Is your home insurance protecting you from water damage?

by Bevan_Insurance | May 19, 2017

Flooding has been all over the news lately; warnings of water damage abound on tv, radio and our social media news feeds.

The Toronto Islands are under threat from the rising level of water in Lake Ontario and there was a concern recently that the Don Valley Parkway would have to be shut on a Friday afternoon during commuting time due to heavy rain and possible flooding. Luckily, the DVP was not flooded and remained open but the threat remains.

It is not just the GTA that has been impacted. After two hot and humid days this week, there was a great deal of storm activity in Southern Ontario yesterday. It led to high winds and heavy rain which caused a great deal of damage to vehicles and homes, including a transport truck rolling over North of Toronto on Highway 400.

The combination of high water levels and heavy rain can become a huge problem for homeowners and those living on ground floors and in basements.

Often the cause of the water entering your home will determine what your insurance company will or will not cover.

Generally speaking, the main two coverages that focus on water damage in home policies include:

SEWER BACK-UP: which provides coverage for loss or damage caused by the sudden and accidental backing up or escape of water or sewage from a sewer, sump pump or septic system.

OVERLAND WATER: which provides coverage for the actual loss or damage caused by overland water including the sudden and accidental backing up or escaping of water or sewage from a sewer, sump pump or septic system resulting from overland water provided there is evidence the overland water has also entered the building from an entry point other than sewer backup itself.

It is best to have both sewer back-up and overland water coverages added to your policy as they will cover the majority of water problems homes can face. It is also important to know that seepage is not something that is ever covered. This is because seepage is defined as water entering your home through cracks, pores or gaps and is usually a result of a longer term problem like cracks in the foundation. Insurance, by definition, covers sudden and accidental incidents and not the day-to-day maintenance of your home.

The good news is that by taking steps to prevent water from entering your home can qualify you for discounts on your home insurance. If you have a back-up water valve, a sump pump or an unfinished basement, you could find yourself saving money through discounts.

Why not give our expert brokers a call today and talk about switching your home insurance? Find out about the #CoverageAsUniqueAsYou we have to offer at 1-800-667-9810. If you prefer, get a free quote here: https://www.dgbevan.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance/

Written by Bevan_Insurance

With a career spanning over 5 years in the dynamic realm of digital marketing, I am dedicated to crafting compelling narratives and working with licensed experts in the insurance field, to ensure we deliver for you.

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