Water claim guide (Québec only)
We are here to help you recover and avoid disruption to your everyday life by supporting you each step of the way.
The first steps
Our first steps focus on your immediate needs. After you report an incident (also referred to as a loss), we may assist in the following ways:
- Set up a new claim and assign a claims adjuster
- Explain the policy coverage and claim process
- Assist with arranging restoration company, if needed. As a property owner, you will be required to sign a Work Authorization form. The first 72 hours of any water damage loss is critical as the proper steps can prevent further damage
- Work with you to find alternate accommodation for your family and pets if your home is unfit for occupancy during restoration
Remember to keep all receipts relating to additional living expenses.
What happens next?
Water damage restoration can be complex and should be handled by a qualified restoration contractor. Situations vary with each claim, depending on the extent of damage and whether the water is clean or contaminated. Generally, there are three phases: 1) emergency measures to protect people and property, 2) estimating repairs, and 3) repairing damage.
1) Emergency measures
Your personal safety and that of the premises is our priority and it’s important that these claims be handled properly. Water escape caused by a ruptured pipe or other water container in your home is usually clean, therefore there are fewer safety concerns. Water escape resulting from a sewer backup, however, brings contaminated water into your home. Depending on the source and extent of the escape, steps taken may include:
- Removal and disposal of porous items, such as carpeting, drywall or couches.
- Immediate cleaning and disinfecting carried out by qualified technicians.
- Specialized remediation procedures for hazardous materials.
After any safety concerns are addressed, we will protect undamaged portions of your property and belongings. The contractor will remove damaged materials, extract water and begin to dry out the property.
2) Estimating repairs
Next, we will evaluate the damage to your home, and loss or damage to personal property.
Your property
Assessing damage
An estimator will be mandated to assess the damage and determine the necessary repairs. In collaboration with the contractor responsible for carrying out the work, the claims adjuster will also determine the expert appraisals required to obtain the permits and authorizations required to proceed with the repairs.
Preparing a quote on the nature and scope of the work
Our estimator will prepare an estimate with the contractor to ensure it’s based on materials of similar quality at the time of incident. Be sure to raise any concerns with your claims adjuster immediately so they can assist you.
Obtaining quotes
Once the estimate has been accepted by both parties, you will need to ask the contractor of your choice to confirm they accept the estimate regarding the nature and cost of the work. We can also recommend a qualified contractor from our Preferred Provider Network.
Authorizing work
When the contract is awarded, the contractor and your claims adjuster will advise you of any amounts that you are responsible for paying. Your policy carries some limitations in coverage with respect to total amounts payable. For example, your policy may only cover a certain amount of expense to bring your property and/or municipal bylaws up to code.
Before the contractor can start work, you will be asked to sign a Work Authorization form. Be sure to carefully review this document before signing. If you have selected one of our Preferred Providers for your repairs, our Claim Service Guarantee will apply.
If you would rather cash settle, see Cash Settlement for details.
Your personal property
The condition of your personal property is also assessed during the estimate phase. Items are categorized as follows:
- Undamaged items may be removed and securely stored in the restoration company’s facility until repairs are complete. You will have access to them with notice to the restoration company’s project manager. There are special items you may need to handle yourself.
- Restorable items are removed for cleaning or repair. Electronics can most of the time be restored, and the restoration company will conduct a detailed analysis.
- Non-restorable items are listed and disposed of with your authorization. You will receive a copy of this list, which you can use to complete the Schedule of Loss form. Some items of sentimental value may be non-restorable. Discuss these with your claims adjuster or restoration contractor immediately, as partial restoration may be possible.
3) Repairing damage
Once the quote has been approved by both parties, repairs can begin. The contractor should give you a timeline of repairs with an approximate completion date. Delays are sometimes unavoidable depending on availability of materials or trades, changes to scope requirements, or the building permit process. The contractor should let you know if the schedule changes. When repairs and a final cleaning are completed, the contractor will arrange for your contents to be moved back into your home.
Important
- When your contractor asks for input, please respond promptly. Timely decisions on matters such as paint colours and flooring will keep repairs on schedule.
- You will be asked to sign a Completion Certificate once you are satisfied with the completed repairs. Notify your claims adjuster if there are deficiencies in the work so they can be addressed before final payments are made.
- In accordance with regulations, you may be required to sign a Proof of Loss form. Where applicable, your claims adjuster will advise you regarding the specific requirements for the Proof of Loss form.
Policy considerations
Coverage
Water and sewer backup are some of the most common types of damage experienced by homeowners. The policy intends to provide coverage under specific circumstances only. You should confirm that coverage is available with your claims adjuster before proceeding with repairs.
Additional living expense
If your property is not liveable because of an insured incident, and you must move out while repairs are being made, we insure any necessary increase in living expenses to allow your family to maintain its normal standard of living (such as alternative accommodation or pet boarding). This coverage is limited to the reasonable time required to repair your property.
Loss of rental value
If an insured incident requires your renters/tenants to move out, an indemnity will be paid for the reasonable time required to restore your home to its original state. To assess this part of your claim, your claims adjuster will require a copy of the lease agreement and confirmation of the rental income.
Electronics
When lost items include electronics, such as TVs and computers, we will obtain quotes on replacement items that are identical or similar to the make and model of the damaged item(s). If you wish to upgrade, you will be asked to pay the cost difference.
Irreplaceable property
Under your insurance policy, certain types of personal property will only be settled on an Actual Cash Value basis. These include items that cannot be replaced with new articles because of their inherent nature, such as:
- Antiques, fine arts, paintings, statuary
- Memorabilia, souvenirs, collector’s items
- Property that is not in good or workable condition
- Property no longer used for its original purpose
FAQ
How long will I have to wait for my property to dry?
Drying time varies with several factors. In most cases, drying should be complete within four days. Daily monitoring of moisture levels will determine when the drying process is complete. Please be patient. Padding and sub‑floors may still be wet though your carpet may feel dry on the surface.
Why have air movers and dehumidifiers been brought into my home?
Water can infiltrate walls and floors, affecting materials such as drywall, baseboards and sub‑flooring. To dry these surfaces, dehumidifiers and high‑speed air movers are used to remove the excess moisture. To ensure your safety and efficient drying, contact your restoration contractor prior to turning off or moving drying equipment.
Why did the contractor remove contents such as wet clothing, bedding, and area rugs?
Depending on the extent of the damage, they are taken offsite for specialized drying and cleaning. They will be returned to you once the property repairs are complete.
Should I turn up the heat or open the windows?
The restoration technician will have set your thermostat for the best drying results. Changing the setting may delay the drying process. The technician will also advise you when it’s appropriate to open the windows.
Will my wood floors be replaced?
Wood flooring may take several days to dry. At that time, the floors will be inspected to determine whether or not refinishing is an option. If wood floors cannot be refinished, they will be replaced.
Can I walk on the floors or carpet while they’re drying?
We do not recommend walking on drying surfaces, but if you must, wear shoes for your own safety.
After a heavy rainfall, water entered my basement through the foundation wall. Why isn’t this covered by the basic contract? What protection do I need for this type of claim?
Your policy wording limits the type of water damage that is covered. Ground water or rising water seeping into your basement through a foundation wall is specifically excluded. This is a common limitation in our policies and in the insurance industry. Please talk to your claims adjuster to check if you have coverage for water infiltration or to address any questions or concerns.
Are my plumbing repairs covered?
Generally, pipes burst due to age or wear and tear. The policy does not cover this type of damage. While the resulting water damage may be covered, the repair to the failed plumbing is your responsibility. Damage caused by freezing may be covered if the proper coverage is in place, which can be confirmed by your claims adjuster.
Customer service standards
Your claims adjuster is available to assist you and provide guidance regarding your claim and policy coverage, so please reach out should you have any questions.
We aim to provide excellent customer service and support to all of our policyholders. Our goal is to be as responsive to you as possible throughout your claim experience. Claim volumes do vary significantly with severe weather, affecting our response times. In these cases, your patience is appreciated.