Your home insurance doesn’t automatically cover every type of natural disaster. Some events like fires and windstorms are usually included, but others, like earthquakes and floods, often require extra coverage. It is crucial to fully understand your policy to avoid unpleasant surprises.

What’s considered a natural disaster in Quebec?

In Quebec, a natural disaster is an unpredictable event of exceptional scale. It should be noted that the insurer only offers compensation when the government officially recognizes the state of natural disaster by interministerial decree.

Natural disaster insurance isn’t automatically included in all basic home insurance policies. However, it might be offered as part of a comprehensive home insurance plan. It’s essential to understand the specific conditions in the province to properly protect your home in extreme situations.

Weather events typically included

Typical weather events covered by a basic insurance policy often include:

• Heavy rain
• Hail
• Severe storms
• Tornadoes
• Ice storms
• Wildfires

What’s not covered (and coverage limits)

Here are the main events that are usually not covered or have limits in basic policies:

• Earthquakes
• Flooding
• Landslides
• Sewer backups
• Specific risks in Quebec
• Flooding

In Quebec, we need to be watchful for floods. Generally, a basic home insurance policy doesn’t include this coverage. However, you can add an endorsement to protect yourself from water damage caused by a flood.

Your insurance premium will vary depending on your region. The closer your property is to a body of water, the higher the cost will be. It’s important to assess your flood risk to properly protect your home from this type of water damage.

Wildfires

Good news: basic home insurance usually covers damage from wildfires. However, we’ve seen an increase in the frequency and cost of natural disasters, including fires, over the last thirty years in Canada.

Check your coverage details and take preventive steps to protect your home. In an emergency, always follow guidance from local emergency authorities to ensure your safety.

Severe storms

Major storms, including high winds, hail, ice, and tornadoes, are often covered by basic home insurance policies. Nevertheless, we’re noticing a worrying rise in catastrophic annual claims in Quebec and across the country. To protect yourself, check with your insurance company for the details of your coverage against wind and other severe weather damage.

Earthquakes

Contrary to what you might think, earthquakes are generally not automatically covered by your home insurance. To protect yourself from this type of claim, you’ll need to add a specific endorsement to your policy.

Heads up: Premiums for earthquake coverage can be higher, especially in high-risk areas. Also, some insurers exclude damage related to tsunamis or tidal waves.

Take the time to truly understand your earthquake coverage to avoid unpleasant surprises when it comes time for a claim.

Add natural disaster insurance to your policy

Review your current coverage and needs

We recommend that you carefully review your insurance policy. It is important to fully understand what coverage you already have in place. You should also identify any gaps in coverage for damage caused by extreme weather events.

Take the time to consider if you need additional endorsements for your insured property.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What are my specific protection needs?
• Are all my valuable items covered?
• Do I need any extra services?

Don’t hesitate to contact your insurer for more information. Reviewing your contract every 12 months is a smart move.

Get an online quote with Sonnet

Consider getting a quote online. It’s a simple way to check costs and compare available offers. At Sonnet Insurance, we’ve created a simple online quoting experience to make things easier for you.

Adulting can be hard, but buying home insurance doesn’t have to be!

Looking for reliable protection against natural disasters? At Sonnet, we offer simple, personalized home insurance solutions. Get an instant online quote and activate your policy right away. Choose Sonnet for complete peace of mind!

Frequently asked questions about natural disaster insurance

When should I contact my insurer to report a claim?

It’s crucial to report a claim as quickly as possible. Your policy sets out specific deadlines you need to follow. We recommend informing your insurer as soon as you can after the event to help the claims process go smoothly.

Are wildfires included in my insurance policy?

Wildfires are generally covered by basic home insurance and are considered unforeseen risks. However, depending on your location, additional endorsements might be needed for optimal protection. We encourage you to check the details of your comprehensive home insurance policy to understand the exact scope of your current coverage.

How do premiums change with extreme weather events?

The increase in extreme weather events directly impacts insurance premiums. The costs associated with catastrophic claims keep rising. Insurance companies carefully assess risk levels to adjust their rates. If you’re having trouble getting coverage due to your claims history, the Bureau central de tarification can help you find a suitable solution for your situation.