08/06/2026
🌧️ Recent heavy rainfall across Niagara has been a reminder of just how quickly water damage can happen - and how important it is to understand your insurance coverage before you need it. One of the biggest misconceptions about home insurance is that all water damage is covered the same way. In reality, different types of water damage are treated differently depending on your policy.
💧 Overland Water Coverage helps protect against water entering your home from heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers or lakes, or rapid snowmelt.
🚿 Sewer Backup Coverage helps protect against sudden and accidental water or sewage backing up through sewers, drains, sump pumps, septic systems, or connected plumbing.
🌱 Groundwater/Seepage is water that enters through your foundation or below ground level. This type of damage is typically excluded and is generally considered a maintenance issue.
A few other things to keep in mind:
🏡 If you’ve recently finished your basement or completed major renovations, be sure to let your broker know. Your policy should reflect your home’s current condition.
⏰ If you experience water damage, report your claim as soon as possible. Waiting too long can lead to additional damage, such as mould, which may not be covered.
📄 Every policy is different, so it’s important to understand what water coverages you have before a loss occurs.
If you have questions about your policy or would like to review your coverage, our team is always happy to help.