Flash floods can be scary. They can bring the threat of electrocution, contaminated water, and expensive, immediate clean-up and insurance claims.
We’ve summarized information from the Government of Canada’s current flood-safety guidance and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s disaster-insurance guide. We’ve added information from Ontario’s current Disaster Recovery Assistance page, including eligibility, as well as the City of Toronto’s official July 16, 2024 flood update about the July 2024 flooding that affected southern Ontario. Read on for details on flood and sewer-backup coverage.
What Should You Do After a Flash Flood in Ontario?
Avoid entering areas that have been under floodwaters if electrical outlets, electrical panels, or furnaces may still be underwater. Do not enter these areas until a local authority or utility says it’s safe.
When it’s safe, call your insurance provider as soon as possible. Take pictures of any damage. If it’s safe to do so, take steps to prevent additional damage and keep receipts for related expenses. Avoid making permanent repairs until your insurer approves the claim, except where repairs are needed for safety or property preservation.
Insurance Advice for Ontario Residents
Once you’re out of immediate danger, follow these steps in order.
Review Your Policy
What happens if water gets into the house in more than one way? That can be a grey area. Read the policy to make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered.
Many policies may pay for water damage from within the house but not from floods or other causes outside the house. If your policy is an older contract, it may define water damage differently. Don’t stop reading after the summary page.
Ask about sewer-backup or sump-pump coverage and overland-water endorsements. Each endorsement may have its own limit and deductible.
Read More: Compare Overland Water Coverage and Flood Insurance
Be Aware of Your Coverage Limits
Not all costs associated with an evacuation will be compensated. Costs associated with temporary housing may be reimbursed if the cause meets the conditions of your policy. Retain receipts for all expenses.
Check your policy for:
- limits for damage to the building and contents;
- additional living expenses coverage;
- water endorsements; and
- sublimits or separate deductibles associated with water coverage.
Add Flood-Protection Measures to Your Home
Depending on the cause of flooding, there may be things you can do to protect your home, including grading your lot, redirecting downspouts, protecting openings into your basement, maintaining a sump pump with backup power, and installing an approved backwater valve.
Contact your municipality for information on permit requirements, maintenance responsibilities and potential subsidy requirements for these items.
Also, contact your insurer to discuss any changes that may be required in your coverage or premium.
Read More: Read the Canadian Guide to Flood-Proofing a House
Shop Around
Shopping for insurance is helpful if it is your renewal period. If you’ve had a loss, shopping is not your number-one priority. Compare coverage types, deductibles and other terms, not just cost.
If you decide to switch companies, you’ll have to tell them about your recent claim and whether the repairs are complete. Keep your current insurance until you receive written confirmation of replacement coverage.
Read More: Compare Home Insurance in Ontario
When Ontario Disaster Assistance May Apply
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians may help with some costs. It is not insurance and may apply only to basic and essential losses.
The program does not apply to every flooding event. Ontario must activate it in an affected area. For current eligible areas, program limits, requirements and deadlines, see the Ontario Disaster Recovery Assistance page.
You may need:
- photographs;
- proof of residency;
- invoices and receipts; and
- a letter from your insurer outlining what is and isn’t covered.
Read More: See How a Canadian National Flood Insurance Program Could Work
Questions to Ask the Insurer or Adjuster
- What is the cause of loss, and where is that cause described in the insurance contract?
- What deductibles and policy limits apply to the claim?
- Are there exclusions?
- Can you claim additional living expenses, and what conditions apply?
- What can you do to repair or protect your property immediately?
- Do you have to use the insurer’s preferred vendor, and do you need an estimate before starting repairs?
- What forms and documents does the insurer require, and what are the submission deadlines?
- If all or part of the claim is denied, will you receive a written explanation identifying the relevant policy clauses?
Read More: Read What to Do About Home Insurance Claim Delays