Talk to your local insurance broker. 

Find a Broker

Damage caused by fire is covered by all standard homeowner’s and tenant’s insurance policies.

Your vehicle may be covered for fire damage by auto insurance policies, however not all drivers have this coverage, so check your policy!

Most standard homeowners and property insurance policies cover damage caused by wildfire under the fire peril section. This can include the structure itself (Dwelling Coverage) and potentially other structures on your property.

Your home insurance policy may also cover your personal belongings, additional living expenses, and the cost of temporary housing.

Review your policy and speak with your insurance broker to confirm your coverage limits and deductible amounts.

Your policy may include Additional Living Expenses (ALE) that will help reimburse you for reasonable additional living costs while your home is uninhabitable. This is subject to your policy's time frames and dollar limits. Most policies offer coverage for either a set period or until your home is repaired or rebuilt, whichever comes first. Contact your insurer to confirm how long your coverage will apply.

ALE often includes hotel accommodations, meals, and some travel-related expenses. Be sure to keep all receipts and check your insurance policy for coverage limits. It is recommended that you speak with you insurance broker.

If you have Contents Coverage, your personal belongings are typically covered—even if they were not physically inside your home at the time of loss. Many policies include Off-Premises Coverage, which protects items temporarily stored or taken with you during an evacuation. Limits and exclusions may apply, so it's a good idea to review your policy’s terms and discuss with your broker.

Yes. Most tenant insurance will cover your property for fire damage, smoke damage, and even water damage. Tenant insurance is important because it will cover your belongings that are not covered by your landlord’s policy.

Talk to your insurance broker about tenant insurance to stay protected.

No. A landlord’s policy typically covers only the building and in some cases the appliances. The personal property of tenants is theirs to insure on their own.

Talk to your insurance broker about tenant insurance to stay protected.

Insurance policies can include coverage for liability if a fire you are responsible for starting damages the property of others. This may include a fire in your home that spreads to your neighbours, sparks from a bonfire in your backyard spreading to other properties, or fire spreading while living in a shared property complex (i.e., apartments or condos).

Damage done to a property you don’t own can be covered under liability insurance on your policy.

Talk to your insurance broker for more information on your policy and how to stay protected.

If you have Business Interruption (BI) Insurance it will help to cover lost income and ongoing expenses when forced to suspend operations due to an insured peril, such as a wildfire. After a wildfire, BI insurance can help pay for rent, payroll, and other fixed costs while the business recovers or relocates.

After a wildfire, farm insurance can help farmers rebuild structures, replace lost livestock or machinery, and recover lost income, helping the farm return to normal operations. Talk to your insurance broker about your options.

1. Contact your insurance broker.

Many insurers and brokers have 24-hour claims services to take your information and start the claim process. Be as detailed as possible when providing information after property damage.

2. Assess and document the fire and water damage to your property.

Taking photos or video can be helpful for the insurance company.

3. Create a list of all the damaged, destroyed, or lost items.

If you are able, begin assembling any proofs of purchase, photos, receipts, manuals and warranties you have for the items. Take photos that show the damage incurred items, and keep items unless doing so is dangerous.

4. Keep all receipts related to cleanup and securing your property.

You should be taking steps to prevent further damage to your home which may include installing tarps over holes made to the structure or boarding up doors and windows.

5. Complete a proof of loss form (if required)

A proof of loss form is often required as part of the claims process. This form includes details about damage or loss that is covered by your insurance policy.

You should notify your insurance broker as soon as possible after the loss so that they are able to notify the insurer.

Common documentation includes:

• A detailed description of the damage or loss
• Receipts for evacuation and temporary living expenses
• Photos or videos (if available) of the property before and after the fire

Your broker and adjuster will guide you through the next steps, but it’s helpful to start collecting and organizing information early. 

Insurance Claim Home Inventory Checklist for Fire Loss Documentation