How to prepare for a snow storm

Snowstorms are a pretty common part of life in Canada, so most people are used to keeping an eye on the forecast in winter, shovelling snow and driving more carefully. But these storms can often cause bigger issues, especially for homeowners when the snow starts to melt, drains can get overwhelmed and the water has to go somewhere.

Wind, ice and freezing rain can damage cars, roofs, siding and trees, and that can turn into leaks or falling debris. Power outages can also cause problems, especially if you rely on electric heat, a sump pump or a garage door to get in and out. This is where a little preparation can make a real difference. Read on to learn how to reduce the chances of water getting in and what your insurance is meant to help with if you do end up with storm damage.

What does home insurance usually cover during a snowstorm?

Most home insurance policies in Canada are built to deal with sudden damage. Where people often run into trouble is when the damage doesn’t come from an obvious opening. Let's take a look:

But even when something is covered, how much you get back depends on your coverage limit and your deductible and those deductibles can be higher after big regional storms.

What’s the difference between sewer backup and overland water coverage?

Both of these cover water damage, but they deal with water coming from different places. That’s why they’re treated separately in property insurance policies. Take a look:

Think of how a finished basement in a low-lying area faces different risks than a raised home on a slope. Even houses on the same street can still need very different coverage. A broker can help you decide whether you could benefit from having one or both based on your unique situation.

How does car insurance protect your vehicle during a snowstorm?

Damage to vehicles during a snowstorm usually falls under comprehensive (or all-perils) coverage. This coverage typically applies to damage from things like:

• Falling trees or branches

• Blowing debris

• Flooding caused by melting snow

If you only carry basic liability coverage, this kind of damage won’t be covered. But because comprehensive coverage isn’t mandatory, people sometimes find out too late that they’re on the hook for repairs after a storm. If your car is regularly parked outside or near trees, you may want to review your coverage with a local insurance broker before winter sets in.

What should you do at home before a snowstorm hits?

A winter storm warning is usually issued about 12 to 24 hours before severe weather reaches your area. But the best time to get ready for a snowstorm is well before one shows up in the forecast. There are also several things you can do before the winter season begins to prepare your home and car. Here are some steps you should take:

Around the house

Do the following:

• Clear snow from vents, exhausts and gas meters

• Make sure downspouts are clear and extended away from the foundation

• Secure loose items and trim low or dead branches

• Cover windows with plastic in case they crack

Inside

Ensure that you:

• Test your sump pump and any battery backup

• Keep the heat set to at least 13°C if you’re travelling

• Know where your main water shutoff is

• Move valuables off the basement floors

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Power and supplies

Power is necessary for accessing emergency services. Make sure to:

• Charge phones and power banks

• Restock your emergency kit with enough emergency supplies and medications to get through at least three days (or seven to ten days for remote and Northern communities)

• Restock your first aid kit

• Keep snow shovels, ice melt and roof rakes easy to reach

Planning

Always be prepared:

• Listen to local radio or TV stations for updated storm information

• Sign up for weather alerts on your phone

• Fill up your car’s gas tank, just in case

• Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your car

• Update your home inventory list if needed

What should you do during a winter storm?

During a severe winter storm, you’ll want to focus on staying safe, staying warm and limiting damage. If the power goes out, be careful with generators or fuel-burning heaters. They should only be used outside, never indoors, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

If it gets really cold, letting a small trickle of water run can help keep pipes from freezing. Also, keep an eye out for any early signs of trouble:

• Water dripping where it shouldn’t be

• Cracking, popping or shifting sounds from the roof

• Strong or unusual smells near electrical panels or outlets

In your car

When weather conditions are bad, it’s usually safer to stay inside and put off travel until the storm passes. If you do need to go out, dress in layers for the winter weather and assume travel will be slow and slippery. Make sure that you:

• Let someone know where you’re going, the route you plan to take and when you expect to arrive if you have to travel during a storm.

• Stay away from any downed power lines.

• If you become stranded in your car, stay with the vehicle and tie a brightly coloured cloth to the antenna so it’s easier for rescuers to spot.

• If the engine is running, keep the overhead light on so others can see you.

• Keep your car’s exhaust pipe clear of snow if you’re running the heater, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide building up.

What should you do after a snowstorm causes damage?

If something is still actively causing damage, like water coming in or a pipe that’s burst, deal with that first if you can do it safely. That might mean shutting off the water or moving a few things out of the way. Insurance does expect you to take reasonable steps, but it doesn’t expect you to put yourself in danger. Let's take a closer look:

Document the damage

Before you start cleaning up, take some photos and videos. A few shots from different angles usually do the job. If it’s clear where the damage started, try to capture that too. If you can, hang on to damaged items for now.

Prevent further damage

After that, focus on stopping any additional damage:

• Cover roof openings if needed

• Remove standing water

• Dry out areas when it’s safe to do so

• If a vehicle has flooded, don’t drive it and arrange a tow

Contact your insurer

At that point, let your insurer know what happened. Share the photos you took and answer their questions so they understand the situation.

Before throwing out any majorly damaged items, it’s usually best to wait for guidance unless there’s a health or safety issue. Keeping a few notes about conversations and expenses can also make things easier as everything gets sorted out.

How do regional and emerging winter risks affect coverage?

Snowstorms don’t look the same everywhere in Canada and insurance tends to reflect that. In areas that see frequent or costly winter storms, coverage can respond a bit differently, sometimes with higher deductibles after major events. So where you live in Canada can change how your insurance responds to winter damage. Here's what you should know:

Extreme cold

Canada has one of the harshest winter climates in the world. In many parts of the country, cold temperatures can drop to –30°C or even –40°C and stay there for days or weeks at a time. That kind of cold puts a lot of strain on plumbing, especially during long stretches of freezing temperatures, which increases the risk of frozen or burst pipes.

Flooding

In areas where snow tends to melt quickly and basements have flooded before, sewer backup and overland water coverage tend to matter more. In other regions, winter storms are more about wind, with falling trees or blowing debris causing damage instead. Places like Ontario and Quebec have seen winter storms that bring a mix of heavy snow, strong winds, power outages and flooding over just a few days.

Power outages

Power outages are also becoming more common during the winter season, especially in regions that see ice storms or heavy, wet snow. They can lead to other issues like frozen pipes, failing sump pumps or spoiled food when they last for days and those losses don’t all fall under the same part of a policy.

Contact BrokerLink today

Want help reviewing your policy or talking through possible gaps? Reach out to BrokerLink. Our licensed insurance advisors are ready to answer any questions you may have. We can help you review your car and home insurance policies, walk through your options and help you make the right changes for you before winter weather hits.

You can reach us by phone, email or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. And if you’re looking for a quote, why not try out our free online quote tool, which can provide you with a competitive insurance quote in minutes.

1-866-724-2372