Calgary fire victims homeless after insurance ‘loophole’ left them with nothing – Calgary | 24CA News
On April thirtieth, the Wheatley-Androsoff household was out of the province, coping with the loss of life of a mother or father when their northeast Calgary property burned to the bottom.
“It was quite traumatic. It was a long drive home,” described Jason Wheatley.
Their youngsters had been capable of get out okay, together with one among their canines, however the different two didn’t escape the hearth.
Now, the household is packing up what little they’ve left inside their Calgary lodge room. On Tuesday, their insurer gave them a day to depart their offered lodge.
While the household had dwelling insurance coverage, in 2021 Jenny Androsoff opened a canine grooming salon within the household’s basement. It was correctly included and licensed, however TD Insurance instructed them it wasn’t knowledgeable of the adjustments to the property — successfully voiding the insurance coverage.
Androsoff stated the canine grooming business was insured elsewhere and that she had no concept the disclosure was required.
“It’s just really an honest mistake. And because of that we have a home that is not livable … I can’t make income because I don’t have my business,” stated Androsoff. “We have nothing.”
The household is sharing its story hoping to stop others from going by their predicament.
TD Insurance stated they’re trying into the matter.
“When it comes to home insurance and home-based businesses, insureds are required to disclose to their insurance company any type of business activities that are taking place at their premises,” stated Jonathan Brown with the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta.
“This disclosure is part of the application process for property insurance and a failure to do so could result in the voiding of your insurance coverage as it is considered a material misrepresentation to your insurer.”
For now, the Wheatley-Androsoff household is sofa browsing till they will transfer right into a rental property in June.
“I tied a knot at the end of a rope and I’m hanging on for dear life. And that’s all I can do for now. But we’re going to climb that rope and we’re going to get there,” stated Wheatley. “We’re going to get there.”
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