With the current situation in Fort McMurray – the vast majority of people being displaced from their homes due to fire – there are three steps to take to ensure you are in the best position to have your insurance company help you.

Step 1: Make sure you & your loved ones are safe

Above any property or possession, we want to know that you, your family and those close to you are OK.

Step 2: Keep all your receipts

When you are displaced from your home, due to an emergency evacuation, your home and/or tenant insurance provider will need to know your additional living expenses accrued during your time of displacement.

As an insurance broker working with over 10 different providers, each specific company will have their own policies and procedures relating to additional living expenses. You should keep all receipts (food, shelter, fuel/transport, etc) in an effort to make sure you get reimbursed correctly, based on your policy and the company you are insured with.

Step 3: Start your claim

Even if you do not fully know the extent of the damage your property and possessions have incurred, you should call your insurance company so they can open a claim for you.

Please note: filing the expenses in Step 2 may trigger your insurance deductible. Your deductible is the agreed upon amount you are required to pay - out of pocket - before your insurance company will step in and cover the damages (as detailed in your specific policy) inflicted by the disaster.

Surex is a Canada-wide insurance provider. Surex offers auto, home, business, life, travel, farm, ATV/motorcycle, trailer/RV, boat, condo and tenant insurance. For more information, please visit Surex, call 1-855-MYSUREX (1-855-697-8739), ‘Like’ us on Facebook (facebook.com/surexinsurance) or Tweet us @surexinsurance