General Insurance Information – We’ve Got Toronto Covered!

• Emergency Claim
• Non-emergency Claim
• Steps on what to do after an auto accident
• Steps on what to do after a property incident
• Make emergency repairs to protect your home from further damage
• Protect your personal property from further damage
• If your home is uninhabitable
• Make an inventory

Emergency Claim

If this is an emergency claim, please call your insurance company’s 24-hour claims service line:

Non-emergency Claim

If this is a non-emergency claim, we strongly recommend that you make us your first point of contact.

Steps on what to do after an auto accident

• STEP 1: Stop. If your vehicle is involved in an accident and you don’t stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution.
• STEP 2: If anyone is injured, or if you suspect that any of the other drivers involved are guilty of a Criminal Code offence (such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol), call 911 and follow the instructions given to you by the emergency operator. Police will arrive as soon as possible. Do not try to move anyone injured in the accident — you may aggravate their injuries!
• STEP 3: If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road, out of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be driven, turn on your hazard lights; or, as appropriate, use cones, warning triangles, or flares.
• STEP 4: If you have access to a digital camera or a cell phone, you should use it to take pictures of the scene; preferably before the vehicles are moved. You should also use your cell phone to audio record as much information as possible.
• STEP 5: Write down the names, addresses, telephone, and driver’s licence numbers of all of the other drivers, the licence plate numbers of the other vehicles, the names and addresses of the registered owners of the vehicles, and the insurance information for each of the other vehicles.
• STEP 6: Obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of passengers and witnesses.
• STEP 7: Jot down specific details about the scene of the accident.
• STEP 8: Report the accident to your broker, agent, or insurance company as soon as possible after the accident.

Remember…

• As difficult as it may seem, it is important that you remain calm.
• Do not argue with other drivers and passengers. Save your story for the police.
• Do not voluntarily assume liability or take responsibility, sign statements regarding fault, or promise to pay for damage at the scene of the accident.
• Be careful of unauthorized tow truck operators pressuring you to have your vehicle towed, demanding immediate payment for the tow, or attempting to take your vehicle to a garage or body shop of their choice. They may try to use the confusion of the moment to intimidate you into allowing your vehicle to be towed. If you feel you are being pressured, ask the police for the name of an authorized tow truck operator and have your vehicle towed to a Collision Reporting Centre or a police compound until you can talk to your insurance company.

Steps on what to do after a property incident

In case of injury to others:

• Report it immediately to your broker.
• Obtain contact information of any witnesses.
• Do NOT make any voluntary payments or sign any statements admitting fault.
• If applicable you may administer First Aid.

In case of property damage:

• Take reasonable steps to prevent potential safety risks and/or further damage.
• If the loss is caused by theft, notify the police.
• Notify banks and credit card companies about any missing debit or credit cards.
• Keep accurate records of what you spend repairing things.
• Separate items that may be cleaned and/or repaired.
• Report the incident to your broker.
• Check with your adjuster before you discard any items you plan to claim as damaged.
• Review your policy for specific coverage information.

Make emergency repairs to protect your home from further damage

• Board up broken windows and openings in the roof and walls of your home. Make sure that property is secured prior to leaving.
• Since coverage has not been determined, if possible, you should consider protecting your property from further damage, especially if it is water damage.
• Take pictures of damaged property prior to repairs, and present these to your adjuster.
• Keep an accurate record of repair expenditures. Submit to your adjuster for evaluation.

Protect your personal property from further damage

• Separate items between what can be cleaned and/or repaired and what cannot.
• List items that can’t be saved (include brand name, age, today’s replacement cost, model or serial number).
• Don’t discard items until an adjuster says it’s okay.
• Take pictures of damaged property and show them to your adjuster.

If your home is uninhabitable

• Find temporary accommodation for you and your family.
• Keep all receipts associated with the temporary housing, meals, and other miscellaneous expenses in addition to your regular expenses.
• DO NOT enter into long-term leases until you talk to your adjuster.

Make an inventory

We want to handle your claim as quickly as possible, and you can help by making an inventory of your damaged property:

• The inventory should be room-by-room, giving complete descriptions of the damaged property.
• The description should include brand names, model numbers, age, purchase price, and place of purchase.
• Other information may be necessary on certain kinds of property.
• This list will help our claim representative in handling your claim.
• For your future protection, make a detailed inventory of all your personal belongings. A photographic record of all items is very valuable when it comes to settling claims.