How to protect your home from severe weather

This article has been updated from a previous version. 

Severe weather is becoming more frequent—and more expensive—for Canadian homeowners. 

In 2024, insured losses from extreme weather events surpassed $9 billion, the highest on record, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). From floods and wildfires to windstorms and ice damage, the risks are growing across the country. 

As these events become more common, protecting your home and family is no longer optional—it’s essential. One of the most effective ways to do that is by understanding your home insurance coverage: what’s included, what’s excluded, and how to add protection for common threats like flooding and sewer backups. 

What’s covered by my home insurance policy? 

Home insurance offers valuable protection, but it’s important to know what’s covered—and what’s not. Most policies cover damages from fire, wind, ice, and hail. However, they typically exclude earthquakes, landslides, and floods. 

Even when a peril is covered, there can be exceptions. For example: 

• If wind blows shingles off your roof, but they were already due for replacement, your claim may be denied. Home insurance doesn’t cover maintenance issues. 
• Wind damage, like from a tornado, is covered if it affects the exterior of your home. Interior damage is only covered if the wind first damages the outer structure, such as breaking a window. 

As with any insurance policy you have, knowing the details of your home policy is vital. That includes the coverage limits under each portion of your policy. There are four components to a standard home insurance policy to keep in mind: 

1. Property coverage — protects the home’s structure from perils such as fire and burglary. Insurance providers base the coverage on the replacement value of your home, not the market value.
2. Contents coverage — protects your personal property when it’s at home and when you carry it with you, such as a laptop you bring to and from school, the bicycle you ride to work, and the camera you take on vacation, subject to limits.
3. Liability coverage — protects you (as well as your spouse and children) if someone is injured on your property, or your property causes damage to them, and you are sued.
4. Additional living expenses — covers you if you are temporarily displaced from your home due to a claim that makes your home uninhabitable.

Read more: Does your insurance cover the full replacement cost of your home?

Can I add extra coverage to my home insurance policy?

Flooding is one of the most common threats to Canadian homeowners, but it’s not automatically included in a standard home insurance policy. 

To protect your home, consider adding optional coverages like:

• Overland flooding insurance: Covers damage from water that flows overland and enters your home, such as during a major storm.
• Sewer backup insurance: Protects against damage caused by municipal sewer systems backing up into your home.

Standard home insurance does cover some types of water damage. For example, if a pipe bursts or your dishwasher malfunctions and floods your kitchen, you’re likely covered.

However, without optional coverages, you may have to pay out of pocket for damages caused by:

Floodwaters from a storm washing over your property and into your basement.

A municipal sewer backup that creates a mess inside your home.

Adding these coverages can provide peace of mind and financial protection against these common risks.

Read more: How to prevent basement from flooding before heavy rain

Regional considerations for home insurance coverage

Canada’s geography exposes homeowners to vastly different climate risks depending on where they live. Tailoring your home insurance policy to reflect your region’s specific threats is important— especially as severe weather events become more frequent and costly.

Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta)

• Wildfires and hailstorms are major threats. In 2024, a hailstorm in Calgary caused $3 billion in insured losses in just over an hour, making it the single most destructive weather event of the year.
• Flooding is also a growing concern, especially in southern B.C., where overland flood coverage is increasingly necessary.
• Since 2019, Canada has seen a 115% increase in personal property claims and a 485% increase in repair and replacement costs, with Alberta among the hardest-hit provinces.

Central Canada (Ontario, Quebec)

• Ice storms, tornadoes, and urban flooding are common. In summer 2024, flooding in Toronto and Quebec contributed to a record-breaking 228,000 insurance claims, a 406% increase over the 20-year average.
• Sewer backup and overland flood coverage are especially important in older urban areas with aging infrastructure.

Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador)

• Coastal flooding and hurricanes pose significant risks. In 2023, Nova Scotia experienced both wildfires and flooding, contributing to over $3.1 billion in insured damage nationwide.
• According to IBC, 10% of Canadian households are highly exposed to flooding but lack access to flood insurance, with many located in Atlantic provinces.

Northern Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)

• Extreme cold, permafrost shifts, and limited emergency access make coverage for burst pipes, foundation damage, and temporary relocation especially important.
• Wildfires in regions like Behchokǫ̀-Yellowknife and Hay River have added to the growing list of climate-related disasters in the North.

Related: Why climate change will drive home insurance hikes in 2025: Be prepared

How can I prepare for a weather-related emergency?

Weather-related emergencies like floods, wildfires, or severe windstorms can strike unexpectedly. Being prepared can make all the difference in protecting your family and home. 

Start by maintaining an emergency survival kit and taking proactive steps to minimize risks. The IBC recommends these tips to prepare for severe weather:

• Create a family emergency plan: Confirm everyone in the household knows what to do in case of an emergency.
• Secure outdoor items: Store patio furniture indoors and secure barbecues when severe weather is forecast.
• Protect your vehicle: Park in a sheltered area to prevent damage.
• Stay safe indoors: Avoid proximity to windows, doors, and skylights during storms.
• Improve drainage: Ensure proper grading around your home to direct water away.
• Update your home inventory: Keep a record of your belongings and have someone check your property if you’re away.
• Install protective measures: Consider a sump pump, sewer backup valve, or backflow valve.
• Use resilient materials: When making repairs, opt for materials that can withstand severe weather.
• Review your insurance policy: Know your risks and consult an experienced insurance representative to ensure you’re adequately covered.

Taking these steps now can not only reduce your home insurance premiums but also help you stay safe and reduce potential damage when severe weather strikes.

Learn more: Can your home insurance provider stop covering your water damage claims?

How can I get the right home insurance coverage for my property?

To make sure your home is properly protected, start by identifying what you need your insurance policy to cover. That includes more than just the main structure.

Think about any detached structures on your property, such as a shed or garage. If you own a heritage home or a vacation property, speak with your provider to confirm these are included — they may require specialized coverage.

In a time when the weather appears to be changing, and storms are becoming more severe, it’s prudent to protect your greatest asset — your home — with the right policy.

Read more: How to insure your unconventional home