Insurance Bureau of Canada launches helpline for flood-stricken Ottawa residents

An Ottawa resident took this photo of the flooding in their basement on July 1, 2026. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says residents should check their policies for the type of flooding coverage they have. (Submitted)

The Insurance Bureau of Canada says it has launched its virtual community assistance helpline to provide information to Ottawa residents on the insurance claims process after Wednesday’s flooding.

Ottawa received 118 millimetres of rain on Wednesday during several intense thunderstorms, leading to more than 1,900 flooded basements and widespread power outages.

The bureau says as water recedes, affected residents should begin their claims process with their respective insurers.

“No two policies are the same and it all depends on how the water came into your home,” Anne Marie Thomas, the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Consumer and Industry Relations Director, told Newstalk 580 CFRA.

“Your typical homeowner policy will cover you for something like a pipe bursting in your home or a malfunctioning water tank or something like that. Damage caused by a sewer backup or overland flood, those are optional coverages and if you didn’t purchase them, you may not have coverage for this event yesterday.”

When it is safe to do so, these tips from the insurance bureau can help you start your claim:

• Assess and document the damage. Taking photos can be helpful.
• Call your insurance representative or your insurer’s claims department to report your damage.
• If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Keep damaged items unless they pose a health hazard.
• Keep notes. Be as detailed as possible when documenting damage and providing information.
• Keep all receipts related to cleanup.
• If you’ve been displaced, keep the receipts for your additional living expenses. Ask your insurance representative if you are covered for additional living expenses and for what period of time.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada says affected residents should check their policies for the kinds of coverage they have. Options include:

• Sewer backup: Water damage in a basement due to sewer backup is only covered if you have purchased specific, optional sewer backup coverage.
• Overland flood damage: This occurs when bodies of water such as rivers overflow onto dry land. This optional coverage is widely available in Ontario but often includes coverage limits and may be unavailable if you live in a known flood-plain or high-risk area.
• Roof leaks: Water damage to the interior of your home caused by water entering through a roof leak is typically covered under a standard home insurance policy – but the roof damage itself isn’t covered if it’s due to wear and tear or poor maintenance.
• Coastal/storm surge: Home insurance and business insurance policies generally do not cover damage caused by coastal flooding and/or storm surge.
• Wind damage: Damage to homes caused by wind is usually covered. This coverage includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage caused by water entering through openings created by a storm.
• Additional living expenses: In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to return home due to insured damage are entitled to additional living expenses.
• Vehicle damage: If you have purchased comprehensive or all perils automobile insurance coverage, damage to vehicles from wind is usually covered. This coverage is not mandatory, so check your policy.

“With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and more severe, there is a definite uptick in the purchase of sewer backup and overland flood coverage. I guess people are realizing that no one is immune and they are starting to protect themselves via their insurance policy,” Thomas said.

People with general insurance questions can contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) the bureau says.

Affected residents can also visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Flooding and Insurance webpage to learn more about insurance and the various stages of the claims process.

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