Newfoundland shores hit by remnants of Gabrielle

Although the damage has yet to be tallied, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is advising Newfoundland residents affected by Tropical Storm Gabrielle to find out just what their homeowners’ policies will cover. The storm struck the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. More than 100 millimeters of rain caused roads to be washed out and basements to flood.
“Preliminary reports indicate that many residents had some type of flooding as well as sewer back up or water escape,” says Don Fogeron, vice president of the Atlantic region for IBC.
The IBC says many residents have already contacted their insurance companies or brokers, but policies vary in terms of what could be covered. Overland flood damage and sewer backup are the two most likely types of damage. Many homeowners have sewer and sump pump coverage, but not if the damage is caused by water from underground streams, rising water table, overflow of rivers or lakes, or rainwater that comes in through basement walls, or doors or windows, the IBC explains.