Evacuees in Pelican Narrows may have evacuation coverage

As wildfires in Northern Saskatchewan have forced nearly 2,100 people from their homes, SGI is asking customers to reach out to an insurance agent as they may be eligible for coverage of living expenses while displaced.

In a media release, SGI says customers with a personal property policy who have been evacuated have mass evacuation coverage, subject to limitations in their policies.

Mass evacuation coverage, according to the release, includes expenses for hotel stays or subsidies for those staying with friends or family members and other expenses related to the evacuation, including fuel, meals and transportation costs.

These costs can be covered for up to 30 days. Customers should save all their receipts should they make a claim. Insurance payouts are subject to the policy’s deductible.

While people are away, SGI says personal or commercial property policies will not be cancelled if their policy expires or due to non-payment, for a period up to 30 days past the expiration or non-payment date.

As well, Saskatchewan Auto Fund customers who have been evacuated do not have to worry about their insurance lapsing while they are away from their home and unable to renew their driver’s licence or vehicle plate insurance.

“We will take care of our customers who, due to evacuation, have been unable to renew their licence or plates,” Andrew Cartmell, SGI President and CEO said in the release.

SGI employees are on hand in both Saskatoon and Prince Albert shelter locations to provide assistance. In the event of an emergency, if customers can’t reach their broker, they can call the claims hotline number 1-844-745-2015.