TORONTO, April 27, 2023 /CNW/ – With the onset of spring weather, including heavy rain forecast for parts of Ontarioinsurance office Canada (IBC) reminds Ontarians to prepare for the increased risk of flooding.
“Flood damage and associated sewer backups are costly to homeowners, businesses and municipalities. However, there are steps you can take to help mitigate the risk of water damage to your home and property,” said Kim DonaldsonVice-president, Ontario, BA. “We encourage consumers to contact their insurance representative if they have any questions about their individual insurance policies, including optional top-up coverage for sewer backup or surface flooding. Ontarians can also contact IBC’s Consumer Information Center at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We are here to help you.”
BAC’s top 10 tips to help protect your property from water damage:
- Keep all of your floor drains and street storm sewer grates clear of obstructions. Consider installing a check valve when possible.
- Make sure downspouts are free of debris and direct water away from your home to help prevent basement flooding.
- Move valuables from your basement to the upper levels of your home.
- If you have a sump pump, make sure it is working properly and has a backup power source.
- Have someone check out your property if you are away from home.
- If you must drive, drive for the conditions and do not drive on flooded roads.
- During periods of heavy rain, limit the amount of water used (including appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines) in the home.
- Consider using rain barrels to help retain and manage excess rainwater around the property.
- If flooding is imminent, turn off electricity to areas of the home that may be affected and use sandbags, or install flood shields or constructed barriers to prevent water from entering through windows and doors. basement doors.
- Elevate major appliances, electrical panels, furnace and water heater from the basement floor on blocks of wood or cement. This should be done by professionals well in advance of potential flooding. If a flood is imminent, consider anchoring them and protecting them with a flood wall or shield.
Rest more easily. Know what is covered.
- Water damage in a basement due to sewer backup is only covered if you have purchased optional specific sewer backup coverage.
- Damage caused by surface flooding, which occurs when bodies of water such as rivers overflow onto land, is only covered if you have purchased specific, optional surface flood coverage. However, if you live in a known floodplain, this coverage may not be available.
- Home and commercial insurance policies generally do not cover damage caused by coastal flooding and/or storm surges.
- Damage to homes caused by wind is generally covered. This includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage caused by water entering through openings.
- Under certain circumstances, owners who cannot return home due to insured damage are entitled to additional living expenses.
- If you have comprehensive or comprehensive auto insurance, wind damage to vehicles is usually covered. This coverage is not mandatory, so check your policy.
The floods remain from Canada the greatest climate-related risk, with more than 1.5 million households across the country highly exposed to flooding. IBC looks forward to continuing its work in close collaboration with the federal government, Ontarioalong with other provinces and territories, to establish the country’s first national flood insurance program within the next 24 months.
Announced in the 2023 federal budget, this new program is expected to help accelerate the recovery and rebuilding of displaced families and businesses in flooded communities, and reduce the unforeseen disaster costs faced by federal and provincial governments. Its implementation is the most important step Canada can take to better prepare for the impacts of climate change.
About the Insurance Bureau of Canada
insurance office Canada is the national industry association representing from Canada private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies represent the vast majority of the P&C insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to make affordable home, car and business insurance available to all Canadians. BAC supports the vision of consumers and governments that trust, value and support the private P&C insurance industry. He advocates for key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
For press releases and more information, visit the IBC Media Center at www.ibc.ca. Follow us on twitter @InsuranceBureau and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC’s Consumer Information Center at 1-844-2ask-IBC.
SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada
For further information: Media contact: Brett Weltman, Manager, Media Relations, IBC, [email protected]