Advisement from the Insurance Bureau of Canada regarding overland flooding

• Losses can be easily mitigated. The time to prepare and act is now.

• Homeowners should take preventative action and move all valuable items located in their basements and/or low-lying areas to higher ground to prevent water damage.

o Protect items which are irreplaceable such as photos and children’s art. Furniture can be replaced, sentimental valuables cannot.

• Any damage caused by overland flooding is not covered by home insurance.

o The purpose of insurance is to spread risk amongst many policyholders

o Overland flooding is a risk for only a small percentage of the population

o Coverage for overland flooding would be unaffordable due to the small percentage of the population who would need this type of coverage

• Some damage may be the result of sewer back-up.

o Homeowners are encouraged to review their policy to verify if they have this add-on coverage

o If not, they should contact their insurance representative to discuss coverage

• Homeowners are advised to act quickly. Coverage might not be available for purchase when a peril is imminent.

• If you have any questions relating to home, car or business insurance call IBC’s Consumer Information Line at: 1-877-772-3777

For information about current flood situations and, in the event of flooding, information on evacuation, road closures and safety precautions, contact the Flood Information Line at 1-888-350-6070