Protect Your House with Overland Flood Insurance

Should Homeowners Get Overland Flood Insurance?

April 28, 2025

Floods are Canada's most common and costly natural disaster. Homeowners feel the destruction directly when flood waters damage their homes. Did you know? Standard home insurance policies in Canada typically don't cover damage from flooding caused by flooding or heavy rain.

Do you need overland flood insurance as protection?

What is overland flooding?

The most common causes of overland flooding are rainstorms and snowmelt. Overland flooding also comes from lakes, streams, and rivers and from surface accumulation.

Overland flooding is when water flows over land and seeps into your house or business, often through windows, doors, or cracks.

Even if you do not live near a body of water, overland flood insurance is a good idea because flooding is commonly caused by heavy rainfall.

What is overland flood insurance?

Overland flooding insurance is usually widely available for almost all homeowners, condominium owners, and tenants. However, it’s not always available for high-risk areas but if it is available in your area, you should consider adding it to your home insurance policy.

How do I get overland flood insurance coverage?

Most Canadian homeowners can add overland flood insurance as an add-on to their home insurance policies, but they need to be aware that it does not cover all types of floods. Insurance companies do not typically offer coverage for floods caused by storm surges, tsunamis, or tidal waves.

Dam breaks are also not covered.

When you are buying your overland flood insurance policy, be sure to understand what it does and does not cover.

Understanding different types of water damage

Homeowners may assume that because their insurance covers water damage, overland flooding will be covered but standard home insurance policies do not cover overland flooding.

Burst pipes

Standard home insurance policies typically cover water damage that is caused by a sudden and accidental escape of water into a home from situations like burst pipes. The damage will not be covered if it was caused by a lack of maintenance.

Sewer backup

Sewer backup coverage can be added to your home insurance policy but is generally not included in a standard policy. It covers the sewer system backing up through your plumbing and causing water damage in your home.