Citing data from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification (CatIQ), the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has revealed that the recent severe flooding that occurred in Windsor caused over $124 million in insured damage.

Southwestern Ontario was beset by a slow-moving low pressure system in late August that produced considerable amounts of rainfall – up to 290mm in some areas. Windsor, Tecumseh, and other parts of Essex County were affected by the heavy rainfall and resulting flooding. Water levels were so high, that they reached the waist in some neighborhoods and over a thousand basements were reported as flooded in.

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“Climate change is causing severe weather events to happen more frequently and with greater intensity, especially storms involving floods. While the insured damage from these floods is significant, the total cost to homeowners and government is not yet known,” said IBC Ontario vice-president Kim Donaldson in a statement.

“Because flooding can cause significant damage in a very short amount of time, it is critically important for consumers to know what their policies cover and whether they have sewer backup or overland flood protection. Sewer backup coverage is widely available as an add-on product to most standard home insurance policies. Overland flood protection is available across the province from several insurers. Consumers in high-risk areas and areas prone to frequent floods may run into difficulty finding affordable coverage. Consumers should check with their insurance representatives to see what options are available to them.”


Related stories:
Windsor-Tecumseh MPP says area needs government to provide flood insurance
Flood-affected Windsor-Essex homeowners now eligible for disaster relief