The No.5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po yesterday resulted in the deaths of dozens and injuries and missing persons in the hundreds. The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI) and the insurance industry extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish for the swift recovery of the injured and for the missing to reunite with their families. We also thank all the rescue personnel for their efforts!

Many of the victims have insurance coverage. To provide them with appropriate assistance, HKFI member companies have taken immediate actions, including:

•    Setting up a hotline to answer inquiries from victims regarding the scope of policy coverage and specific claims arrangements;

•    Simplifying and expediting the claims process;

•    Providing additional assistance beyond the policy coverage, e.g., offering advance cash allowance for affected home insurance policyholders

•    Rallying agents to offer instant help to their victimized clients;

•    Prioritizing claims from affected policyholders of life, medical, personal accident, household, fire insurance, etc;

•    Waiving death certificate for death claims as far as practicable;

•    Offering premium holiday or extending grace period for premium payment;

•    Waiving / reducing interest for policy loan for a designated period of time.

The above measures aim to ensure that policyholders receive appropriate assistance from insurance companies during this difficult time, alleviating the significant financial and emotional pressures they are facing.

“We are devastated by the tragic fire, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families," said Ms. Selina Lau, Chief Executive of HKFI. "Our member companies are fully equipped to assist victims in their time of need, providing resources and support to help them through this difficult journey towards recovery.”

To assist the victims in understanding their life insurance, home insurance, building insurance, medical insurance, and personal accident insurance coverage, the HKFI has established a special inquiry service. This includes phone and email inquiries.  Important information can also be accessed through the HKFI website.

Inquiry service：

Tel：852 2861 9367

Email：Support@hkfi.org.hk

HKFI Website：https://www.hkfi.org.hk/media-release/taipo-fire-incident-insurance-coverage-and-claims-arrangement