Insurance

Tropical Storm Debby: What you need to know if you've been affected by flooding

August 13, 2024

Heavy rain has hit many regions, causing damage to homes, basements and vehicles. Some areas even had to be temporarily evacuated.

Our teams are working hard to support people covered by our insurance who are affected by the situation. Despite the high volume of calls, we'll follow up with you as soon as possible.

Minimizing damage and preparing your claim

To minimize damage, start removing any excess water if you haven't already done so. Your health and safety come first, so don't worry about contacting your insurance company before trying to prevent any further damage, such as mould and mildew, in areas that were flooded.

Taking photos and documenting your claim will speed up processing. If you incur any costs, make sure you hang on to any receipts and supporting documents for your expenses. An expert or claims advisor can confirm what's covered by your insurance, as well as tell you about any restrictions.

Here are some things you can do in case of flooding:

Remove and mop up as much water as possible within the first 24 hours.
Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove water.
Use a dehumidifer (commonly used in basements) and air out the room with a fan.
Don't overheat the room. Keep it at a normal temperature for the time of year.
Wipe down any damp surfaces and dry out fabrics.
Remove wet cushions from your couches and chairs, and lean them against a wall so they dry out evenly. Sponge dry any wet carpets or rugs, using a clean white towel (to avoid any colour transfer).
Sponge dry any wet carpets or rugs, using a clean white towel (to avoid any colour transfer).
Move furniture and other belongings to a dry area or raise them on blocks or styrofoam panels.
Keep badly damaged furniture if you can, unless it would pose a risk to your health or safety. If the furniture is not safe to keep, take photos and make a list of the items before you throw it out.
Throw out any building materials you rip out or remove. Take photos and keep a sample of your flooring.
Take pictures of the damages, hang on to any receipts and supporting documents for your expenses.

Now that extreme weather events are becoming more common, it may be a good idea to take preventive measures. Regularly inspecting your drainage systems, installing sump pumps and backwater valves and updating your insurance to ensure it covers flood-related needs could help protect your property from future damage.