With the uptick in weather-related incidents over the past few years, flood insurance in Ontario has become a staple in many people’s insurance policies. Water damage is one of the leading causes of home insurance claims in Canada, and Ontario homeowners are increasingly affected. Luckily, this is where flood insurance comes into play. Whether caused by a burst pipe, leaky roof, or flooded basement, not having flood insurance leads to thousands of dollars in repairs out of pocket. What is causing this uptick in weather-related incidents? What is the most common cause of flooding in Ontario? With extreme weather events becoming more common, understanding your coverage—and gaps in it—is more important than ever.
What Is Causing The Increase In Weather-Related Incidents?
The main cause is climate change. This leads to warmer air holding more moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall and more flooding. In turn, this results in more weather-related incidents occurring.
What Is The Most Common Cause Of Flooding In Ontario?
The most common cause of flooding in Ontario is heavy rainfall, which overwhelms drainage systems and can lead to sewage backups. This is especially the case in urban areas.
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Why Is Flood Insurance Necessary In Ontario?
Flood insurance is necessary due to the rise in weather-related events throughout Ontario during the past couple of years. There are many flood resources available, so be sure to check the ontario.ca website regularly for updates in your area.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), catastrophic weather-related losses now exceed $2 billion annually, with water damage representing a major portion of claims. The biggest driver of this? Climate change. Warmer air tends to hold more moisture, thus leading to more intense events of rainfall and flooding. Ontario has already begun to see its fair share of weather-related catastrophes over the past couple of years. Across Canada, climate change is causing not only heavier rainfall but also intense flooding.
In insurance terms, flooding typically includes:
- Heavy rainfall or snowmelt
- Overflow from rivers, lakes, or streams
- Stormwater entering the home from outside
- Sewer backup caused by system overload
Flooding can be characterized into two different types: overland flooding, when water enters from outside the home, and sewer backup, when water enters through plumbing or drains.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Water Damage In Ontario Homes?
Water damage in Ontario is most commonly caused by burst pipes, sewer backups, heavy rainfall, and roof damage from ice dams.
1. Roof Damage and Ice Dams
Winter conditions can cause ice buildup, forcing water under shingles and into the home. This is generally caused by what is known as an ice dam. An ice dam occurs when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and refreezes overnight as temperatures drop. When more water melts on the roof, it backs up behind the ice. When the water freezes, the dam then continues to grow. This can end up wreaking havoc on your roof, causing flooding, ruining your gutters and loosening your shingles.
To prevent ice dams, it’s recommended to regularly clean your eavestroughs and remove any snow buildup on your roof that occurs. It is also important to set up your eavestroughs so no water pools around your home’s foundation.
2. Frozen or Burst Pipes
A burst pipe is one of the most common occurrences that flood insurance will cover. Pipes in unheated areas (like garages, crawl spaces, or exterior walls) are prone to freezing. This is especially the case in older homes that aren’t as insulated. When water freezes and expands, pipes can burst, resulting in thousands of dollars in water damage. Luckily, burst pipes can be prevented by simply installing some insulation sleeves around pipes that are in unheated spaces of the home. When winter rolls around, disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses. If you are leaving your home for more than four days, it is recommended to shut off your water and drain your pipes. If you’re unable to do so, ask someone to check your home during long vacations!
3. Foundation and Wall Leaks
Cracks in your foundation or exterior walls allow water to seep in slowly, especially during the spring thaw or after heavy rainfall. Luckily, this type of water damage can generally be prevented by showing your home some TLC. To begin, start by inspecting and sealing any cracks you find in your walls and basement floors. When shovelling in the winter, clear snow away from the foundation of your home as well as any window wells. In some cases, some landscaping may be necessary to eliminate the issue. Design your landscaping to allow water to run away from the home as opposed to towards it. Sloping hills and strategically placed shrubbery can also assist in keeping your basement dry!
4. Sewer Backups
Basements are particularly vulnerable to sewer backups, especially after heavy rains or when the municipal system is overwhelmed. Sump pumps are a useful way of preventing flooding in your basement. This is an electrical device that is installed in a home’s basement that collects groundwater from around the home’s foundation and pumps it safely away. Make sure you regularly test your sump pump and make sure it doesn’t fail. By installing one, you may also qualify for a home insurance discount!
Other methods of protecting your basement from flood damage include waterproofing your walls and floors with sealants and weeping tiles, and adding a backwater valve in order to prevent sewer water from entering your home. Remember to keep fats, oils and grease out of your drains!
Frequently Asked Questions About Flood Insurance in Ontario
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Ontario?
In Ontario, flood insurance consists of overland water coverage and sewer backup coverage. Overland water coverage will protect you from elements outside, while sewer backup will protect you from any issues with your pipes or sewage systems!
Most homeowners are surprised to learn that basic policies exclude overland flooding and sewer backups. To be protected, you’ll need to purchase optional home insurance endorsements. The most popular, overland water coverage and sewer backup coverage, will ensure you remain protected in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding.
What Flood Insurance Usually Does Not Cover
- Gradual leaks
- Neglected maintenance
- Groundwater seepage (policy dependent)
- Unrepaired prior damage
- Mould due to delayed cleanup
What is Overland Water Coverage?
Overland water coverage is an optional type of flood insurance endorsement that will protect your home from heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, or the overflowing of lakes and rivers, causing damage to your home. There may be some cases where overland flood coverage is provided in your standard insurance policy, but rarely. In most cases, it must be added. Overland water coverage will protect you from the following:
- Rain accumulation entering through doors or basement windows.
- Water is entering through cracks in the foundation or basement walls.
- Overflow from rivers, lakes, or streams.
- Water is entering through garage doors or low-level entries.
What is Sewer Backup Coverage?
Sewer Backup Coverage is another optional type of flood insurance endorsement that is added to homeowners’ policies. Unlike overland water coverage, sewer backup will cover any damages to your home that is caused by sewage or water backup through drains, toilets or septic systems. There are many different causes of a sewer backup, including:
- Heavy rain is overflowing the city’s main drain
- A sump pump failure (can be due to power outages or no backup battery)
- Aging sewer systems
- Cracked or deteriorating city lines
- Blockages in your home’s plumbing
Many insurers can now offer you residential overland flood coverage. This coverage is optional and combined with sewer back-up coverage, which is also optional. Even if you don’t live by a lake or river, your home may experience flood damage in various ways. Check with your isure representative on cost and availability for your home.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Ontario?
Like most types of insurance, there are many different factors that can affect how much you pay for flood insurance. Most notably, your risk level and location will play a major part. Generally speaking, homes that are near water or in flood-prone zones will typically pay higher premiums. Depending on your home’s risk level, you can expect to pay the following:
| Risk Level | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Low-risk area | $15–$35/month |
| Moderate-risk area | $35–$80/month |
| High-risk area | $100+/month |
Some other flood insurance cost factors to keep in mind
- Postal code / flood zone
- Claims history
- Age of home
- Basement finish level
- Sump pump / backwater valve discounts
- Coverage limits
- Deductible selected
How to Be Proactive Against Water Damage in Your Home
Flooding and water damage expenses are expensive, stressful, and more often than not, preventable. By taking proactive steps and securing the right flood insurance coverage in Ontario, you can protect your home and avoid the headache of uncovered claims.
You can purchase overland flooding coverage if you live in an area designated as a flood zone. If you have an all-risk or comprehensive policy, there is coverage for water damage, except for those that your insurer explicitly mentions. Have questions about your policy or whether you’re adequately covered? Contact your isure insurance broker today for a policy review and personalized advice.
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