After heavy rain caused flooding in Montreal and Edmonton, Canadians should check their insurance policies for flood coverage.

Most home insurance policies in Canada do not cover flood damage, leaving many with big repair bills.

Standard home insurance does not include flood or sewer backup coverage. You must add these at extra cost.

Check with your insurance provider to ensure you have flood coverage, which can save you thousands of dollars.

In Montreal, heavy rain caused flash flooding, damaging homes and leaving thousands without power.

Edmonton's storm drain system is full after heavy rain, causing localized flooding.

Weather events like floods and wildfires have increased insurance premiums in Canada by up to 45% in six years.

Insurance premiums are rising due to extreme weather across Canada. Many provinces have been hit by big events.

It's becoming a structural issue, with premium increases not keeping up with the costs.

Weather events also cost insurance companies billions each year.

The years 2020 to 2025 had the most costly catastrophic event claims in Canada, with 2024 being the most expensive at $8.6 billion.

In 2024, flooding in Quebec and Ontario cost $3.7 billion.

Not all insurance policies cover extreme flooding events.

Flood coverage is not included in many policies because it's a relatively new threat for insurance companies.

Home insurance was created to cover fire damage, not water damage.

Fire is still a threat, but water damage causes the biggest losses.

A third of Canadians said they experienced extreme weather in the last year.

Standard home insurance policies include wind, hail, and wildfire coverage, but not flood or sewer backup.

Flood and sewer backup coverage are optional and cost extra.

Canadians without flood coverage may have to pay for repairs themselves.

Homeowners need to understand that without flood coverage, they may not be able to claim for flooded basements.

Some homeowners may not be able to get flood coverage due to where they live.

Communities built on floodplains flood every year.

You don't have to live near water to be affected by floods.

Canadians should check their policies for flood coverage and consider adding it.

Those who can't afford extra premiums can take steps to prevent water damage.

Experts suggest consulting with professionals and making home upgrades to prevent damage.

Homeowners should ensure water flows away from their homes and keep eavestroughs clear.

Backflow prevention valves and sump pumps can prevent basement flooding.

These devices protect homes from sewage backups and remove groundwater.

Homeowners should check their home's grading to ensure water flows away from the foundation.

They should also monitor for pooling after heavy rain and make modifications if needed.

Even with mitigation systems, severe storms can still cause basement flooding.

Get the facts on flooding and insurance.

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