CAA-Quebec opens its Residential and Automotive Advisory Services to all flood victims

Press release
Published on May 2, 2019

The flooding to hit Quebec in recent weeks has been unusually extensive. In a show of solidarity with all those affected by this disaster, CAA-Quebec is opening up its advisory services to members and non-members alike for free for the next few weeks. Everyone is sure to have lots of questions for home and auto experts after the water recedes.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced or distressed by the floods. Unfortunately some will return to a water-soaked home and whole heap of new worries. What next? Is a deep-clean enough? Where do you start? Our experts can help figure out what to do first and what’s most important.

Concrete advice to help for help’s sake

“First, you should ask an expert before turning the electricity and heating back on. Well water may not be safe to drink. You also should know that anything that has touched floodwater needs to be disinfected (like pots and pans, for example) or just tossed (like drywall, carpets, or pressed wood furniture),” says Alain Paquette, a residential advisor with CAA-Quebec.

“It’s not easy to tell this to someone who’s already shaken up. Our job is to give them facts in an objective way, without trying to sell them anything. If needed, I can recommend some reliable companies who can help them,” he adds.

Remember it’s essential to have the cleanup done by a professional who has access to specialized equipment and techniques. A poor cleanup job could lead to major mould issues that can cause health problems for the household.

Putting people first

“When disaster strikes, we have to stick together. Now that the water is starting to recede, we won’t hear about it as much, but CAA-Quebec knows that a lot of people will be grappling with the consequences of the flooding. If this effort can help some of them get organized, we’ll have accomplished our mission,” says CAA-Quebec President and CEO Richard Lachance.

Does insurance cover it?

Is water damage covered by home insurance? It depends. Damage caused by sewer backups is often covered, but most of the time any damage caused by overflowing waterways is not. You’ll need to ask for government financial assistance.

What about cars?

The first thing to do is contact your insurer. They generally declare flooded vehicles a “total loss.” That leaves them with a salvage title and they cannot be returned to the road. Note that driving a vehicle that has been exposed to water can be extremely dangerous.

“If the water has contaminated the vehicle’s computers they’ll almost certainly be unable to properly control it—and there can be up to 20 of them! Remember these computers and modules control systems like the steering unit, brakes, and engine, whether the vehicle runs on gas or electricity,” points out Sylvain Légaré, an automotive analyst at CAA-Quebec. CAA-Quebec automotive advisors will give callers all the information they need for their specific situation. 

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec is a not-for-profit organization that assists each of its members by providing mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products, and services.

– 30 –