Water Damage Insurance

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What you need to know about home water damage insurance in Canada

Does your insurance cover you for all types of water damage? It's not guaranteed that it does. Water can be a homeowner's worst enemy at times. So, it's important to ensure you have the proper amount of water damage insurance in place.

Water damage insurance policies are not all treated the same – that’s why you need to trust that your policy will cover you no matter what happens to your home. With the drastic increase in severe weather such as heavy rain, fail, freeze-thaws and flooding cycles, homeowners are becoming more concerned about how water damage can affect their property.

Water is the most common cause of damage in homes. It accounts for 50% of property insurance claims costs for Canadians. With ThinkInsure, our experts will make sure you have the best water damage insurance in place to protect your home. We work with the leading insurance providers in Canada so we'll compare quotes and plans to get you the lowest rate for your policy.

Keep reading to learn more about water damage insurance and get some great tips to protect your home against water damage.

What is water damage insurance?

Water damage insurance is included with most home insurance policies. It can cover repairs and replacement due to some types of water-related damage to your property. Most plans will include basic water protection, but it’s highly recommended to purchase additional endorsements to increase your plan limits. Why? Various types of water damage may not be included.

The same applies to condo insurance and tenant insurance, but it will depend on the policy.

How does water damage insurance work?

The basic level of your homeowner’s insurance includes some accidental water damage coverage. This could include a water line break, overflows from your washer or bathtub, or severe weather that causes water to get inside your dwelling. Unless you have a water endorsement, you will not be protected from other water events such as if water enters your home from the sewer or the ground.

Water damage is covered if it's accidental or from an unforeseen event. If you neglect your home or fail to keep up with repairs, your claim could be denied.

An example of water damage and insurance

There was heavy rainfall one afternoon and a tree fell onto your roof. It causes damage to your roof and water pours into your home. It pools in the attic and then starts to come through the ceiling on the second floor. You are covered for the water damage because this is an unforeseen event. You file a water damage claim. You pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the cost of the repairs.

A few months later, you notice a musty smell in a bedroom where repairs took place. You give your provider a call and mention you see new signs of mold. Since the claim was covered previously, and you used the contractor recommended by your insurer, they’ll cover the cost of mold remediation.

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How to get water damage insurance

Get additional protection for your home with water damage insurance. Get started by comparing quotes online and then our advisors will help you get insured.

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Kevin St Clair

2024-11-28

Betsy was a genuine pleasure to deal with considering the circumstances. Thanks again for all your help

Anthony Gomez

2024-11-27

Today, I want to take a moment to recognize Monica Chan, an exceptional insurance broker who has consistently gone above and beyond in her service to me. Monica's dedication to punctuality and consideration has been truly remarkable. She has always been prompt in responding to my inquiries and has never hesitated to offer her expertise and guidance. With Monica as my broker, I have never once felt worried about anything going wrong. Her proactive approach and attention to detail have provided me with peace of mind, knowing that my insurance needs are well-taken care of. Throughout our interactions, Monica has been incredibly helpful, patiently explaining complex insurance concepts and ensuring that I fully understand my coverage options. I wholeheartedly recommend Monica Chan to anyone seeking an insurance broker who genuinely cares about their clients' best interests. Her commitment to excellence and her willingness to go the extra mile make her an invaluable asset in the insurance industry.

Phyllis Baker

2024-11-20

Absolutely amazing service the broker Todd worked on my quote fast I recommend this company to anyone very professional I’m so glad I called them .. Thank you for your great work

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2024-11-15

Betsy Bannon has been nothing short of amazing at helping us through the complex process of acquiring business insurance. She quickly understood our needs and expertly guided us to the right solution. From start to finish, she made us feel like her most important client which gave us the confidence that we were in great hands. We highly recommend Betsy!

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2024-11-05

I had a great experience with Patrick Vuong. He went above and beyond to help me update last minute changes to my policy in order to qualify for a government grant. Staying back late and coming in early the next day to help finishes the changes. Very kind and professional!

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2024-11-05

Betsy Bannon is a professional extremely friendly and knowledgeable and made my experience wonderful! Highly recommend her for any insurance needs. Mark Gaffney

fabian ward

2024-11-04

Great service! Prompt and very helpful! Thanks to Todd allan for really helping me out!

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2024-11-01

Great experience working with Sohel Rahman, appreciate his honest and can-do attitude. Highly recommend!

What type of water damage is covered by insurance?

bathroom in home with bathtub, sinks, shower, and hardwood floor

Standard homeowners plans cover some types of water damage, but not all. If the peril is included in your plan, you will be covered if the incident is accidental or sudden. Again, you are only covered for the perils and threats listed in your policy.

If you neglected leaks or seepage, or you foresaw a potential issue and didn’t do anything about it insurers may not approve your claim.

All it takes is one issue with water to see how much damage it can do. You’ll also see how fast the costs to clean, repair, or replace your flooring, furniture, and dry walling can add up. Most people don’t have this type of money to cover these repairs.

Some examples of water damage that is typically covered by insurance include:

Water main breaks: If your home experiences damage from a water main break, the city/town is responsible for repairs. However, you will need to repair or replace the water main connected to your home. Insurance may be able to support you with this depending on the circumstances.
Burst pipes: Depending on how the pipes burst, your insurer can support repairs. But, if you turn off the heat for a few days in the winter, or you are away and your pipes freeze, you may not be approved for a claim.
Accidental leaks: If you experience accidental leaks from an appliance or plumbing, such as a washing machine, hot water tank, or dishwasher.
Weather: Damages from heavy rainfall, hail, and ice dams that build up in your gutter, can all be covered as long as there is no sign of poor maintenance.

You can add additional water damage protection or inclusions, such as riders. Whichever you opt for, we strongly recommend that you read and understand the protection it will provide for you. You don’t want to be surprised with a denied claim because you didn’t fully understand your policy.

Always remember that some of these are optional - you will need to get extended coverage if you want better protection. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about your insurance or options for adding additional protection.

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What water damage will insurance not cover?

Not all types of water damage are included with your basic home insurance in Ontario and other parts of Canada. Adding water protection endorsements is highly recommended. It’s important to be aware of the types of damage that are not covered, including:

Lack of proper maintenance: You have a responsibility to maintain your property. This means you must take consistent action to ensure that water doesn’t enter your home because of clogged eaves troughs or downspouts, a faulty septic system, or pipe issues. It also means that it won’t cover you for this kind of damage if it’s a result of an unresolved maintenance issue such as a cracked foundation.
When you’re away for a prolonged length of time: If you leave the water on when you are away for a prolonged time, and the pipes burst or freeze, you may not be covered for the loss. You must think about ways to minimize the possibility.
The source of the water damage: Most policies will not cover the source of the problem – for example, a faulty hot water tank or sump pump failure – but they will cover the costs of replacing the damage caused by the tank.
Damage from flooding: You will need to purchase additional overland water coverage to be protected.
Sewer backup: It’s recommended to have sewer backup insurance to protect you against repairs and loss if your home or condo experiences this issue.

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Where can you get additional water damage insurance?

Every company offers different types of protection to help you get your head back above water. Adding additional coverage to protect against water damage is made easy by some of the top insurers. Here are some of the best water damage insurance plans to not only protect your home but to help you save money.

Company	Water Damage Protection Endorsements
Aviva	Sewer backup is available across Canada. Overland water is available for Alberta and Ontario residents who have a sewer backup rider.
CAA	Ontario residents can invest in the enhanced water coverage plan to protect against water from entering their homes.
Economical	Overland water, sewer backup
Gore Mutual	WaterEscape Plus includes overland water and sewer backup (Ontario residents only)
Intact	Overland water coverage, sewer backup, groundwater coverage, and enhanced water damage package which includes septic failure, drain failure, and sump pump failure.
Pembridge	Overland water and sewer backup endorsements are available.
Unica	Watertight provides coverage for overland flooding, groundwater, surface water, and sewer backup.

Do you currently have insurance with one of these insurers? Let us know and we’ll help you add a water damage endorsement.

Water damage insurance FAQs

How much does water damage insurance cost?

Basic water damage protection is included as part of your Ontario home insurance. Many homeowners enhance coverage by adding sewer backup, overland flooding, and pool insurance (if you have a pool) for an additional cost. If you are looking for additional water damage insurance, contact us today.

How much water damage insurance do I need?

The amount of water damage insurance you need depends on many factors. Your location in relation to lakes and rivers and weather threats in your area are big factors in determining how much you will need. When you get a home insurance quote you’ll be asked about the details of your home, your surrounding environment, and any other specific requirements. When you speak with our experts, they will guide you through finding the best and most affordable plan to protect you in the event of water damage.

Is water damage included in my tenant policy?

As long as the water damage is caused by an accident, not negligence, your tenant insurance will cover you. For example, if there is a burst pipe and it causes damage to your belongings, your policy can cover some of the costs of repairing or replacing personal items.

Your landlord should also have rental property insurance to protect the physical structure of the building, but it will not cover your belongings if something happens to them.

Does condo insurance cover all types of water damage?

No, your condo insurance doesn’t cover all types of water damage. One of the most common misconceptions is that your plan will cover every type of damage you need to claim. You’ll need to add endorsements such as sewer backup or overland water coverage to ensure your condo is covered for any threat.

If you notice water issues in your unit, notify the property manager or superintendent immediately so they can work to find the source as soon as possible. Next, you’ll want to notify your insurer if there is any damage to your belongings or need repairs.

If you are wondering what you’ll be covered for if you experience water damage, contact your licensed ThinkInsure broker today. We can support you in making any changes to your policy or clarifying any aspects of your insurance.

Is there always mold with water damage?

Mold is one of the most common side effects of water issues. Mold and mildew damage can show up as quickly as 24-48 hours. Often, by the time a leak has been discovered, mold has already begun to surface. Take action as soon as possible to prevent the mold from growing. Talk to your advisor about your options for claiming mould issues.

Does insurance cover water leaks?

If the leak was caused by an accident your insurance will likely cover the damages for repairs. However, if the leak was caused by a consistent leak or poor maintenance, they will likely deny your claim as the damages could have been prevented.

Is water damage from a leaking shower covered by insurance?

Depending on how the leaking shower problem started, you’ll be covered by insurance. It’s always best to speak with one of our experts to confirm which types of water damage are covered under your plan.

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Should I submit a claim for water damage?

Depending on the extent of damage from water, you should contact your insurer to submit a claim. You’ll also want to consider how much your insurance deductible is. For example, if the cost of repairs is less than or only slightly more than your deductible, it may make more sense to pay out of pocket than to file. If you have any concerns or questions about your insurance or if you should file, contact ThinkInsure today.

Common areas for home water damage

While water damage can occur virtually anywhere, there are common areas where it is more likely to occur in your home. These are some of the most common:

Plumbing: A common source of leaks from old pipes, hot water tanks, toilets and faucets, or poor workmanship.
The roof: A leak in the roof can create water damage in multiple areas of your home. Make sure you keep your gutter clear to allow for proper runoff and check your roof annually for damaged shingles and other possible areas where it can get into your home.
Sump pump: A sump pump malfunction could cause levels to rise and get into your basement.
Drains: Basement drain clogs, left unaddressed, can cause water to get into your home. Check them annually.
Basement: You could experience basement flooding; it could get in through a crack in the foundation, and other sources.

Signs of water damage

Water damage can come from obvious events, such as weather or a burst pipe, or from slow leaks that may go undetected. To prevent damage, it’s important to check your home habitually for signs of water and hidden leaks.

Here are the most common:

Mold or wet spots: This is a telltale sign that water damage may be present. Common areas include the ceiling and interior or exterior walls. If you see mold, have a professional look. It’s also a sign you should start looking for the source of the issue even if it is not apparent.
Damp smell: If you can smell dampness, you likely have water getting into your home somewhere. Identify the area where the smell is the strongest – this is likely the source of the damage.
Dripping sounds: If you commonly hear dripping or water flowing, especially behind or below the walls of the bathroom or in the basement, there is a good chance you have a plumbing issue, such as a leaky pipe. Also listen for other uncommon sounds, especially after running water.
Growing water bill: If you notice your bill going up without an increase in usage, there is likely an issue to get inspected.
Peeling and cracking: Cracks and peeling paint are a sign of moisture build-up. If you notice a brownish colour or stain, it could be pooling in the ceiling or wall.
Swelling: If you have noticed baseboards or flooring starting to flake, bubble, crack or swell can be a sign that water is getting in.

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15 Tips to prevent water damage

Around 43% of Canadians are unsure how to prevent water damage in their homes. Even though water is a major threat, you can also do a lot to reduce the risk of having severe issues. It starts with regular maintenance, and prevention continues by being vigilant.

Here are some tips to help prevent water damage:

Eaves: Keep your eaves troughs, gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris.
Property grading: Get your land properly graded if you see it pooling around your house.
Downspouts: Have downspouts that extend well away from the exterior walls of your home.
Foundation: If you find leaks in your basement, find the problem and have it repaired. Your foundation may also require repairs, so it’s a good idea to have it inspected.
Windows and doors: Repair cracks in windows or sills right away before they become an even bigger issue. Check that all doors, windows and openings are properly sealed and caulked.
Sump pump: Install a sump pump. Hook it up to a generator so you can operate it in the event of a power failure.
Backwater valve: Install a backup system (backwater valve). This is a sensor that triggers a balloon to inflate when water begins to flow back into your household system. Once it subsides, the balloon deflates allowing water to flow out to the municipal system.
Winterize: If you have a seasonal home or cottage, drainpipes and turn them off before freezing sets in. Don't forget to shut off the valves for outdoor taps.
Maintain trees and shrubs: Minimize potential threats by pruning branches and avoid planting trees with deep root systems too close to your foundation.
Roof: Keep your roof in good repair to minimize water seeping in – if you notice issues, such as missing or aging shingles, or it’s time to replace it in a timely manner.
Basement: If you are turning an old basement into a living space, seal the exterior wall. An added expense but worth it if you create an entertainment space downstairs.
When you are away: If you go away for more than a weekend, make sure that you have someone who will check in on your house or turn them off.
Heavy rain or melting snow: After a big downpour, inspect your property for water and where it might be pooling. Make plans to correct the problem or have a specialist come by to observe your property.
Appliances: Only use the dishwasher and washing machine when you’re present. Avoid turning it on and leaving. Look for any leaks and ensure the hoses do not have any blockages.
Hot water heater: Keep an eye on your hot water heater tank – particularly as it ages. Think about replacing it after 10 years.

Do you have proper water damage insurance?

Find out if you have enough water damage insurance to protect your home. At ThinkInsure, our experts will help make sure you have proper coverage for water damage. We'll compare the best plans and rates from the top providers in Canada. Get started by comparing quotes online or give us a call.

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