Clean-up efforts continue in Cache Creek one week after flash floods

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It has been one week since devastating flash floods hit the community of Cache Creek. The damage is done — repairs could take weeks if not months and the financial hit is tough to swallow.

People living there are beginning the road to recovery but now many are finding out, their insurance isn’t as comprehensive as they first thought.

Most policies nationwide do not cover what’s called ‘overland flooding,’ which comes from overflowing rivers and lakes. Coverage for sewage back-up may be available, but it’s an extra add-on.

Celyeste Power with the Insurance Bureau of Canada says right now they’re seeing more cases of homeowners being unprepared for Mother Nature.

“Severe weather events have increased significantly over the past few years. Insured damages had never really reached over $1 billion and this is now the new normal.  And following the flooding in Calgary it went up to $3.6 billion. We are working to get the word out to consumers that most home insurance policies do not cover overland flooding.”

She adds most people don’t have the extra coverage, meaning they’re leaving themselves open to taking a financial hit.

“Things like wind or hail would typically be covered under an insurance policy. So ask questions about what’s covered and what’s not, where you can make changes in your policy to add coverage.”

Power suggests speaking to your insurance agent as soon as possible to review your policy.  “Ask questions about what’s covered and what’s not.  Where you can make changes in your policy to add coverage and that would be purchasing sewer back-up, also ask about limits and deductibles.”

The province will pay 80 per cent of damage that’s over $1,000 to a maximum $300,000 for people living in Cache Creek.