Homes hit by propane blast covered, insurers say
Last Updated: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 | 8:15 AM ET
CBC News
An insurance organization is reassuring people who own homes damaged in Sunday's propane plant explosion that they will be covered.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada sent a representative to answer questions at the evacuation centre on Monday.
Homeowners in the Keele and Wilson area are adding up the costs. Many windows were blown out by the explosions and chunks of flying debris ripped holes in some roofs.
The IBC says it has not tallied the cost, but repairs will be covered for homeowners who have insurance. "The important thing to remember right now is to call your insurance professional first," said IBC spokesman James Geuzebroek.
"Let them handle the claims process is the ideal way to do it. You have the right to choose your own contractor, but we would strongly recommend that you get in touch with your insurer and ask them who they would recommend that you use."
A single incident like this should not have any effect on insurance premiums, Geuzebroek said.
Insurance companies will not have a problem offering future coverage to homeowners located next to propane facilities, he said.
"The surrounding neighbourhoods, other businesses, or whatever might be in the area, doesn't generally affect the insurance premiums. Insurers do consider geography when underwriting, but in terms of, you know, is there a business nearby that could blow up? Not the kind of question that comes up in the insurance application," he said.
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