Quebec residents warned of ‘inevitable’ delays in reaching insurers post-flooding

Quebec residents warned of ‘inevitable’ delays in reaching insurers post-flooding | Insurance Business Canada

Catastrophe & Flood

Quebec residents warned of ‘inevitable’ delays in reaching insurers post-flooding

Homeowners urged to document damage for the claims process

Catastrophe & Flood

By
Grant Funtila

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has warned homeowners in Quebec of “inevitable delays” when it comes to reaching insurers following flooding from tropical storm Debby.

“All insurance companies have mobilized all available personnel to respond to calls and start claims as quickly as possible,” said Pierre Babinsky, the director of communication and public affairs at the IBC, acknowledging that the association is aware of delays.

He also mentioned that it’s too early to determine how many homes were affected, as flood reports have been widespread, especially in areas like St-Laurent, Beaconsfield, and Dollard-des-Ormeaux, where Montreal saw over 150 millimetres of rain.

Babinsky advised homeowners to begin the cleanup process immediately and to document everything. This includes taking photographs of the damage, noting the height of the accumulated water, keeping records of items discarded, and saving receipts for services hired.

“What people need to realize is that even if it takes a couple of days, it won’t negatively impact their insurance claim,” Babinsky said.

In addition, Babinsky also warned homeowners that any money spent on cleanup would be deducted from the coverage amount specified in their insurance policy. For example, if you’re covered for sewer backups up to $40,000 and spend $10,000 on cleanup, only $30,000 will be left for repairs and replacements.

He also emphasized that some types of water damage, like infiltration through the roof or sewer backups, are often optional add-ons to standard insurance contracts. If these endorsements aren’t included in your policy, that damage may not be covered.

“Infiltration through the roof, through the foundation, sewer backups are all optional protections,” Babinsky said. “As a citizen, you may have other recourses if a third party might be responsible, but … if the endorsement is not in the contract, then that damage will not be covered.”

In problematic areas, insurance companies might reduce or refuse coverage until the municipality addresses the underlying issues.

At the same time, Quebec has announced its disaster financial assistance program will be available to eligible citizens and municipalities affected by the floods. The eligibility list hasn’t been released yet, but residents are encouraged to monitor the government’s website.

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