Simple Insurance
Home insurance in Ottawa after the derecho and river floods
Share a few details and a licensed Ontario professional can help you compare coverage for wind and water.
Continue below—about a minute, no obligation.
Wind and water: Ottawa's two big home insurance risks
Ottawa homeowners have seen both kinds of severe weather in recent years. The May 2022 derecho caused more than $875 million in insured damage across Ontario and Quebec, mostly from wind, and left about 30,000 Ottawa homes without power for over a week. Three years earlier, the Ottawa River flood led the City to declare a state of emergency.
Wind damage is normally covered by a standard home policy, but flooding is not always. If you live near the river or in an older home with a combined sewer, ask specifically about overland water and sewer backup coverage, and look at the City's protective plumbing rebate before you compare quotes.
Ottawa weather risk by the numbers
- The May 21, 2022 derecho caused over $875 million in insured damage in Ontario and Quebec ($720 million in Ontario), mostly wind; about 30,000 homes were without power for more than a week. (Insurance Bureau of Canada, June 2022)
- The City declared a state of emergency on April 25, 2019 as the Ottawa River threatened Constance Bay, Britannia and Cumberland. (Global News, Apr 2019)
Ottawa programs that can help
- Residential Protective Plumbing Program. Pays the building permit fee plus up to $1,000 for an indoor backwater valve, $2,500 for an outdoor storm backwater valve, and $1,500 to $3,000 for a sump pump with battery backup or generator. For homes built before 2004 (storm) or 2012 (sanitary); apply within 18 months of the permit. (City of Ottawa, 2026)
Before you compare quotes in Ottawa
- Check whether your policy covers sewer backup and overland water. They're often separate add-ons, and they're the coverages that matter after a flash flood.
- If you install a backwater valve or sump pump, keep the invoice and permit. Some insurers ask about them, and city rebates require them.
- Ask how the deductible works for water claims; some policies set a separate, higher water deductible.
- Get a replacement-cost estimate for your home rather than using its market value; rebuilding and land price are different numbers.
Local facts last reviewed October 2026. Figures are published averages and public data, not quotes; your premium depends on your own details.
What happens after you submit?
- Your request may be shared with a relevant licensed insurance professional or partner so they can follow up with you.
- They may reach out using your preferred contact method when they’re able to respond.
- There’s no obligation to continue the conversation or purchase coverage.
Simple Insurance is not an insurer or a broker. We connect you with licensed Ontario insurance professionals, who may compensate us for the introduction. Coverage decisions, pricing, and advice happen directly between you and the professional who contacts you.
How it works
- 1
Tell us what you need
Pick the type of insurance you’re interested in, your region, and when you’d like help.
- 2
Submit your contact details
Share basic contact info and how you’d prefer to be reached.
- 3
A licensed insurance professional follows up
Someone relevant to your request may reach out to discuss options—there’s no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an instant insurance quote?
No. This is a request to be connected with an insurance professional who can help you compare options.
Is there any obligation?
No. Submitting a request does not obligate you to buy insurance.
What information do I need to provide?
Only basic contact information, your region, the type of insurance you are interested in, and your timeline.
Who will contact me?
A relevant insurance professional or partner may contact you based on your request.
Do you guarantee savings?
No. Savings depend on your profile, coverage needs, provider, and market conditions.
Is storm damage from something like the derecho covered by home insurance?
Wind and fallen-tree damage are usually covered by a standard policy. Food spoilage during long outages and water damage may need specific coverage, so ask before you buy.
Can I get flood insurance near the Ottawa River?
Overland water coverage is available from many insurers, but price and availability depend on your exact location's flood risk. A broker can check which insurers will cover your address.
Related pages
Browse insurance help topics
Pick another topic below for plain-language guidance on that situation—and use the same quick request form on every page when you're ready for help.