Insurance Advice for Ontarians After Flash Floods

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Picture of By <span>Matthew Roberts</span>
By Matthew Roberts

Updated on October 9, 2024

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Picture of By <span>Matthew Roberts</span>
By Matthew Roberts

Updated October 9, 2024

Visit author page

3 minute read

Article Contents

Flooding remains the most frequent extreme weather event in Canada. As the incidence of catastrophic floods has increased in the past few years, it’s become more important than ever for homeowners to have coverage and protect their property. This was made starkly clear during the flash flooding in southern Ontario this July, which damaged hundreds of homes and businesses.

Summer 2024 Ontario Flash Floods at a Glance

  • On July 16, 2024, flash floods in Toronto and other parts of Ontario stalled traffic and caused peak power outages affecting at least 123,000 customers.
  • While Toronto was heavily affected by the flash flooding, other low-lying areas in Ontario, like Mississauga and Brampton, also reported flooded streets and building damage.
  • If you live in a flood hazard area in Ontario, check if you have overland flood coverage. Note that this is not a standard inclusion in home insurance and needs to be purchased as supplementary insurance. Additionally, overland flood coverage doesn’t include sewer backup coverage, which also needs to be added to a standard policy.

How severely did the summer flash floods affect Ontario, and what should homeowners do to be prepared for these disasters? Keep reading to learn more about how flooding impacted the province and get advice on home insurance needs related to flood damage.

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Which Ontario Communities Got Impacted the Most?

The following Ontario areas were noticeably affected by the flash flooding on July 16, 2024, and experienced these issues:

Over 100 mm of rain fell in parts of Toronto, with some homeowners reporting knee-deep flooding in their houses. Major freeways and roads had to be shut down because of submerged cars in gridlocked roads, and the Toronto Fire Service reportedly received nearly 1,700 calls for help and attended to more than 500 incidents between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day.

Several emergency response teams had to relocate over 100 residents of a local nursing home after the rainfall made the nearby Etobicoke Creek.

Multiple roads had to be closed to pedestrians and vehicles because of localized flooding.

Other areas such as Hamilton and Ottawa weren’t as heavily impacted as these communities, but they also experienced public transport disruptions and infrastructure damage.

Insurance Advice for Ontario Residents

With an expected rise in the incidence of extreme weather events in the next few years, homeowners should consider getting optional flash flood insurance in Ontario to help cover the cost of replacement, rebuilding, and repairs. Here are some insurance-related tips to help Ontario residents navigate this challenging situation:

Review your policy:

Check your home insurance policy and consider getting overland water coverage if you don’t have it yet. This typically covers damage caused by water overflowing from bodies of water like lakes and rivers. You can also get a separate endorsement for sewer backup coverage to protect your property when water backs up or overflows from a drain or sewer.

Be aware of your coverage limits:

Some insurers may have caps on payouts for claims at specific amounts. Check your policy and its add-ons for the claim caps and assess if you should increase these limits so you aren’t left out of pocket in case of flooding.

Add flood protection measures to your home:

Implementing flood-prevention measures to your home will protect it from damage and may make it eligible for home insurance discounts. Clean your roofing and gutters regularly, consider installing a basement sump pump, and keep appliances elevated above possible flood levels. Consult a contractor for additional advice to flood-proof your Ontario home.

Shop around:

As flooding becomes more serious and frequent, your home insurance premiums may start going up. Shop around and compare coverage and rates from different Ontario providers to find the best deal and keep your property safe.

insurance advice for ontario residents

Government Grants and Assistance Programs

In the wake of the increased severity and frequency of flash floods in Ontario, affected residents can turn to these various programs and government grants:

Homeowners and residential tenants can apply for financial assistance if a DRAO program has been activated in their area after a natural disaster. Administered by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, this program can help recipients cover repairs, emergency expenses, and replacement of essential property such as primary home or farm equipment.

Also administered by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, this program gives financial assistance to municipalities affected by local disasters. Residents and businesses can then apply for support from their respective municipalities.

Overseen by Public Safety Canada, this federal program provides financial assistance for municipalities and provinces so they can in turn provide resources for their local programs.

Key Advice from MyChoice

  • If you need to file a home insurance claim due to flash floods, remember to reach out to your insurer ASAP and provide detailed information to support your claim. Keep records of correspondence with your insurer and receipts for additional living expenses in case you’re displaced from your Ontario home.
  • Know your community’s flood history to understand the risks better and prepare your home with preventative measures like cleaning your gutters or installing sump pumps.
  • Sign up for local weather alerts and have an emergency kit with the essentials ready, should you need to evacuate.

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