Spring Thaw & What You Should Know About Your Home & Insurance

As winter fades and the snow begins to melt, homeowners in Ottawa and across Ontario should be aware of the risks that come with the spring thaw. Scriven’s Paige McKenna has insights on what homeowners should know about potential damages and how insurance can help below.

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What Are the Biggest Risks to Your Home During Spring Thaw?

Two major concerns stand out when temperatures start to rise and the Great White North experiences its first major melt: flooding and household water damage. 

"As the ground expands, cracks in the foundation can appear, leading to potential water leaks and damage," explains McKenna. "Fixing these issues as soon as they arise is crucial to preventing costly repairs."

Additionally, as winter storms become more intense, they contribute to heavier snowfall, increasing the risk of damage and insurance claims. While warmer winters themselves haven't significantly changed claims, McKenna notes that extreme weather events have made proper home maintenance more critical than ever.

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How Can You Protect Your Home from Water Damage?

McKenna shares several key steps to help homeowners safeguard their properties:

1. Inspect and repair your foundation. 
   
   1. Check for cracks and fix them immediately to prevent water from seeping in.
2. Keep snow away from your home. 
   
   1. When shovelling your driveway, push snow away from the foundation to maintain clearance.
3. Install a backflow valve and sump pump. 
   
   1. "These can prevent water from backing up into your basement, and having a backup pump or monitored system can offer extra protection," says McKenna.
4. Ensure proper drainage. 
   
   1. Keep eavestroughs clear and direct downspouts away from your foundation.
5. Remove excess snow from your roof. 
   
   1. Heavy snow accumulation can cause leaks or ice dams, leading to interior water damage.
6. Prevent frozen pipes. 
   
   1. If you’re away from home, have someone check in to ensure pipes don’t freeze and burst.

Does Your Insurance Cover Water Damage?

There are a few key insurance coverages that protect against spring thaw-related damage that you should be aware of:

• Overland water coverage covers flooding caused by overflowing rivers, heavy rainfall, and ice dams. "This is essential for homeowners as it protects against sudden and accidental water damage," McKenna advises.
• Sewer backup coverage protects against wastewater backing up through toilets, showers, or drains.
• Additional niche options include above-ground water coverage and groundwater coverage, which help in more specific water damage scenarios.

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Does Insurance Cover Mold or Moisture Damage?

This is a common question, and McKenna clarifies that most policies do not cover mould, as it is typically associated with poor home maintenance. "However, sudden and accidental water damage is usually covered, so addressing issues quickly can prevent mould growth in the first place."

Having a maintenance routine is a good step to preventing damage caused by moisture from compounding over time.

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How Do Insurance Considerations Differ for Businesses vs. Homes?

For business owners, the approach to spring thaw protection is similar: 

• Ensuring proper drainage. 
• Maintaining structural integrity. 
• And reviewing policies to understand coverage limitations. 

"Business owners should be just as diligent as homeowners in protecting their properties," McKenna advises.

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What About Your Car? Does Auto Insurance Cover Spring Thaw Damage?

Many drivers worry about how spring thaw can affect their vehicles. McKenna breaks it down:

Flood damage to your car

If your vehicle is parked outside and sustains flood damage, comprehensive coverage typically applies. However, in high-risk flood zones, there may be exclusions.

Hydroplaning accidents 

Accidents caused by excess water on the road would fall under collision coverage. "This isn’t a spring-specific issue but something drivers should be mindful of year-round," McKenna notes.

Pothole damage

The fluctuating temperatures during the thaw season create potholes, which can cause serious vehicle damage. While pothole-related damage is covered under collision insurance, it is considered a single-vehicle incident, meaning it may impact your rates and require a deductible.

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Spring thaw brings unique challenges, but with proactive measures and a clear understanding of your insurance policy, you can minimize risks. If you’re unsure about your coverage, McKenna recommends speaking with an insurance professional to ensure you have the right protection in place.

Looking for such a professional? Trust the team at Scrivens and contact us today: https://www.scrivens.ca/ 

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