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A weekend storm in southeastern Saskatchewan is being dubbed as possibly one of the largest storms of the summer for auto claims.
SGI said as of Monday afternoon, there have been more than 513 auto claims related to the storm in Regina and the surrounding communities, including Pilot Butte, Emerald Park and Balgonie.
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“These include claims involving vehicles that were damaged by hail and water,” said SGI Manager of Media Relations Heather Hubic.
“They are preliminary numbers, but they do indicate that it will be one of the largest storms of the summer when it comes to auto claims.”
It comes after Regina and nearby communities were drenched with rain and hail over the weekend. Several streets and underpasses experienced flooding, with pea to toonie-sized hail reported in parts of Regina, White City and Balgonie.
When it comes to property damage, Hubic said SGI Canada received 17 hail claims and 22 sewer backup and water protection claims as of Monday afternoon.
“But we should keep in mind that these property claims only reflect the claims that come into SGI Canada, and not other insurance companies,” she said.
With these still being early numbers, SGI anticipates the numbers will likely grow once people have had a chance to assess the damages and file a claim.
SGI said people have two years from the date of loss to finalize repairs or settle the total loss after reporting their claim.
Tips on protecting property, vehicle
Hubic said there are things people can do to protect their vehicles and their property if a storm is on the way.
She said that includes parking vehicles in a safe space.
“Avoid parking your large trees or other structures that could potentially fall on your vehicle in strong winds, and move your vehicle into a garage if you know a storm is coming,” Hubic said.
When it comes to protecting your home, Hubic said there are a few things people can do.
“(People should) clear the debris out of your eavestrough and your window wells, making sure that things are draining away from your home, and clean away that debris to prevent that rain from draining into your home and into the storm drain,” she explained.
She said it is also important to have a sub pump and sewer backflow valve in basements.
“This is a really great line of defence to prevent sewer backups, so just take that time to regularly check it and make sure it’s working before and after a storm.”
Customers can submit an auto or property claim online at mysgi.ca, with their local insurance broker, or contact SGI by phone at 1-844-855-2744.
— With files from 980 CJME’s Roman Hayter
