Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP

Climate change blamed as insurance payouts increase

April 30, 2008

April 24, 2008 – (The Montreal Gazette) - Insurance claims relating to water damage are the fastest-growing category of all claims in Canada.

But those payouts involve water damage caused mainly by flash storms in summer that result in sewer backups and basement flooding.

Quebec insurers paid out more than $500 million in water-related claims in 2005-06, said Jack Chadirdjian, director of public affairs for the Quebec branch of the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

That amount represents 45 per cent of $1.1 billion in payouts overall, he noted.

The 45-per-cent figure is significant because water-related payouts represented only 21 per cent of the total as recently as 2001-02, he said.

It's because of climate change, Chadirdjian said.

"Not just more rain," he said, "but more rain compressed into shorter periods of time" - like the 100 millimetres (about four inches) of rain that fell in one hour in Montreal in July 1987.

The problem of water damage is particularly acute in the Montreal area, where aging infrastructure can't cope with heavy storms.

Residential home insurance policies do not cover water damage as a routine general risk. People who want to be insured for water damage have to purchase special water-damage riders, also known as endorsements or supplements. They generally cost about $50.

The difference between water damage caused by sewer back-up and water damage caused by floods isn't always clear, Chadirdjian said.

Sometimes, people who live blocks away from a shoreline where there has been flooding will have sewer backup without any evidence of invading surface floodwater.

Inspectors are very astute at being able to identify the factors, he said.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Contamination Restoration & Remediation​
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

wall cavity drying

Dry or Demolish? Navigating the Complexities of Wall Cavity Restoration

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Ask the Expert: Catastrophe Panel - Back to the Basics Part 1

Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Restoration Services

What restoration/remediation service do you prioritize most?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products

Related Articles

  • natural disaster

    CoreLogic Climate Change Catastrophe Report Estimates 14.5 Million U.S. Homes Impacted by Natural Disasters in 2021

    See More
  • Global warming

    Mold Remediation in a Warming World: How Climate Change Is Reshaping Restoration

    See More
  • Some good news for consumers as state tackles property insurance

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • secrets-of-insurance-game.jpg

    Secrets of the Insurance Game

  • After-The-Smoke-Clears.gif

    After The Smoke Clears...

See More Products

Related Directories

  • UNITS Moving and Portable Storage

    UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage offers high-quality, weather-resistant containers featuring barn-style doors and all-steel construction for pack-out services whether on-site or in our climate controlled warehouses. UNITS ROBO Delivery Systems offers the most flexibility for container placement in the industry for any type of location or an area as small as an automobile parking space.
  • HOBO Data Loggers

    Reliable, affordable, rugged, and easy to use & deploy, HOBO data loggers provide continuous monitoring of temperature and relative humidity to ensure acceptable ranges throughout restoration & remediation sites – as well as detailed data logs and reports for insurance purposes and streamlined compliance with industry standards.
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing