Tools & Resources Claims
Claim Report Forms What to do if you've been in a car accident
What to do in the event of water damage
What to do in the event of fire
What to do in the event of Wind/Hail
What to do in the event of Theft at home
In the event of damage to your business


What to do if you've been in a car accident

Being involved in a car accident is a stressful situation – but you never have to deal with it alone. We're here to work with you and to help you through the process, to get you back to normal as quickly as possible.

Here are the 4 steps to consider when you have been in a car accident:

1. Stay calm. Take care of anyone who is injured
  • Call 911 for an ambulance.
  • Turn off the engine and do not smoke or place flares near the car.
  • Do not move anyone with injuries unless it is necessary to get them away from fire or passing traffic.
  • Do not move your car if there are injuries, fatalities, extensive damage, or any fuel leaks.
2. If the damage is major, call the police.
  • Call the police and wait for them to arrive.
  • If damage is minor (below $1,000.00), and there are no injuries you do not need to call police.
3. Gather information on everyone involved in the accident
  • Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of the other drivers, passengers, witnesses, pedestrians, cyclists and anyone with injuries.
4. If your car is not drivable,  call for a tow truck.
  • We recommend that you have your vehicle towed to your local repair shop or a police compound for secure storage. In Ontario, towed vehicles must go directly to a Collision Reporting Centre.
  • Remember to remove all valuables from your car.

After the Accident, contact our office or your insurer's 24 hour emergency line.

In the event of property damage

If you've experienced damage to your home or property due to severe weather, theft or vandalism, we understand how upsetting it can be, and you want help fast. At times like these you'll appreciate speaking to someone knowledgeable about what to do next, who can help you with the advice you need. If you need to file a home insurance claim, or any property claim, we're here for you every step of the way.

Here are the first steps to getting your life back to normal:

Step One: Call Authorities and/or Call your broker.
If you have experienced vandalism, theft or fire you need to report damages immediately. Law enforcement authorities should be contacted first and a police report should be prepared. Once you've contacted the proper authorities, call our office. Your broker knows the specifics of your policy coverage, and can give you the best advice relating to your situation.

Step 2: Relax, we're getting you back on track.
Your claim will be promptly reported to your insurer.  Your Claims Representative will assist you in gathering all the information you need to proceed with your claim, and facilitate the process of getting you back on track – fast.
  • Repairs
    You can trust your insurer's network of  skilled restoration contractors or your own preferred contractor. They'll get to work as soon as practicable on repairing your home or property, using quality materials and craftsmanship.

  • Replacement
    To ensure you receive appropriate replacements as specified in your coverage, you'll need a list of all damaged items, as well as key support documentation (such as appraisals, owner's manuals, photographs, receipts, warranty information or original packaging). If you don't have the necessary documentation, you will be advised you on other options.

  • Reimbursement
    If you have Replacement Cost Coverage, we will reimburse you for the full amount needed to buy the item (less any deductible) or give you the value of the item (less any depreciation).

  • Accommodation
    If your home is uninhabitable, you'll be assisted to find alternative short or long-term accommodation.

Are you looking for information on what to do in an emergency situation?

What to do in the event of water damage
Be careful! Do not turn on any electrical switches until your electrical system has been checked.
  • Turn off your main switch by standing on a dry surface and using a piece of heavy rubber, plastic or dry wood.
  • If you have gas service, check for fumes. If you notice an odour, call the gas company immediately.
Take steps immediately to protect your property from further damage.
  • Board up holes or shut off water supplies to ensure your belongings are not damaged more than they have been.
  • Move items out of wet basements and away from flooded parts of your home.
Report the damage to your insurance representative immediately.
  • Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and mould which can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood. Mould growth can start in less than 48 hours.
  • Save receipts for materials you use. Insurance providers will cover any reasonable cost associated with protecting your property if the loss is covered by your policy.
What to do in the event of fire

Get out and stay out!
If you smell smoke or see flames, get everyone out of the building immediately.
  • During a fire, the air is cleaner near the floor.
  • Get down on your hands and knees and crawl to an exit.
  • Close doors to slow the spread of smoke and flames.
  • Agree on a meeting place, go there and “take attendance” to be sure that no one is left inside the building.
Call the fire department!
  • Phone the fire department from outside the building and give the complete address of the fire.
  • Don't hang up until you're told to do so.
  • Be sure that no one goes back inside the building for any reason.
  • Tell the fire department if anyone is trapped inside the building.
Don't fight fire unless…
  • Someone has called the fire department; and
  • You still have a clear exit; and
  • You have the right tools and know exactly what to do.

Remember: things can be replaced--you can't.

What to do in the event of Wind/Hail
  • Secure all doors and windows. Prevent a sliding glass door from opening by inserting a dowel into its track.

  • Make sure any outdoor furniture and fixtures are brought in to prevent them from doing damage.

  • During a storm, stay away from glass windows and doors and seek refuge in an interior room with no windows.

  • Avoid using electrical appliances.

  • Take care of your pets. A storm can be a frightening experience, and they could injure themselves or even you if panicked. If necessary, secure pets in carriers.

  • Do not light candles or lanterns. They could get blown over causing a fire.

  • Never go out during the storm. High winds can send debris flying right into you causing injury.

  • After the storm clears, and you come out, beware of down power lines and gas leaks. Stay away from heavily damaged areas. Listen to your radio for instructions.

  • IF THERE IS A STORM IN THE MAKING, KEEP UP WITH ITS PROGRESS. IF YOU ARE TOLD TO EVACUATE, DO IT!
What to do in the event of Theft at home
  • If you return home and find your door or window ajar, go to a neighbor's home and call the police.

  • In the event of a surprise encounter with an intruder, attempt to flee. If you are blocked in, remain still and allow him to leave. Do not attempt to detain him, as he may be armed. Your television is replaceable, but you are not!

  • Call the police immediately.

  • While you wait for the police to arrive, don't touch anything or attempt to clean up the mess. You may ruin important evidence.

  • When the police arrive, provide them with a copy of your inventory. This will make it easier to identify a suspect who is caught with your valuables.
In the event of damage to your business

If you've experienced damage to your business or property due to severe weather, theft or vandalism, we understand how upsetting it can be, and that you want help fast. At times like these you'll appreciate speaking to someone knowledgeable about what to do next, who can help you with the advice you need. If you need to file a home insurance claim, or any property claim, we're here for you every step of the way.

Here are the first steps to getting your life back to normal:

Step One: Call Authorities and/or Call your broker.
If you have experienced vandalism, theft or fire you need to report damages immediately. Law enforcement authorities should be contacted first and a police report should be prepared. Once you've contacted the proper authorities, call your insurance broker. Your broker knows the specifics of your policy coverage, and can give you the best advice relating to your situation.

Step Three: Relax, we're getting you back on track.
Your claim will be reported promptly.  Your Claims Representative will assist you in gathering all the information you need to proceed with your claim, and facilitate the process of getting you back on track – fast.

Make sure you have a disaster plan.

As a business owner, you need to be prepared for the worst case scenario to effectively manage risk. That takes foresight and planning, so you might want to consider the following tips:

  • It's a good idea to make a detailed inventory of your business property. An inventory should be done room-by-room, with complete descriptions of the property. The description should include brand names, model numbers, age, purchase price, and place of purchase.

  • Employees should receive disaster training. Consider staging mock disaster drills so that everyone knows what to do, and knows how to properly report an incident. A standard incident reporting form is useful.

  • Digital cameras are the best way to record your damage and substantiate your claim. Put digital cameras in all vehicles (make sure they are charged!). Have cameras available to clerks, managers, foreman, etc. and assign someone the responsibility for maintaining the cameras. Consider whether surveillance cameras are right for your business, and make sure you keep digital records for at least thirty days.