IBC urges Manitobans to check policies for tornado coverage

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is urging Manitobans to check their homeowners policies for tornado coverage, after a weekend in which at least eight tornadoes destroyed homes and buildings across southern Manitoba.Tornadoes packing winds in excess of 400 km-h touched down in Southern Manitoba June 23-24, destroying homes, farms and blowing a number of vehicles. No serious injuries were reported.”Damage from wind and hail due to tornadoes is generally covered by home insurance,” said Jim Rivait, IBC vice-president, Prairies, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. “Likewise, damage from any objects that might have fallen onto homes as a result of a tornado is also covered.”The IBC press release gives no insurable damage estimates, but urges policyholders to check their policies and contact an insurance representative as soon as possible. Consumers with questions about home, car or business insurance, are asked to call IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-377-6378.Rivait said its important for consumers to check to make sure they do indeed have coverage. Policies vary from insurer to insurer, but in general damage caused by wind is covered, he said. Also, most homeowners’ policies provide coverage for additional living expenses for those who are unable to live in their home due to structural damage.