In this episode, Hamish and Stan discuss the challenges many Ottawa homeowners are facing after the Canada Day floods. They explain common types of flood insurance coverage, why claims may be denied, and what steps you can take to protect your rights during the claims process. They also cover documenting damage, communicating with insurers, and Ontario's Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program for those whose losses may not be covered by insurance. A practical, plain-language conversation for anyone navigating the aftermath of a flood.
The Canada Day floods left many Ottawa families facing damage to their homes, lost belongings, and a long road to recovery. In our latest episode of Civil Banter, Hamish and Stan take a look at what happens next when you need to make an insurance claim after a flood. They break down common types of flood coverage, explain why claims are sometimes denied, and walk through key insurance concepts in plain language, including endorsements, replacement cost versus actual cash value, and how policy wording can affect your claim. Our hosts also discuss steps homeowners can take right away to protect their interests, such as documenting damage, keeping detailed inventories, and maintaining a written record of communications with insurers. They talk about what options may be available if coverage is denied, including potential issues with insurance broker advice and Ontario’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program. If you or someone you know is dealing with the aftermath of flooding, we hope this episode can help you better understand the process and your potential next steps.