Understanding Your Home Insurance Coverage for Flood Damage

Posted May 8th, 2023

Spring is a season of renewal and growth, but it can also bring an increased risk of flooding for homeowners in Canada. Heavy rainfall and snowmelt can cause water levels to rise rapidly, potentially causing severe damage to homes and personal property.

EMRG members respond to a high volume of residential flood damage calls during the spring season. On many occasions, the homeowner was not covered for floods by their home insurance, or they did not have adequate coverage for flood damage. That is why it is so important to review your home insurance policy before it’s too late.

The High Cost of Flood Damage

Flood damage can be devastating for homeowners, both emotionally and financially. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the average cost to repair a basement flood is $43,000. Flooding can cause considerable damage to walls, floors, and personal property. Without proper insurance coverage, homeowners may be left with a significant financial burden to repair their home and replace their belongings.

Review Your Home Insurance Policy for Flooding

It’s essential to understand what your home insurance policy covers and what it does not cover when it comes to flood damage. Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage caused by overland flooding, including water that enters the home from the ground up, such as through foundation cracks or the basement windows and doors. Some policies may offer limited coverage for water damage caused by sump pump failure or sewer backup, but it’s essential to review your policy carefully and speak with your insurance provider to ensure you have sufficient coverage.

To protect your home and property from flood damage, you may need to purchase additional flood insurance coverage. The amount of coverage and cost of the policy will depend on various factors, including your home’s location, the level of flood risk in your area, and the value of your property.

Don’t let spring floods catch you off guard.  Contact your insurance provider to discuss your flood insurance options and get the peace of mind you deserve.

Preparing for Springtime Floods

There are steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of flood damage to their home and property:

• Regular maintenance of gutters, downspouts, and sump pumps can help ensure that water is effectively diverted away from the property.
• Checking for cracks in the home’s foundation after the winter months and professionally repairing any damage to prevent water seepage.
• Installing backwater valves to prevent water from backing up into the home.
• In the event of an imminent flood, it’s important to have an emergency plan in place that includes evacuation procedures and a list of essential items to bring with you.

Contact an EMRG Member First for Help with Flood Damage and Insurance Claims

If you’ve experienced a flood in your home, the first call you should make is to EMRG Canada. Our local members have been vetted and approved for membership based on their high standards of quality, professionalism, and expertise in the insurance restoration industry. EMRG members have the experience and equipment necessary to mitigate flood damage quickly and effectively, preventing further harm to your property. By calling EMRG Canada first, you can ensure that your home is restored as fast and efficiently as possible.

In addition to providing immediate assistance with cleanup and restoration, EMRG members can also help you navigate the insurance claims process. They will work closely with your insurance company to ensure that your claim is processed smoothly and that you receive the coverage you’re entitled to. Our members have a thorough understanding of insurance policies and can help you understand the process, properly document the damage, answer your questions, and ensure that you’re not left with any unexpected expenses.

By calling EMRG Canada first, you’ll have a trusted partner in your corner to help you through the difficult process of recovering from flood damage.