insurance companies would like you to do is minimize any further damage that may occur,” said Cowan. “So if you had a window that became broken, make sure it gets sealed up. It is a condition of your policy that you limit any additional damage from occurring after a loss.”