The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has issued an advisory warning Ontarians about the severe rainfall event that occurred over the weekend.
IBC’s warning came after Environment Canada put out a rainfall and freezing rain warning for the province.
With flooding becoming a very real risk in the province, IBC offered a reminder in its advisory that many Canadian insurers offer residential overland flood insurance, along with sewer backup coverage. However, the products are optional, and homeowners must choose to add them to their home insurance policy to get any coverage.
IBC also said that water damage to vehicles is usually covered if a homeowner has comprehensive or all-perils auto insurance – another insurance option that is not mandatory. The bureau advised that all customers should review their policies to understand what is and is not covered.
Last month, the IBC released figures for the damage a previous storm event caused to Eastern Canada. That weather event – which occurred around Halloween 2019 – saw considerable rainfall and high winds, which led to power outages throughout the region. According to IBC’s report, Ontario sustained $55 million in insured damage resulting from the Halloween storm.
