Claims - South Easthope Mutual Insurance

Reporting a Claim?

DURING BUSINESS HOURS: Call 519-655-2011 or 1-800-263-9987

EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS CLAIMS SERVICE: Call 519-655-2011 or toll free at 1-800-263-9987*.

*Wait for the voice prompt and PRESS 1. You will immediately be connected with Claims Pro. They will assist you with your claim.

South Easthope Mutual Claim representatives are here to guide you through the claims process. We want to help make an unfortunate experience as positive as possible. You’ll receive confidential, courteous and prompt service to get you back in business as quickly as possible.

Report Your Claim Online

Auto Accident Worksheet for your Glovebox

Print this worksheet and keep it in your glovebox. Fill out the information on the other driver if you are in an accident.

What to do After an Auto Accide nt

“During the Christmas Day fire and ever since, South Easthope has been truly outstanding. Our claims representative was out and met with us immediately. He couldn’t have been more co-operative, accommodating, friendly and professional. Our every need was looked after without question.”

—Dave Elston, London, ON, Member Since 1995

In the Event of Loss

If you experience loss, here are some helpful tips from South Easthope Mutual to prevent further damage and keep you safe.

Water Damage

Know where your main water shut-off valve is. Go and turn it off.
If during business hours, call a plumber to fix the problem.
If possible and safe to do so, move contents out of the wet area. It is your responsibility to do what you can to lessen the cost of cleanup.
Avoid contact with contaminated water containing sewage. It could be harmful to you and contaminate other areas of your property.
If you have fans and/or a dehumidifier, start using them to help dry up the area. Keep your furnace running for air movement.
If possible, start to clean up other water.

Please note if the water damage is caused by an insured loss, your insurance policy generally does not repair or replace the pipe, appliance or other item the water escaped from. Call your South Easthope Mutual agent or broker if you have any questions about what is covered and what is not covered on your policy with water damage.

Fire Damage

If possible, close doors as you are leaving. It may help to contain the fire.
Don’t clean up soot from surfaces. It can damage finishes. Leave it to restoration professionals.
Damage from fire and smoke may affect several rooms. Get the ‘all clear’ from safety experts prior to going back into the building to avoid injury or illness.

Wind Damage

Check the weather. If tornados are predicted, leave windows open just slightly to avoid damage from pressure changes. In other weather, close things up.
Beware of and keep a safe distance from downed powerlines.
Place tarps or other coverings on damaged areas to prevent further loss.
Use caution around heavily damaged structures. They may be not be sturdy and safe.
Make sure BBQs on wheels, patio furniture, trampolines and basketball nets are secured in place.

Theft

Always assume intruders are still in your home. Leave, go to a safe place and call police.
If you come home to find a theft has happened, call police. They may or may not come to your home.
Don’t move or touch anything until after you have contacted police. They may gather fingerprints or other evidence.
Obtain the occurrence number from police and the officer’s name.
Police will ask for a list of stolen contents. If you have serial numbers or identifying markings on your property, this will be entered on their CPIC system. Proof of ownership, such as owners’ manuals, appraisals, receipts, serial numbers or photos are also required for our adjusters.
If necessary secure broken windows or doors if damaged by thieves.
Take pictures of the scene – damage and where they entered.

Auto Accident

Here are step by step instructions on what you should do:

Stop and pull over.
Stay calm and call police or emergency services if:
- Someone is hurt or injured
- If damage to vehicles is over $2,000
- You think the other driver may be guilty of a Criminal Code offence such as drunk driving
- You suspect you’re the victim of a staged collision or there is any damage to another person’s property.
If it’s safe, get out of your car and take photos of the scene and damage to vehicles with your camera or cell phone. Write down your story.
If safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road or turn on hazard lights or place warning triangles.
Exchange information or take photos of third party information – the driver’s license, insurance and ownership or fill out the chart below.
Look for witnesses at the scene that may be able to give a statement to police.
Get the information below and call South Easthope Mutual or your agent or broker as soon as possible. South Easthope’s 24/7 claims phone number is 1-800-263-9987.

Remember:

Do not assume liability or fault, sign statements regarding fault or promise to pay for damage.
Do notargue with other drivers or passengers. Save your story for the police.
Be watchful for unauthorized tow truck operators.

Source: https://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/brochures/Pages/brochure_accidents.aspx

Loss Prevention

Losses cost; time, money and increased stress. Preventing them in the first place is a key goal of the South Easthope Mutual Insurance loss prevention team. They analyze and identify potential risks on your property and work with you and your agent or broker to prevent future losses, whether insured or not. When we all work together preventing losses, we all win.

We are dedicated to educating about loss prevention, keeping you and your assets safe. If you have questions about loss prevention and what is covered on your insurance policy, talk to your South Easthope Mutual Insurance agent or broker. They are here to help you.

Water Damage

Simple steps and maintenance can help prevent water damage to your property. Spending some time doing that maintenance will save a lot of aggravation, damage and potential mould issues should water damage your property.

Some helpful tips:

Clean eavestroughs at least once annually of leaves and debris.
Face downspouts away from the house.
Make sure the grading falls away from the house.
Inspect your foundation for cracks. Seal any if found.
Install a sump pump with a back-up battery.
Install sewer backflow valves and maintain them.
When away in the winter, ask a neighbour to inspect your house ensuring heat is on so pipes don’t freeze. Or alternatively, shut your water off and drain the water lines.
Check basement windows and wells for cracks, debris and grade.
Inspect your water heater tank for leaks. The lifespan of most is 8-12 years. If you rent one ask for a replacement if it is in this age range.
Store items up and off of the basement floor.

Wood Stove Inspections

Our loss prevention team has seen many close calls where fires could have started as the result of wood stoves not being installed properly. Ways to keep your family safe:

Make sure the woodstove is CSA or ULC approved.
The CSA or ULC label will detail installation requirements – follow them.
Avoid using homemade woodstoves.
Keep the area around woodstoves clear of combustibles and clutter.
Have woodstoves inspected annually.
Flue pipes can be a cause of fire. Check that they are installed to code and CSA/ULC guidelines.
The ash pail must be metal, not plastic and do not store or dispose of ashes close to a building.

Oil and Fuel Tanks

Whether the tank is in your home or outside, fuel spills can be very expensive both in damage to the water table, streams, rivers, soil, property and buildings but also in liability. Not to mention health and safety implications for you, your family, pets, livestock and wildlife. You really don’t want to have to endure a fuel spill.

At South Easthope Mutual, our insurable installation requirements are in addition to current TSSA Code. The best protection against a leaking fuel tank is to have your heating system and tank serviced annually by a licensed technician. If you are considering installing a new oil tank or have any questions about your current tank, please contact your South Easthope Mutual agent or broker to discuss our current installation guidelines.

Here are some common sense tips to help you with interior and exterior tanks:

General Oil Tanks Loss Prevention Tips

Ensure the tank is CSA/ULC certified.
All equipment needs to meet the TSSA code.
Schedule a yearly maintenance inspection by a certified technician.
Inspect your tank looking for corrosion, leaks, weakness or bleeding through.
Do not install used tanks.
Do not use 2nd hand oil.
Fuel should be delivered by a qualified fuel oil supplier.
The tank thickness needs to be a minimum 12 gauge and must be double walled or double bottomed or a single wall fiberglass (TSSA – 14 gauge tanks can no longer be installed as of January 1, 2013). If you have questions about this, contact your certified technician.
Interior tanks need to be less than 20 years old.
The tank should be a safe distance away from sewer, septic, sump pits and drains.
Your tank should be installed on a solid concrete slab base.
Make sure the vent whistle is working.
Keep a clear space around your tank and ensure there are no items on or around the tank that could damage it or the lines.

Exterior Tank Specific Loss Prevention Tips

Make sure no grass, weeds or plants are growing under the tank.

The tank should be:
- A safe distance away from filter beds, septic systems, streams and other water.
- Protected from ice and vehicle impact.
- Less than 15 years old.
- Protected to prevent damage from falling ice or vehicle impact.

Battery Backup on Sump Pumps

In these days of climate change and adverse weather where we experience very heavy rainfall, having a battery backup on your sump pump is an easy damage preventer. If the power goes out, the battery should kick into action and get the pump clearing away water, preventing damage. If your basement floods, you could be replacing a water heater, furnace, drywall and so much more. Some sump pump tips:

It is best to upgrade your old column sump pump to a submersible one.
Annually inspect and maintain the pump to make sure hoses are not cracked and alarms are working.
Change the battery on the pump annually.

Fire Prevention

Fire can cause major damage to your property. It could destroy a home or barn in a matter of minutes, taking with it your precious memories, valuables, livestock, pets, furniture and worst of all, family members. It is in everyone’s best interest to maintain their property and do everything they can to prevent fire.

If you have specific questions about protection and prevention, contact your local fire department or the loss prevention department at South Easthope Mutual Insurance.

Tips to keep you and yours safe:

Place smoke and CO2 detectors on every floor of your home.
Test smoke and CO2 detectors monthly and change batteries two times per year.
Never, ever, leave cooking unattended.
Check fire extinguishers regularly and ensure they are working properly.
Make sure your wiring is up to date.
Keep lightbulbs clear of cobwebs and debris.
Keep flammables away from the stovetop.
Never leave candles or cigarettes burning unattended.
Properly store flammables and household chemicals.
Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
Check and maintain all appliances that could cause fire such as cleaning dryer vents regularly.
Properly maintain and clean furnaces, chimneys fireplaces and wood stoves annually.
If using extension cords, do not run them under carpet or furniture.

Find more topic specific fire prevention tips on the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal’s website. Check it out.
Link to http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/FireMarshal/FireSafetyandPublicEducation/OFM_fire_safety.html

Claims Terminology

We know insurance and claims terminology can be confusing. If you have any further questions, contact your South Easthope Mutual Insurance agent or broker. Click here for a full glossary of insurance terms from the Insurance Bureau of Canada.