Insurance Bureau of Canada urges residents to prepare for potential flooding and offers insurance guidance for those affected by recent storms

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- With parts of British Columbia bracing for an atmospheric river expected to bring heavy rain this week, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is providing preparedness tips and insurance information for residents affected by recent storms or at risk of flooding in the days ahead.

"For communities already affected by recent storms, the threat of additional rainfall this week is understandably concerning," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific and Western, IBC. "Now is the time for British Columbians to take steps to help protect their homes, vehicles and businesses from potential flood damage. Whether residents are preparing for what's ahead or recovering from recent damage, IBC and their insurance representative can help them better understand their insurance coverage and the claims process."

IBC's top 10 tips to help protect your property from water damage:

1. Keep all the floor drains inside your home and the storm sewer grates on your street clear of obstructions. Consider installing a backwater valve when it is safe and possible to do so.
   
   
2. If it is safe to do so, clear leaves and debris from eavestroughs, downspouts and window wells, and ensure water is directed away from your home's foundation.
   
   
3. Move valuable items out of your basement to higher levels in your home.
   
   
4. If you have a sump pump, ensure that it is working properly and has a backup power source.
   
   
5. Limit your household water use (including appliances like dishwashers and washing machines) during periods of heavy rainfall to help avoid overwhelming local water and sewer systems.
   
   
6. If flooding is imminent, use sandbags or install flood shields or built-up barriers to stop water from entering through basement windows and doors.
   
   
7. Raise appliances, the furnace and the hot water heater off the basement floor onto wood or cement blocks. This should be done by professionals well in advance of potential flooding. If a flood is imminent, consider anchoring these appliances and protecting them with a floodwall or shield.
   
   
8. If you are away, have a trusted neighbour or friend check your property on a regular basis, inside and out.
   
   
9. If you need to drive, drive according to the conditions and do not drive over flooded roads.
   
   
10. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and important documents in case you need to leave your home or lose power.

Insurance coverage information for affected residents:

• Sewer backup: Water damage in a basement due to sewer backup is typically only covered if you have purchased specific, optional sewer backup coverage.

• Overland flood damage: This occurs when bodies of water such as rivers overflow onto dry land. It is typically covered only if you have purchased specific, optional overland flood coverage. If you live in a known flood plain or high-flood-hazard area, this coverage may be limited or unavailable.

• 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.

• Coastal/storm surge: Home insurance and business insurance policies generally do not cover damage caused by coastal flooding and/or storm surge.

• 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.

• 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.

After disaster strikes – 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. 

• 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. 

For commercial insurance policyholders:

Business interruption coverage is usually triggered by direct physical damage to your business or damage to a neighbouring property 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.

IBC's Consumer Information Centre is available to assist British Columbians:

IBC's Consumer Information Centre is staffed with trained insurance industry personnel ready to assist consumers with general insurance questions at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) and AskIBCWest@IBC.ca. Consumers can also visit IBC's Flooding and Insurance webpage to learn more about insurance, the various stages of the claims process and answers to frequently asked questions about water damage and insurance.

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