As winter approaches, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding Canadian homeowners of the importance of insurance coverage for winter readiness.
In recent years, Canada has experienced a significant uptick in the frequency, severity and cost of climate-related disasters. In 2024, insured damage from severe weather surpassed $8 billion, the highest annual total on record: nearly three times the 2023 figure and 12 times the average from 2001-2010, according to IBC data. Winter storms and ice events are playing a growing role in this trend. A severe winter storm and mid-winter thaw in February 2025 impacted parts of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, causing over $260 million in insured damage.
With increasingly severe snow, ice and wind events across the country, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and the IBC emphasized both risk mitigation and understanding what insurance policies actually cover.
Standard homeowner insurance typically protects against damage from wind, rain, ice and falling debris during storms. Coverage can extend to water entering through openings created by high winds, but many winter-specific hazards, such as ice damming or basement flooding from sewer backups, require optional endorsements.
Similarly, overland flooding, particularly in flood-prone areas, is often excluded unless specific coverage is purchased.
According to the IBC, homeowners should know the limits of their policies before winter arrives, highlighting that ice and snow-related claims can be costly if gaps in coverage are overlooked. Damage to refrigerators and freezers from power interruptions, or additional living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable, may also be covered, but only within policy limits.
Liability is another insurance consideration. Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining safe conditions on walkways, driveways and entrances. Failure to remove ice or snow could result in claims if visitors are injured. Insurance may cover some legal costs, but proactive maintenance remains crucial to minimizing risk.
ICLR's "good, better, best" winter preparedness framework complements insurance coverage, focusing on insulation, drainage and roof protection to prevent damage that could lead to claims. Insurers increasingly stress that combining preventative measures with adequate coverage helps homeowners reduce both financial and legal exposure during harsh Canadian winters.
With winter storms expected to grow in severity and frequency, homeowners are being urged to review policies, consider optional coverages and consult insurance representatives to ensure comprehensive protection for their property and personal liability.
This proactive approach not only safeguards homes but also reduces the likelihood of disputes when claims arise, the IBC said.
