According to Public Safety Canada, flooding is the most common natural disaster across all of Canada, and number one in terms of expense and the leading cause of house insurance claims. Already in 2019, flooding and the resulting damage, has devasted large areas of Ontario and Eastern Canada.
From mountainside communities, to low-lying areas, coastal communities, across the prairies to the east coast and even in the northern territories; flooding has a major impact to home owners Canada-wide, and
flooding events are occurring in a greater frequency.
The flooding in BC during November and December of 2021 is estimated to top 9 billion dollars. BC may be far away to many Canadians and that huge dollar total is difficult to conceptualize, so let’s look at flood coverage on a more personal level: Imagine a flood in your home resulting in $40,000 in damage, but you only have $10,000 in coverage!
Here are a few actions you can take to help mitigate your home’s risk of flooding and the related expense:
- Be confident of your existing house insurance coverage, policy limitations and exceptions.
There are many house insurance policies that do not cover damage caused by flooding. If you find the language in your policy confusing or unclear, then reach out to your insurance professional, before a disaster occurs.
- If you feel your insurance is inadequate to protect your home in the event of a flood, reach out to us to learn about additional coverage options. At EasyInsure, we work with dozens of insurance companies, we shop the market for you and find the coverage you need. info@easyinsure.ca 1-800-679-2640
- Prepare your home to help prevent flood damage.
If you have a sump pump, consider installing a secondary pump to help in times of heavy rainfall, or one with a battery backup to help move the water away from your home in the event of a power outage.
- Limit the amount of water your home consumes during times of melting snow, heavy rain or rising river or lake levels. This will help reduce the strain on your home’s or your municipality’s rainwater management system and help prevent potential sewer back-up and possible damage to your home.
- Install a backwater check valve - Some municipalities offer subsidy programs to help with the expense of installation. These valves offer an extra layer of protection against sewer backup into your home, check with your local government to learn more.
- Inspect the grading around your home to ensure it is sloping away from the foundation. Fill areas that are low and grade away from the home.
Check that your home’s eavestroughs are flowing freely and the downspouts are directed at a one metre minimum away from your home’s foundation.
- In an effort to combat flooding, some municipalities have passed bylaws requiring that downspouts be disconnected from the municipality’s storm drainage system. Check with your local government to learn more.
- Store important documents and valuables on a higher level of your home.
If we can help you with flood insurance, or if you have questions about your existing coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us:
info@easyinsure.ca or call 1-800-679-2640