Are you well protected against natural disasters like flooding?

Natural disasters: what to do when nature turns nasty

What if strong winds ripped off a tree branch that smashed your roof or a tornado destroyed the patio you renovated only last year or flooding transformed your basement into a wading pool? The best response is to contact your insurance brokerage as soon as possible – they will tell you what to do.

You should also prevent any damage from getting worse. For example, move your furniture to the ground floor if your basement is flooded and try to contain water seepage. If you need to purchase equipment or materials, keep your receipts and do your best to inform your broker before undertaking any repair work.

What home insurance covers

Most basic home insurance policies cover damage caused by hail, tornadoes, other strong winds and forest fires.

Did an ice storm cause an electrical outage that spoiled all the food in your freezer? If so, your home insurance can cover you up to $1,000 worth of losses.

Some of your property (like a gazebo or patio furniture) is covered against hailstorms, but that’s not the case for your cedar hedge, your tomato plants or your hundred-year-old trees.

Endorsements to your policy

Some losses, such as water damage, are not covered by your basic home insurance, but could be under additional protection called an endorsement. For example, endorsements can cover a sagging or collapsing roof or water seepage caused by melting snow.

• Flood insurance

  Every spring brings flooding in many regions of Quebec. Spring thaw can cause water to seep into your home and cause substantial damage. That’s why additional insurance protection against flood damage has become available in recent years.

  Various types of endorsements exist, such as against ground-level damage caused by a sewer backup or water seepage from the roof. Check with your insurance broker for more information.

• Earthquake insurance

  Many people are unaware that the risk of earthquake, albeit slight, is real in Quebec. However, most types of earthquake damage are not covered by your basic home insurance policy.

  That requires an endorsement against “damage resulting from an earthquake.” Damage resulting from post-earthquake fire, smoke or explosion can also be included. Check with your broker to learn more.

Note: Landslides are not covered by home insurance – neither in basic policies, nor in endorsements.

“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

Many types of water damage can be avoided, even that due to heavy rain or spring thaw.

Check with your municipality about flood risk and the current flood regulations in your area. Also take a look at the Quebec Ministry of Public Security’s flood zone map. Are you in a “red” flood zone?

Every year you need to take steps to prevent flood damage.

• Make sure that your roof is in good condition and that your doors and windows are caulked to prevent water seepage.
• Make sure that your downspouts are far enough from your house and that the rainwater or snowmelt does not flow towards your neighbour’s property.
• Make sure that your house foundations are in good condition. Fix cracks as soon as they appear.
• Assess the levelling of your land. Even a slight slope can channel water towards your house foundations.

With these preventive steps and good home insurance, Mother Nature won’t have a chance! And don’t hesitate to contact us for any other questions – prevention is better than cure!