Insurance policies are contracts between you and your insurance company. You should understand the policy before a loss occurs. Review your policy with your agent so you'll know what's covered.

Filing Your Claim

• Our claims service is available at all times. In order to report a claim, please contact your service office. If you require after hours assistance in the event of a loss or damage that is an emergency, please contact our 24 / 7 Claim Emergency Service.
  
  
• Report any burglary or theft to police. In many areas all personal injury automobile accidents and all accidents resulting in property damage in excess of a certain dollar amount must be reported to the police.

• In the event of an accident, phone your Wawanesa agent immediately, regardless of who may have caused the accident. Ask questions such as "What coverage do I have ?" "How long does the claim process usually take?" Who is responsible to obtain damage estimates?" "Does my claim exceed my deductible?"

• As soon as it is safe to do so, make temporary repairs and take other steps to protect your property from further damage. Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to us for consideration. Remember that payments for temporary repairs are part of the total settlement.

• You may be required to submit various forms or documents in support of your insurance claim. Examples are: "proof of loss" forms; medical invoices; repair bills and a copy of the police report. Your Insurance agent or the adjuster will help explain what is needed. Return the properly completed forms as soon as possible.

• Let us know where you can be reached.

• Maintain records of your expenses and copies of your paper work. Also retain copies of whatever documents and correspondence we provide to you.

Preparing For The Adjuster's Contact

The claims process may begin in one of three ways:

1. An adjuster may contact you by telephone to obtain specific details and provide instructions.
   
2. We may send you a claim form, known as a "proof of loss" form, to complete.
   
3. An adjuster may visit your home before you're asked to fill out any forms.

Property Loss

1. Do not dispose of damaged items. The adjuster may want to see them. Make detailed lists, room by room, of all damaged items identifying brand names and model numbers. Identify where and when you bought the item and its original purchase price. If in doubt, ask the adjuster and he or she will provide assistance.
   
2. If it is safe to do so, take a good look around your property and make a note of any structural damage. Don’t forget to look at all structures on the property such as sheds, fences, garage, etc.
   
3. If you suspect damage, even though there are no outward signs of it, the adjuster may recommend hiring experts such as a structural engineer to carry out a further detailed inspection.
   
4. You should obtain detailed written repair estimates from reliable, licensed and bonded contractors. The estimate should clearly detail what labour and material are needed.
   
5. There can be times when your home sustains substantial damage to the point where you must move out while repairs are being made. If this happens, save receipts from any additional living expenses you incur while away from your home. Your policy only considers those expenses over and above your normal expenses.
   
   

Inquiry Procedure

As your Insurer, Wawanesa strives to maintain the highest standard of service at all times. If you have an inquiry or concern regarding your policy or claim we encourage you to ask your Wawanesa agent or claims adjuster for an explanation. Have all the pertinent information and documentation available. Make sure that you keep a record of who you talked to and what was said.

If your concern is still not addressed to your satisfaction we urge you to write to the Manager of the service office that issued your policy.

We will of course make every effort to resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable manner. However, should you feel the need for independent assistance, you can contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

Settling Your Claim

Once we agree on the terms of the settlement, payment will be sent promptly.