Preventing Water Damage to Your Home

Even a small amount of water can be a big problem.  Did you know that, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damage is now the leading cause of home insurance claims, exceeding fire, theft, and wind or hail claims? It’s that serious.

It is estimated that, on average, the Canadian insurance industry pays about $2 billion per year in claims due to water damage. Approximately 40% of all home insurance claims are the result of water damage, according to data from Aviva Canada Inc. The data also shows that the average cost of water damage claims rose 117%, from $7,192 in 2002 to over $15,500 in 2012. In 2021, the average cost to replace a flooded basement varied, but could be as high as $85,000.

To protect themselves from this burden, many insurance companies are reducing the coverage they offer clients, for sewer back-up, due to the increase in the number and the dollar value of water claims.  If you do not understand your protection or coverage, please give the Excalibur Insurance Group a call and we are happy to review your policy.

Why Water Damage is on the Rise

Water damage poses a huge threat to many households. It can damage bathrooms, bedrooms, basements, roofs, ceilings, and more. See below for reasons why water damage is so prevalent.

Climate Change

Severe weather events now occur with greater frequency. Storms that were once considered ”1-in-40 year” storms are now occurring every 6 years. This means that, statistically, the chance of experiencing a severe storm is increasing. Weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable, and we need to adapt.

Aging Infrastructure

Much of Canada’s infrastructure was designed to accommodate weather patterns that existed years ago and is unable to cope with the increased precipitation that is now a reality. It’s estimated that over 60% of our infrastructure is between forty and sixty years old.

Lifestyle

Today’s homes have more water-using appliances than ever before. This means, the more water-using appliances in the home, the greater the chance of a leak and resulting damage. And often, these appliances are located on ground or second floors of homes, where water can cause a great deal of damage. With less people at home during the day this means more time passes before leaks are discovered, making the potential for damage greater. A trend towards finished basements, along with the use of more expensive materials in homes, has also increased the costs associated with water damage. “With so many Canadians making a significant investment in their basements as more of a comfortable living space than a grungy storage room, a greater value in belongings in a high-risk area of the home has led to an increase in number of water damage claims,” said Wayne Ross, vice-president of property claims for Aviva Canada, in a press release. “We strongly encourage homeowners to take matters into their own hands in order to protect their homes.”

What Can be Done To help Prevent Water Damage?

The following tips can help you protect your home, your personal belongings, and your health by helping to prevent water.

Other Tips to Help Prevent Water Damage

Excalibur Insurance wants to help you be in the best possible standing to prevent water damage to your home. See below for additional tips to help prevent water damage.

• Items kept in the basement should be stored off the floor and in plastic containers.
• Avoid pouring fats and grease down the drain
• Make sure everyone in the household knows the location of the main water shut-off valve
• Consider investing in a rain barrel to prevent runoff by temporarily holding rainwater for later use – an environmentally friendly solution! Remember to empty it often (especially after a heavy rain) and disconnect it over the winter.
• Have a licensed plumber inspect your home

Discuss with a licensed Excalibur Insurance broker about water damage coverage, like sewer backup and overland water. Give us a call today to chat or apply for a quote.