What to know about insurance coverage after Wednesday's storm damage
Most standard home insurance covers wind and hail, but flooding often requires separate overland water coverage. Claims can take weeks to process after major weather events.
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Wednesday's severe thunderstorm dropped more than 100 millimetres of rain on Toronto in a few hours, flooding basements, closing the Don Valley Parkway, and cutting power to tens of thousands. For those filing insurance claims, understanding your coverage is critical.
Most standard home insurance policies cover wind and hail damage, but flooding is often excluded, according to Matt Hands, vice-president of insurance at Ratehub.ca. Homeowners should check their policies for overland water coverage—protection for flood-related damages—and sewer backup coverage, which applies when water enters through drains or sewers rather than overland.
For vehicles, comprehensive auto insurance policies cover flood, hail or wind damage, while basic policies may not. "If your vehicle is damaged by wind, hail, or even flooded while it was parked, you'd want comprehensive coverage," Hands said. "Were you driving and your vehicle was struck by something? Having collision [coverage] would be important." Without appropriate coverage, owners could face significant out-of-pocket repair costs and towing fees.
When filing a claim, the Insurance Bureau of Canada recommends taking photos of damage, calling your insurance agent promptly, and keeping receipts and proof of purchase. Remove wet or mould-damaged items and photograph them before discarding. The deductible—the amount a policyholder pays themselves—could be $500, $1,000 or more. If repair costs are only a few hundred dollars and your deductible is $1,000, filing a claim may not make financial sense.
Claim processing takes time. "It might take a few days to weeks or so, or even longer sometimes to be able to get your claim fully put through," Hands said. "So, don't be shocked if it takes a little bit longer than you'd expect during significant storms where a number of people have been affected in a short period of time." For those unaffected by this storm, reviewing insurance coverage now is prudent planning.
How are insurers estimating total losses from Wednesday's storm?
What percentage of Toronto homeowners carry overland water coverage?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What happened in Toronto on Wednesday, September 2, 2026?
A severe thunderstorm dropped more than 100 millimetres of rain on Toronto in a few hours, flooding basements, closing the Don Valley Parkway, and cutting power to tens of thousands.
Does standard home insurance cover flood damage?
Most standard home insurance policies exclude flooding, though homeowners can purchase separate overland water coverage for flood-related damages and sewer backup coverage for water entering through drains or sewers.
What should someone do immediately after filing an insurance claim?
Call your insurance agent promptly, take photos of damage, remove wet or mould-damaged items and photograph them before discarding, and keep receipts and proof of purchase.
How long does it take to process an insurance claim after a major storm?
Claim processing may take a few days to weeks or longer, especially after significant storms affecting many people in a short period of time.
