1998 ICE STORM: SETTLEMENT WITH INTACT GROUP
Following the 1998 ice storm, Option consommateurs filed a class action against 19 insurance companies. The class action seeks to compensate consumers whose homes became uninhabitable during the 1998 ice storm, and whose insurance contracts provided coverage for additional living expenses.
Subsistence costs additional
If your home becomes uninhabitable as a result of a covered loss, the costs you incur to maintain your usual standard of living are generally considered additional costs, such as room and board, up to a certain amount. These costs must be necessary and reasonable.
Companies covered by the agreement in principle
In October 2012, Option consommateurs reached an agreement in principle with 4 insurance companies: Compagnie d'assurance Bélair, Allianz Insurance Company of Canada, Axa Assurances and ING Insurance Company of Canada (Groupe Commerce). This agreement was authorized on December 18 by the Quebec Superior Court.
The agreement
Under the terms of the agreement, the four insurance companies have agreed to pay a total of $12.5 million to settle the claim out of court.
In March 2013, policyholders covered by this agreement received a first payment of $50.92 per home insurance contract. A second payment is expected in winter 2013. More details on the amount of this second payment will be announced at a later date.
You are entitled to this benefit if you meet both of the following conditions:
- In January 1998, you held a home insurance policy with one of these four insurance companies:
Allianz Insurance Company
AXA Assurances
ING Insurance Company (Commerce Group)
Belair Insurance Company (belairdirect)
and
- You live in one of the municipalities mentioned in the class action.
In the event of a move
The first indemnity payment was mailed to the address shown on your home insurance policy in effect in 1998.
If you have moved since 1998 or are planning to do so in the near future, you must provide us with your new contact details by completing a form on the Intact Group website, by sending an e-mail to the company or by calling 1 855 292-8861 no later than October 31, 2013.
Press release, October 23, 2012