RISING WATERS
Rising
Waters
ARE YOU PREPARED?
By: SHAWNA LUSSIER COMMERCIAL INSURANCE SPECIALIST, WAYPOINT INSURANCE
No matter where on Vancouver Island you live, blocked drains, heavy rains, sewer backups, burst pipes, leaking roofs, and melting snow and ice can all lead to one of the most common and costly threats to a business owner and homeowner— water damage.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, storms and floods have increased in frequency by a factor of twenty over the past two decades, making overland flooding the most frequently occurring natural disaster and the one that affects the most people worldwide.
At Waypoint, we recognize the growing risk and are here to help ensure you have the right coverage for your business and home.
Under a standard commercial policy, flood is excluded unless specifically added to the policy. In the past, flood was included at no additional premium; however, with the changing climate and many flood incidents across Canada, flood is now underwritten closely. In some cases, it is either not being offered or the deductible is high. Flood is not to be confused with sewer backup, which is defined as water entering a building via sewer drain, sump, septic tank, eaves trough, or downspout.
We can help you with coverage for your home too. Waypoint now offers overland flood coverage to protect your home and contents. Historically, overland flood coverage was not an option for personal property policies, but within the last few years, insurers have reacted to the changing climate and developed coverage to fit the needs of their insureds. While we cannot offer the product to everyone, the large majority of our customers will have coverage available to them.
A little prevention goes a long way. Below are a few ways to protect your home or business from water damage:
• Remove leaves and snow gathering in and around your eaves troughs and ensure they are draining away from the building.
• At least once a year, check that all of your windows and doors are secure and recaulk as needed to help prevent water from seeping in.
• Inspect and repair foundation wall cracks.
• Before winter arrives, disconnect any outside water hoses and, if possible, shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
• Use dams, reservoirs, and levees to divert flood water.
• Plant vegetation to retain extra water in troublesome areas.
• Locate the plumbing shutoff valve in case of emergency.
• Visually check your water heater for failure signs every two months.
• Check the condition of washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator water hoses for cracks, leaks, or deterioration and replace, if necessary.
Here at Waypoint, we want to make sure you have the right coverage for your personal and business needs. Please contact any one of our branches to connect with one of our insurance specialists to learn more about your insurance options. +
Shawna Lussier has been assisting Campbell River residents with insurance services for over 23 years. Her passion for finding solutions and providing guidance has led to her development as a specialist in complex commercial insurance risks. To contact Shawna or any one of the Waypoint professionals, call 310-8442 or visit us online at waypointinsurance. ca
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