insurance iq
Until recently, comprehensive water
coverage (a.k.a. flood insurance)
was not available to homeowners in
Canada, including Saskatchewan.
But many insurance companies
are now offering much improved
and expanded water coverage that
includes damage from flooding. CAA
Saskatchewan, through our trusted
insurance providers, now offers options
for most properties, covering an array
of water-related damages including:
• Flooding from nearby rivers or lakes.
• Surface water caused by a sudden
weather-related event, like heavy
rainfall or spring thaw.
• Water, septic or sewer backup of
water and/or sewage.
• Rising of the water table, whereby
ground water enters your home from a
point that is below grade.
how you can protect your home and
property with deeper coverage
By kellie davenport
SaSkatchewan reSidentS are far too
familiar with the devastating effects of
floods. In 2014, more than 30 com-
munities declared states of emergency
due to flooding. The massive deluge
of water caused washed-out highways,
dangerous travel conditions and
flooding in homes. Communities and
residents struggled to manage the
rising waters.
Today, spring melts, summer storms,
saturated water tables, compromised
sewer systems and climate change can
mean water damage to your home.
More than half of all home insurance
claims made are now water related.
Those water and sewer backup claims
The High
Ground
Protect your
home and its
contents with a
few preventative
measures
22
summer 2017
can be difficult to manage, expensive
and may result in the loss of irreplace-
able belongings.
Of course, there are things that you
can and should do at home to protect
your family and property from the
potentially destructive force of flood-
ing. First, make sure you are properly
covered with home insurance.
Not all forms of water damage are
covered under standard home policies.
Traditionally, most plans covered the
sudden and accidental discharge of
water, like damage done by a burst
pipe. But you would usually have to
purchase an additional endorsement
for things like sewer backup.
• Move items to
higher ground, like
a second floor or
an attic
• Bring in outdoor
furniture and acces-
sories when possible
• Fix all leaks in your
roof and basement • Regularly clear
debris from gutters
and drains
• Install a sump pump • Create a thorough
CAA saskatchewan
This all sounds good, but you’re
probably wondering: How much will
it cost me? The cost of water coverage
is determined by the location of
your property, limits of coverage and
deductibles.
To reduce costs, consider setting
a higher deductible and installing
some flood mitigation devices in
your home. Backwater valves, sump
pumps and water detection tools can
help protect your home and reduce
insurance expenses.
To ensure you always have the
right coverage for your home and
belongings, review your policy
documents regularly and speak to
your broker if you’re not clear on
your coverage.
Talk to your CAA Insurance Broker
about water coverage today:
caask.ca/insurance
inventory of your
home contents
• If a flood is immi-
nent, shut off power
to your home
• Evaluate your home
insurance annually
Flood Facts