Protecting your home from water damage

Each year, thousands of people find out the hard way that their insurance doesn’t cover certain water damage. Keep reading and we’ll tell you what your options are.

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The numbers behind water damage

Water damage is the most frequent home insurance claim in Quebec. Did you know that:

48%

of home insurance claims are for water damage

$18,000

is the average claim amount for water damage

37%

of homeowners wrongly believe that they are covered for all types of water damage

Are you at risk?

Some houses are more at risk than others... and the owners or tenants may not even realize it. Take the test! Depending on the answers you provide, you might want to double-check your coverage:

  1. Do you have a finished basement?
  2. Is your home over 30 years old?
  3. Do your gutters work properly?
  4. Is an anti-return valve installed?
  5. Is your home located near a waterway?

Basic coverage Does your insurance cover everything that matters?

Your basic coverage includes:

  • Ruptured or leaky indoor piping
  • Accidental overflow of sanitary installations (bath, toilet, washing machine, hot water tank, etc.)

But it doesn't cover:

  • water seepage through the ground or foundation
  • sewer backflow
  • body-of-water overflow
  • water seepage through roof or windows

More options Protection to consider

All coverage amounts can be adjusted to your:

  • actual needs
  • location
  • home’s value
EndorsementWhat it coversExamples
Sewers (8047)Accidental escape, overflow or backing up of sewersYour toilet overflows as a result of a blockage in the municipal sewer system.
Ground water and sewers (8045)Seepage of ground water through the foundation and its openings, and the accidental escape, overflow or backing up of sewersWater seeps into your home through a crack in the foundation after a heavy rainfall.
Ground water, sewers and overflow of body of water (8046)Overflow of a body of water, seepage of ground water through the foundation and its openings, and the accidental escape, overflow or backing up of sewersThe spring thaw causes a river to overflow and floods your basement.
Water supply lines breakage (8041)Unlimited protection in the event that the water supply line breaksYour home’s water main suddenly bursts causing significant damage.
Above ground water (8043) Seepage through the roof, doors and windowsHeavy rain seeps in through a poorly caulked, second storey window.

Are you financially protected in the event of water damage?

This will depend on your water damage coverage and amount selected.

When it comes to water damage endorsements, you must select a specific coverage amount. This is the maximum amount that you could claim for water damage. To make sure you have enough, you must calculate the amount it would take to rebuild your home.

For example, if your finished basement is flooded, you must factor in the replacement cost of the damaged floors, walls, furniture, electronics... without forgetting demolition costs and storage and living expenses. All this at actual market value. Because even an old sofa has to be replaced with a new, more expensive one.

Take a few minutes to double-check your coverage

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9 ways to prevent water damage

Useful advice you can apply today!

Regularly inspect your plumbing

Pipes, faucets, water heaters: it’s better to spot leaks early and quickly repair them. Please note that water heaters should be replaced every 10 to 12 years.

Install a water leak detector

These small devices will alert you as soon as water is detected and avoid more substantial damage.

Clean your gutters and window wells

Clogged gutters can cause water seepage. Cleaning them in the fall should prevent that.

Make sure the roof, doors and windows are watertight

Inspect them at least once a year in the spring or after a major storm.

Add an anti-return valve

An additional protective measure that can prevent sewer backflow into your home.

Protect your basement

Use material, for flooring and walls, that is moisture resistant. Avoid storing valuables in the basement, but if you must, keep them in watertight bins.

Beware prolonged absences from home

When spending more than 3 days away, shut the water main off and ask a trusted person to check on your home.

Check your yard

Make sure water flows away from the foundation. Avoid planting trees too close to the drains.

Get a sump pump

If you already have a sump pump, add a battery-operated one in case of a power outage. It’s a small investment that could save your basement.

Further insights