The recent wave of knife attacks on public transportation in Metro Vancouver and Toronto has raised concerns about the safety of commuters. The latest incident occurred on a bus in Surrey, B.C., where a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed during an altercation. This follows another serious stabbing on a transit bus in the same city just two weeks earlier.
As the community reels from these attacks, it's important to consider the role that insurance can play in protecting against unexpected and tragic events.
In Canada, there are various types of insurance policies that can help ease the financial burden of incidents like these.
For example, life insurance provides a lump sum payment to the policyholder's beneficiaries in the event of their death. This can help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to loved ones left behind.
Disability insurance, on the other hand, can provide income replacement if the policyholder is unable to work due to an injury or illness. This can be especially important for commuters who rely on public transportation to get to work or school.
There is also travel insurance, which can cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events that may occur while traveling. This can be particularly useful for international students like Jasmine Kaur Kochhar, who rely on public transportation to get around in a new city.
While insurance cannot prevent tragedies from happening, it can help provide a safety net for those affected by them. As we continue to grapple with the recent spate of knife attacks on public transportation, it's worth considering how insurance can help protect us and our loved ones in times of need.