January winter storms, floods caused more than $54 million in insured damage across Eastern Canada

OTTAWA, March 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reports that a significant winter storm event which affected parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, resulted in more than $54 million in insured damage, according to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ).

From January 11-14, 2018, a low pressure system brought high temperatures and heavy rains to much of Eastern Canada. Melting snow, ice jams, and rainfall caused flooding in several parts of the region. Nearly $33 million in insured damage was reported in Quebec and over $12 million in Ontario. The remainder occurred in the four Atlantic Provinces. 

"Climate change is causing severe weather events to happen more frequently and with greater intensity, especially storms involving floods. While the insured damage from these floods is significant, the total economic cost to homeowners and government is not yet known," said Craig Stewart, Vice-President, Federal Affairs, IBC. "Because flooding can cause significant damage in a very short amount of time, it is critically important for consumers to know what their policies cover and whether they have overland flood protection. Consumers should check with their insurance representatives to see what options are available to them."

For more information on how to protect property against floods and other disasters please visit IBC's website.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $9 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $52 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

About CatIQ
Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ) delivers detailed analytical and meteorological information on Canadian natural and man-made catastrophes. Through its online subscription-based platform, CatIQ combines comprehensive insured loss indices and other related information to better serve the needs of the insurance and reinsurance industries, public sector and other stakeholders. To learn more, visit www.catiq.com.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada