When Your Property Suffers Water Damage
July 21, 2010
Be careful!
Do not turn on any electrical switches until your electrical system has been checked. Turn off your main switch by standing on a dry surface and using a piece of heavy rubber plastic or dry wood. If you have gas service, check for fumes. If you notice an odour, call the gas company immediately.
Protect it
Take steps immediately to protect your property from further damage. Board up holes or shut off water supplies to ensure your belongings are not damaged more than they have been. Move items out of wet basements and away from flooded parts of your home. Save receipts for materials you use. Any reasonable costs associated with protecting your property will be covered by your insurance company if the loss is covered by the policy.
Call your insurance representative
As soon as possible, let your insurance representative know what has happened. This representative will begin work with you to ensure your damage is assessed, your insurance company is notified and you are compensated as quickly as possible if the loss is covered by the policy.
What's covered
Normally insurance policies cover water damage caused by the sudden and accidental escape of water from a watermain; the sudden and accidental escape of water or steam from within a plumbing, heating, sprinkler or air conditioning system or domestic water container which is located inside your dwelling; the sudden and accidental escape of water from a domestic water container located outside the dwelling (but there is no coverage if the escape of water is caused by freezing); and water which enters through an opening which has been created suddenly and accidentally by a insured peril other than water damage (for example windstorm or hail, fire or lightning or falling object). Sewer back-up may or may not be covered.
Water damage caused by surface water or the rising of the water table (for example, overflowing rivers or creeks) is not covered. Other exclusions apply, such as damage caused by continuous or repeated seepage or leakage of water. If you are not sure of your coverage, contact your insurance representative.
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"Insurance Bureau of Canada" (IBC) is the national trade association of non-government property and casualty (P&C) insurers, the private companies that insure the cars, homes and businesses of Canadians. Its website has many articles and downloadable publications on aspects of insuring and looking after your home.
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