Severe storms hit the GTA and southern Ontario: Insurance guidance for affected residents

Helpline and resources available to help residents with claims and recovery

TORONTO, Sept. 3, 2026 /CNW/ -- Following yesterday's intense storms across the Greater Toronto Area and other parts of southern Ontario, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is providing affected residents with key insurance information and recovery tips. IBC has also launched its Virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (V-CAMP) helpline to provide real-time, one-to-one support for residents as they begin the recovery process.

"Yesterday's flooding, high winds, hail, and power outages have caused significant disruption for many residents, families and businesses," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, IBC. "As communities begin the recovery process, we encourage anyone who has sustained damage to contact their insurer as soon as possible to start a claim. We also want to recognize the ongoing efforts of first responders, emergency officials and municipal crews working to support affected communities. Consumers with general insurance questions can contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC."

Tips for starting the claims process:

When it is safe, take these steps to begin the insurance claims process: 

• Assess and document the damage. Taking photos can be helpful. 
• Call your insurance representative or your insurer's claims department to report your damage. 
• If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Keep damaged items unless they pose a health hazard. 
  • Note: Remove and dispose of any wet or mold-damaged items as soon as possible to help prevent further damage. Be sure to take photos and keep a record of everything you discard for your insurance claim.
• Keep notes. Be as detailed as possible when documenting damage and providing information. 
• Keep all receipts related to cleanup. 
• If you've been displaced, keep the receipts for your additional living expenses. Ask your insurance representative if you are covered for additional living expenses and for what period of time. 

Insurance coverage information for affected residents:

Flood coverage:

• Sewer backup: Water damage due to sewer backup is only covered if you have purchased specific, optional sewer backup coverage. Coverage limits may apply, depending on your policy.
• Overland flood damage: This occurs when bodies of water such as rivers overflow onto dry land. This optional coverage is widely available in Ontario, but often includes coverage limits and may be unavailable if you live in a known flood-plain or high-risk area.
• Roof leaks: Water damage to the interior of your home caused by water entering through a roof leak is typically covered under a standard home insurance policy – but the roof damage itself isn't covered if it's due to wear and tear or poor maintenance.
• Groundwater and seepage: Groundwater and seepage coverage are typically not standard coverages offered across all home policies. Insurance policies can vary between providers and coverage levels, meaning no two policies are exactly alike. Like most insurance products, the level of protection you receive generally depends on the coverage you purchase. Some insurers offer both groundwater and seepage protection as optional endorsements. These endorsements may be available for purchase individually or as a bundled package, for an additional cost.

Wind and tornado coverage:

• Wind damage: Damage to homes caused by wind is usually covered. This coverage includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage caused by water entering through openings created by a storm.
• Vehicle damage: If you have purchased comprehensive or all perils automobile insurance coverage, damage to vehicles from wind is usually covered. This coverage is not mandatory, so check your policy.

Hail coverage:

• Hail damage: Standard home and business insurance policies cover damage caused by hail. This includes damage to your home and contents from water entering through openings suddenly caused by hail. Pre-existing damage is not covered.
• Hail-related vehicle damage: Not all vehicle insurance policies cover hail damage. Confirm with your insurance representative that you have optional comprehensive or all perils coverage, which protects your vehicle from damage caused by common insurance perils, including fire, high winds and hail.

Additional living expenses:

• Additional living expenses: In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to return home due to insured damage are entitled to additional living expenses.

Coverage may vary by insurer and policy. Policyholders are encouraged to review their policy wording and speak with their insurance representative to confirm coverage.

Commercial insurance policyholders:

Business interruption coverage is usually triggered by direct physical damage to your business or damage to a neighbouring business that causes your location to be shut down. Consult with your insurance representative to determine whether your business interruption coverage will cover the event. 

Policyholders with questions about their individual coverage should contact their insurance representative.

Seasonal or secondary residences:

When it is safe to do so, check any seasonal or secondary residences and report any damage to your insurance representative as soon as possible. Policies for these properties may have different coverage or limits than a primary home insurance policy. Review your policy or check with your insurance professional to confirm your coverage.

IBC's V-CAMP:

Insurers serve as "second responders" in the recovery period after catastrophe strikes. IBC's V-CAMP is staffed with trained insurance industry personnel at IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) and [email protected] to help address consumers' general questions about their home, business or vehicle insurance policies. Affected residents can also visit IBC's Flooding and Insurance webpage to learn more about insurance and the various stages of the claims process.

The rising costs of extreme weather:

Over the last decade, insured losses from extreme weather in Canada have averaged more than $3.7 billion annually, up from $1.4 billion in the previous decade and $883 million in the decade before that. Annual losses have increased by roughly 320% since the late 1990s and early 2000s, after accounting for inflation. In 2024, Canada experienced its costliest year on record, with insured losses from extreme weather exceeding $9 billion. Households, businesses, governments and communities across the country are having to bear these escalating costs. 

Protecting Canadians from severe weather risks:

IBC is reiterating its call for all orders of government to take immediate steps to reduce Canada's exposure to extreme weather events, including:

• A commitment to build new homes away from high-risk flood and wildfire zones by strengthening land use planning and restricting development in areas at highest risk
• Providing incentives for homeowners to invest in practical, affordable measures that reduce extreme weather damage and recovery costs
• Requiring cost-effective, community-level mitigation measures, such as flood protection infrastructure and measures recommended by the FireSmart program to help reduce the risk of wildfire damage, when building in high-risk areas is unavoidable
• Investing in resilient infrastructure to protect communities from extreme weather risks, such as flooding
• Strengthening building codes and construction standards to ensure new homes are built with resilient features that reflect current and future climate conditions
• Empowering homeowners, renters and businesses by providing clear, accessible information so they can make informed decisions and take practical steps to mitigate their risks.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market.

As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow.

IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses.

For media releases, IN Focus articles, or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit ibc.ca. Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

Media Contact: Brett Weltman, Manager, Media Relations, IBC, [email protected]