In May 2016, as wildfires swept through Fort McMurray, Alberta in what would become one of the most devastating natural disasters in Canadian history, four individuals—Rajesh Manan, Terrell Stephen, Dalmy Manan, and Tony Stephen—were on the frontlines. The Fort McMurray Fires scorched nearly 600,000 hectares of land, destroyed more than 2,400 homes and buildings, and forced the evacuation of nearly 90,000 people. It was a catastrophe of historic proportions. Learn more about the Fort McMurray wildfires

A Missing Piece in Disaster Recovery

At the time, the future founders of Accomsure, collectively with over a century of experience in insurance and restoration were working tirelessly to assist those affected by the fires. But even with their deep knowledge and seasoned expertise, what they saw shook them. Families were left in limbo—uncertain if their homes were still standing, unsure of how long they’d be displaced, and overwhelmed by the logistics of simply finding a safe place to sleep. On top of that, insurance adjusters were being stretched to the brink, trying to manage not only property claims but the human lives behind them.

There was something missing. Who was ensuring that displaced individuals weren’t just being placed in a hotel—but were being offered stability, comfort, and continuity in their lives? Who was advocating for like-for-like accommodations, ensuring that people weren’t being priced out of housing because rental rates had suddenly surged? Who was protecting the integrity of the insurance process from being taken advantage of, while also making sure the insured were treated with dignity and compassion?

A Personal Turning Point

For Dalmy, the answer to that question became painfully clear one night during the same period. A close, elderly friend of hers, living outside Calgary, was displaced. It was the middle of the night. Alone, stressed, and completely unfamiliar with the city, she was tasked with finding her own accommodation or relocating to the city. Disoriented and emotionally raw, she called Dalmy.

Rather than point her to a website or an emergency hotline, Dalmy got to work. She contacted a local hotel, negotiated a preferred rate, and—most importantly—offered a calm, reassuring voice in the midst of panic. That night wasn’t about logistics. It was about empathy. That moment was a turning point. It was a reminder that managing Additional Living Expenses (ALE) isn’t about relocation—it’s about continuation. Helping people continue their lives with as little disruption and stress as possible.

From Experience to Innovation

The founders took their combined 100+ years of experience and asked a bold question: What if there was a company solely focused on helping insurers assist displaced policyholders find temporary accommodations that actually worked for their lives while also working for the claim process. A company that worked as a true partner to insurance providers, easing the burden on adjusters while ensuring insureds were looked after, not lost in the shuffle.

Building a Trusted Community

Since those early days, Accomsure has grown and responded to countless disasters across Canada. During the Kelowna fires, the community spirit was palpable—landlords offered up homes at reduced rates, some even cancelling existing bookings to help their neighbours. Accomsure built relationships with these property owners, ensuring that support was both compassionate and sustainable. That’s the difference when working with a trusted partner—when landlords know they’re working with someone who will be there tomorrow, they offer more today.

Accomsure isn’t just about placements. It’s about people. It’s about understanding that behind every claim is a life, a family, and a story—and that helping someone find shelter is only the beginning of helping them heal.

Looking Forward

Eight years later, Accomsure continues to evolve. With enhanced tech solutions and expanded partnerships all on the horizon, we’re building the future of ALE support.

As climate change increases the frequency and severity of disasters, our work has never been more important. We remain grounded in the values that sparked our beginning: empathy, experience, and excellence.

Our future is one where no one faces displacement alone. A future where every policyholder feels supported, every adjuster has a trusted ally, and every community knows that when crisis strikes, someone is ready to step in—not just with solutions, but with heart.

Need fast, reliable ALE support for your policyholders? Partner with Accomsure. Submit your claim today and let us help you provide seamless, compassionate housing solutions — so you can focus on the claim, while we take care of the people. Click here to access the submit a claim form.