Updated 07/19/2021

Now that BC has entered Step 3 effective July 2, 2021, Mutual Fire Insurance has opted to continue the below protocols. Further updates will be provided as we move through the various restart steps.

A message from Darin Lord Nessel and the team at Mutual Fire Insurance

COVID-19 has left all of us with a feeling of uncertainty.

Please know, when it comes to your insurance policy with Mutual Fire Insurance, we are here for you. Our core values guide our decision making and right now, we are putting the health and safety of our communities first.

How MFI is Supporting Staff and Broker Partners

• Every staff member at MFI is working from home for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team is fully functional, and able to serve you remotely during our regular hours 9:00am to 4:30pm Pacific Time
• All documents will be sent electronically to ensure they are received in a timely manner
• We are in contact with broker partners and providing timely updates

Download Mutual Fire Insurance’s Safety Plan

How MFI is Supporting Policyholders

Mutual Fire Insurance has weathered many different events during our decades of operation. We want to provide you with confidence in your insurance company and have prepared to support you by implementing the following measures:

• Policyholders concerned about missing a payment on insurance premiums can reach out to their insurance broker
• MFI is waiving the NSF (non-sufficient funds) charge until further notice
• Home insurance policies with an expiry date from March 20, 2020 to July 31, 2020 will be automatically renewed
• Farm, hobby farm, and commercial insurance policies unable to renew at expiry will be given a 30-day coverage extension under the current policy until further notice

Claims

Claims Examiners will continue to respond to new claim submissions during our regular business hours, 9:00am to 4:30pm Pacific Time. Our afterhours service provides support for claims during non-business hours.

For urgent afterhours claims:
in BC, please call 855.535.0554
in AB, SK, MB, or ON, please call 877.896.0113

For all non-urgent claims at any time, please email claimsreporting@mutualfirebc.com

Questions and Answers

We encourage you to reach out to your Mutual Fire Insurance broker with questions. Find the contact information for your insurance broker using our Find a Broker tool or on the pages of your insurance policy.

Does business interruption coverage apply during a pandemic?

Generally, business interruption coverage does not offer protection unless there is a loss or damage to the property by an insured peril. For more information, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada article on COVID-19 and business insurance.

My business is closed due to the pandemic, am I still protected under my commercial policy if my business is vacant for 30 days or more?

Policyholders who have vacated their property due to COVID-19 are asked to visit the premises weekly and meet the security measures outlined in their application. Coverage may extend or vacancy permission may be granted, please speak with your insurance broker.

What can I do to protect my business and property if it is vacant?

Many businesses are vacating their property or shutting down operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and government order. To keep your property and contents protected, we suggest the following risk management best practices:

• Remove perishable inventory or stock, and other valuable contents better secured elsewhere
• Majority of other necessary contents and equipment to remain to resume business operations as soon feasible once the restriction by civil authority is lifted
• The property must be entered and checked upon every 7 days (168 hours), at minimum
• Utilities maintained where possible, and to meet warranty requirements in insurance policies. However, where in the best interest, consider shutting off water
• Restrict premises access by vendors and employees as necessary
• Ensure alarms are working, security cameras and systems are fully functioning and running
• Firefighting apparatus in place, including fully functioning and ready sprinkler systems
• Maintain cyber security measures, and ensure cyber and privacy measures are in place for staff working from home
• Increase frequency of visits to the property, including entering the risk
• Replace batteries and ensure systems, equipment, and machinery are fully functioning
• Update the company’s Risk Management Plan and Pandemic Plans
• Consider response and return-to-operations plan post-crisis

My insurance broker is closed due to COVID-19, who can I contact to renew my insurance?

• Home insurance policies with an expiry date from March 20, 2020 to July 31, 2020 will be automatically renewed
• Farm, hobby farm, and commercial insurance policies unable to renew at expiry will be given a 30-day coverage extension

I am in the middle of a claim, can I still reach my Claims Examiner?

Yes, our Claims Examiners are available by phone at 604.881.1250 and email to claimsreporting@mutualfirebc.com

For urgent afterhours claims:
in BC, please call 855.535.0554
in AB, SK, MB, or ON, please call 877.896.0113

This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

We thank you for your patience and wish you good health,

Darin Lord Nessel
President and CEO
MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE