Property Insurance
We've taken the mystery out of understanding your insurance policy and the claims process. Please find full explanations below regarding selected property insurance topics, or click here for our Auto Insurance Claims FAQ.
Property Insurance Claims FAQ
- What's covered in a property policy?
- What can I do to be safe and prepared?
- What if I have a loss?
- What if I can't stay in my home?
- Who should I speak to about the loss?
- What can I expect after reporting a claim?
- When can I contact The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company?
- What's a deductible?
- Who should perform my repairs?
Please note the information about property claims is meant only as a general guide. The wording of your actual policy will always be the final guide to coverage.
What's covered in a property policy?
Property policies separate losses into various types, each with its own conditions and limitations.
- Personal Property - Most of the normal contents of your home, from your clothes to linens to electronics, are considered Personal Property.
- Real Property - Buildings and land are considered Real Property. A fire in your home can damage both the structure (Real Property) and the contents of the home (Personal Property).
- Liability - Your responsibility to other people when they suffer loss or injury due to your negligence. Liability coverage extends to most everyday life situations but does not include, for example, liability resulting from the use of an automobile.
The amount of coverage available depends on the type of policy, the insurance purchased and the nature of the loss. Please consult your policy or your broker for details.
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What can I do to be safe and prepared?
Check that you have safety equipment installed and in working order. Fire and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, escape plans, deadbolts on doors and locked windows help to protect both your family and your property.
It also helps to know what you have in your home. Make a list of personal belongings in each room. Consider taking photographs or a videotape to keep with the list. If you'd like to assure yourself you have enough insurance coverage, consider totaling the values of all listed items and comparing the result to your “Contents” coverage limit. Feel free to contact your broker if you have any questions or wish to revise your coverages.
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What if I have a loss?
The risks to property are many and varied: theft, fire and flood, to name a few. Your response depends on the type of loss you face, but here are some hints to get you started:
- Regardless of the type of loss, report it to your broker right away. The sooner they are aware of a claim, the better we can serve you or protect your interests.
- If you have a theft or vandalism, report the loss immediately to the police.
- If your property is damaged, do what you can to protect it from further damage. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
- Assemble any receipts, warranty documents and other proofs of ownership for lost or damaged property.
- Retain any receipts for expenses or replaced property.
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What if I can't stay in my home?
After a loss, your home may not be habitable. We will pay for the increased costs of temporary lodging, for covered losses, until you are able to return.
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Who should I speak to about a loss?
We would prefer that you limit your discussions to your broker, our representatives and any authorities involved. In particular, don't discuss responsibility for a loss with anyone else until you've talked to us.
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What can I expect after reporting a claim?
We will assign an adjuster who will call you within 4 business hours of receiving your claim, one of the most ambitious contact guidelines in the industry. You can expect an efficient, knowledgeable and empathetic representative who will keep you informed and lead you through the claims process. We will promptly assess what you are owed and make your claims experience as positive as possible.
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When can I contact The Dominion?
Any time! Our offices are open to serve you from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and in some parts of the country from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. We are also open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. However, you can report an emergency claim (for example, a fire in your home) at any time by calling our 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-661-5522.
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What's a deductible?
All property policies incorporate a deductible of some description. Insurance is designed to protect people from losses they cannot afford. Adjusting many very small losses would be very expensive and would unnecessarily increase premiums. Therefore, when you buy a policy, you agree to pay the first portion of any loss. This deductible applies only once per occurrence, regardless of how many items are claimed. For example, if your deductible is $500 and your total covered claim is $2,000, we would pay you $1,500.
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Who should perform my repairs?
We have carefully screened insurance-specialized repair experts across the country and will suggest one near you. Any claim-related repairs performed by a Recommended Repair Facility are backed by The Dominion Repair Satisfaction Guarantee that the work will meet industry standards for a full two years.
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