After Wednesday’s violent thunderstorms brought wind, hail and heavy rain to Toronto, many residents are waking up to flooded basements, damaged cars and broken windows. Here’s what you need to know about your insurance coverage and how to file a claim.
How to find out if your flooded basement is covered
A standard home insurance policy does not include coverage for flooding. If a pipe bursts in your house or a leaking fridge damages flooring, it’s typically covered, says Anne Marie Thomas, director of consumer and industry relations for the Insurance Bureau of Canada. “But flooding caused by outside sources is optional, and you have to have purchased it.”
There are two separate types of insurance coverage for floods. The first is overland flooding, which occurs when rising lakes, rivers or other bodies of water overflow onto dry land, or heavy rain occurs, and water enters a home at ground level or by seeping through windows, doors and walls.
The other type is sewer backup, which occurs when sewer systems can’t handle the amount of water coming in and backs up into a home.
Some insurance companies may not offer water damage coverage if you live in an area that is frequently flooded, Thomas adds. If you’ve filed multiple claims for water damage in the past few years, it may also be more difficult to get coverage for flooding.
For anyone dealing with a flood today, Thomas says to check your home insurance policy or reach out to your insurance agent or broker to confirm whether you’re covered.
What if the wind or hail damaged your roof?
If the storm lifted your roof shingles or hail damaged a window, you’re probably covered. Thomas says most standard insurance policies typically cover hail wind, even in the instance of a tornado.
How to deal with car damage
Standard auto insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by severe weather such as wind, hail or flooding; you would have needed to have purchased optional comprehensive or all perils coverage, Thomas says.
If you’ve purchased those add-ons, you should be covered for damage caused by wind, such as fallen tree branches, hail or flooding (even if you accidentally left your windows open).
How to file an insurance claim for damage caused by the storm
If your insurance policy covers the damage that’s occurred to your home or vehicle, make sure you document the evidence. Thomas says to take pictures and record videos to show the extent of the damage.
You should reach out to your insurance company right away — most have 800 numbers — but Thomas says to be patient. “As you can imagine, insurance companies are likely dealing with a significant influx of claims,” she says. “It might take an adjuster a day or two to get back to you.”
In the meantime, if you have the necessary insurance coverage but have to make any purchases to repair damage such as a broken window or flooded basement, keep all of your receipts. “The insurance company will reimburse you for expenses that you incurred while trying to mitigate further damage,” Thomas explains.
Anyone dealing with a flood should remove damp items right away. “Don’t leave wet and mouldy items in your basement, because the mould will just grow,” Thomas advises. Put them outside if you can and take pictures of the damage.
Thomas says the Insurance Bureau of Canada is ready to take calls from affected residents who have questions about their insurance policies. You can reach the consumer information centre at 1-844-227-5422.
This is a developing story.
