The claims clinics that Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) held in Estevan due to the hail storm last month proved to be a busy place.
The clinics were held from June 22-24 and June 29-July 1. According to Tyler McMurchy, the manager of media relations with SGI, the insurance provider received 1,743 auto claims and 232 property claims due to the storm, which pounded the Estevan area on June 14.
About 680 claims were processed during the clinics at Affinity Place from June 22-24. Another 360 were scheduled to be processed on June 30 and July 1.
“It was clear that the storm that hit Estevan was a big event, and right away, it was clear to SGI that there was going to be a lot of customers affected by that, so when that happens, we knew that extra help would be required,” said McMurchy.
There were long lineups of vehicles and campers inside of Affinity Place during the clinics.
About 30 extra people were brought in to Estevan, including claims workers and system people, to help with the logistics of the claims clinic.
Not all of those who filed a vehicle damage claim attended a clinic at Affinity Place. Some will be taken care of through traditional channels, while others will go to an accredited auto body shop in the province for their claims.
“You can go directly to them and get your estimate. You don’t have to stop with us, and some customers find that very convenient,” said McMurchy.
It’s not uncommon for SGI to rent an arena or another community facility in Saskatchewan to process hail claims. McMurchy said it happens at least once per summer.
He doesn’t have an estimate on the value of the damage caused by the storm. Some of the damage was quite significant, with some vehicles likely to be written off, while other damage was minimal.
“It’s quite early, and some of these claims are still being processed and assessed,” said McMurchy.
For those who were unable to attend the claims clinics at Affinity Place, they have up to two years to file a claim and get a vehicle repaired.
“We do encourage people to do it quickly, and as soon as they reasonably can,” said McMurchy.
People can also report their auto and property claims online or by calling a claims centre.
