Record rainfall: Making your claim process easier
Flooded basements, property damage, submerged cars: Many people have been affected by the record rainfall on August 9, when some regions received up to 221 millimetres of precipitation. Due to this extraordinary situation, insurers are receiving a high volume of claims, and their teams are working hard to respond to victims, with response times sometimes taking longer than usual.
It’s important to keep in mind that the equivalent of a month’s rain fell in a single day, which unfortunately caused significant damage in places where the storm sewers were unable to cope. Some roads remain closed due to water build-up or damage caused by the record rainfall.
“This is an exceptional situation, and we are aware that many people are trying to contact their insurers at this difficult time. Our Automotive and Residential Advisory Services teams are committed to providing the best possible response to those affected by the rain.”
Suzanne MichaudVice President, Insurance, CAA-Quebec
While you wait for assistance from a claims adjuster, CAA-Quebec would like to remind you of a few practical tips to help speed up the process for both home- and car-related claims.
Home
When making a claim, it’s essential to document all lost property and all damaged areas of your home, whether through photos or videos. Clear and detailed images will speed up the process. Contaminated surfaces and furniture should then be removed and placed outside to facilitate the work of the post-disaster cleanup team. For safety reasons, CAAQuebec recommends that you leave the floor alone and instead devote your energy to cutting away damaged gypsum. Using a pencil, saw, or retractable safety blade, draw a line at the water level, and remove the entire affected area. Finally, it’s vital to create the best possible air circulation by placing fans around the house and opening windows, weather permitting.
Automotive
It takes very little damage for a vehicle to be a total loss. As soon as the water reaches the vehicle’s floor, it’s too late. Electronic components are damaged, and corrosion starts to take its toll. At that point, the vehicle cannot be started. It must be towed, and the owner must contact their insurer.
Natural disasters by the numbers
Statistics show that Canada is experiencing increasingly destructive and frequent natural disasters. And the financial consequences are also growing. In fact, for more than 10 years, the cost of natural disaster claims has been over $1 billion annually across the country. In Quebec alone, the cost has been $200 million annually.1
For more information, see our quick reference guide.
About CAA-Québec
CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a variety of sectors by drawing upon a human approach. Socially committed, the organization strives on a daily basis to defend the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety.
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