Violent storms

Violent storms
 

 
Severe storms are unpredictable and can occur in any season. Storms of this nature can develop quickly and are often accompanied by hail, lightning, high winds and heavy rain.

In the face of increasingly severe weather disruptions in Canada, basement flooding and water damage are increasingly common.

Damage from sewer backups is very costly for homeowners, municipalities and insurance companies. Recent estimates show that the insurance industry in Canada pays out claims of $ 1.7 billion annually for water damage claims.

The bill for repairs can be high. Carpets, furniture and electronic equipment can be ruined, as can family photos and other priceless items.

Fortunately, you can protect your home and property.

Are you at risk?

All communities in the country are vulnerable.

Are you ready?

Prepare a detailed home inventory.
Prepare your house.
Prepare an emergency kit.
Create an emergency plan for your family.
Are you covered?

Talk to your insurance representative to make sure you have the right coverage.
Damage caused to homes by hail or wind is usually covered. This includes damage from flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage to your home and its contents from water that has entered through openings caused by wind or hail.
Damage to vehicles caused by wind, hail or water is usually covered if you have purchased auto insurance coverage without collision, down payment or all perils. This insurance is not mandatory, so check your contract.
Generally, damage caused by water entering homes due to lowland flooding is not covered. Plain flooding usually occurs when bodies of water, including rivers, dams and other streams, overflow onto dry land and cause damage to residential areas. Plain flooding and water infiltration cannot be covered by home insurance because it is a risk associated with a very small percentage of the population living in these plains. Since the purpose of insurance is to spread the risk among many policyholders, insurance against such flooding for those at risk would be unaffordable.
As for water damage in basements caused by a sewer backup, it is covered only if a sewer backup rider has been added to the policy.
In certain circumstances, homeowners who cannot return home due to insurable damage are entitled to additional living expense compensation.