QPL Articles
Flashback to 2013: Flooding and your homeowner’s insurance policy
By Jonathan Ablett | May 15, 2017
The ongoing flooding disaster in BC, Ontario and Quebec reminds us to check our homeowner’s insurance policies.
It is a good idea to call your insurance representative or broker and ask them what kind of water damage is covered – and what is not – and what might be available as an additional rider.
Significant portions of the City of Calgary, especially areas on the banks of the Bow and Elbow Rivers such as the downtown core and high profile neighbourhoods like Kensington or Mission, are situated on a flood plain. This means that the risk (and hence premiums) for overland flood insurance might be higher, depending on where you live. That heightened risk was borne out in 2013 and is playing out now across the country.
Two main types of coverage include sewer backup and overland flooding. Sewer backup results from a bottom-up type of flooding, where the sewer system backs up into a home – typically through basement drains such as bathtubs. Overland flooding occurs when water comes in from the ground level, such as from a swollen river.
After the 2013 flood in Calgary, many homeowners were surprised to see that overland flooding was not included in their policies of insurance. Even if loss due to sewer backup is covered, if this backup is flood related, then the loss may not be covered. Another instance that may not be covered is water ingress through a crack in the foundation due to a high water table.
The result in 2013 was a lot of people who suffered damage but were left uninsured.
Obtaining a policy of insurance is important, but should not be the only mitigating effort. For instance, a homeowner may:
- Install a water alarm;
- Install a sewer backflow valve;
- Install a sump pump;
- Refrain from keeping valuable property in the basement;
- Educate ones self to the risk of flooding in one’s area; and
- Hire a consultant to offer recommendations for flood mitigation (including an inspection of the foundation for cracks and potential for water ingress).
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