Many Quebecers are unable to contact their insurer or a contractor after a disaster. What can they do?
Due to the huge call volume, insurers and contractors can’t answer all their customers right now. But there’s no need to wait for their help to start taking action in the event of water damage, according to insurance broker Louis Cyr. “You’re not putting your insurance claim at risk if you start your work without the insurer knowing,” he adds.
The most important thing is to keep evidence to show the insurer later. “If you have damaged property, take pictures, keep them and don’t throw them away,” the insurance broker stresses, adding that it is important to document the cause of the flood, if possible.
Flood victims should get rid of all porous materials that came into contact with water as quickly as possible, such as drywall, insulation, carpets and furniture. “Have a container delivered to your home, put the waste in it and let the insurer deal with it,” Cyr recommends.
To receive these services, however, you need to be well insured. “Some people don’t know this, but basic insurance coverage does not include water damage,” adds the broker.
Should we expect longer delays to complete a claim?
Certainly, according to Louis Cyr, especially because contractors are in high demand when they return from construction holidays. “Workers are busy all over Quebec, but they are the same people we need to repair our basements,” he says.
“What should take a few weeks will probably take a few months,” predicts the insurance broker, specifying that the construction industry has nothing to do with these delays. “There are so many requests, it won’t happen that quickly.”
If policyholders have to leave their homes due to damage, insurers will still cover their living expenses, whether that means paying for a hotel stay or a storage unit.
Should some people be concerned about no longer being insured against water damage if their home is at greater risk?
“Unfortunately yes, and it’s an issue that will become increasingly important in the coming years,” says Louis Cyr, adding that insurers are currently working to collect postal codes where sewer infrastructure is insufficient.
“We will see more and more insurers stop covering water damage, or increase their premiums,” adds the insurance broker.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
“Some people don’t know this, but basic insurance coverage doesn’t include water damage,” says insurance broker Louis Cyr.
However, there are legal remedies available to citizens who sue their municipality for water damage they have suffered. “Affected persons can file a claim with their municipality by sending it a notice within two weeks of the incident,” adds Mr. Cyr. Victims must then sue the City within the following six months.
“But already, some ministries are saying that it would have been impossible for municipalities to predict the damage. And when you can’t predict, you’re not responsible,” he emphasizes.
According to Louis Cyr, at-risk areas will need to have stronger storm sewer infrastructure so that insurers can continue to offer them full coverage. “Citizens will have to put pressure on their elected officials to better protect their homes,” he says.
Some people have experienced sewer backups even though they had a backwater valve installed. How is this possible?
This problem is due to a little-known phenomenon, according to Mr. Cyr. “If you have a sump with a submersible pump and you let the water flow, the check valve will open and the city water will come back to your house,” he explains. In the event of torrential rain, the procedure to follow is simple. “Don’t take a shower, don’t flush the toilet, don’t run the tap: for the valve to work, you have to leave the water alone,” says Louis Cyr.