As the threat of forest fires continues, Valley First Insurance urges clients to review home insurance policies

Penticton, B.C. – With smoke filling the skies above British Columbia and wildfires burning across the province, Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, is reminding its insurance clients to review their home insurance policies.

“The threat of wildfire evacuation and, in the worst case scenario, property loss is all too real in the Interior,” says Valley First Insurance Manager Karen Edge. “Anyone who is living in an area threatened by fire would be wise to review their home insurance policy to ensure they know exactly what, and for how much, they’re covered for.”

Most home insurance policies with comprehensive coverage (a policy which includes a guaranteed replacement cost on your building provided policy subjects are met) provide protection for losses related to forest fire, says Edge. However, many people don’t review their coverage levels or coverage types annually and may need to revise their coverage to prevent significant out-of-pocket expenses.

“In the event an evacuation notice is issued, insurance clients will not be able to add comprehensive coverage or make any policy changes until the notice is lifted,” says Edge. “This could leave them exposed to unexpected losses related to wildfires. It’s better to act now and ensure you’re adequately covered rather than leave anything to chance.”

With little respite to hot and dry conditions in sight, Edge says anyone living in an area likely to be impacted by a fire should contact their insurance provider immediately.