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Home insurance in Toronto, with flood risk in mind
Share a few details and a licensed Ontario professional can help you compare coverage, including water damage.
Continue below—about a minute, no obligation.
Water damage is the Toronto home insurance story
On July 16, 2024, nearly 98 mm of rain fell at Pearson in a single morning, more than the whole month's normal. Insured losses from that storm came to about $991 million, most of it personal property, and more than a thousand Toronto basements flooded that year.
That's why the questions that matter most in Toronto are about water: whether your policy covers sewer backup and overland flooding, how the water deductible works, and whether your home has a backwater valve. Since May 2026 the City's flood-proofing subsidy pays up to $6,650 per home, nearly double the old maximum.
Toronto flood risk by the numbers
- 97.8 mm of rain fell at Pearson on the morning of July 16, 2024; July's normal for the whole month is 74 mm. (The Weather Network, July 2025)
- Insured losses from the July 2024 flood were revised to $991 million, 77% of it personal property, making it the 10th costliest insured catastrophe in Canada. (Canadian Underwriter (CatIQ), Jan 2025)
- Severe rainfall in 2024 flooded the basements of more than 1,000 Toronto homes. (City of Toronto, Apr 2026)
- Storms on August 17–18, 2024 added more than $100 million in insured damage across Etobicoke, Mississauga and other GTA areas. (IBC via Newswire, Oct 2024)
Toronto programs that can help
- Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. Covers 80% of the invoiced cost of flood protection, up to $6,650 per property (it was $3,400): up to $1,600 per backwater valve, $2,250 for a sump pump, $300 for battery backup, $500 for a plumbing assessment and $400 for weeping-tile severance. For single-family homes up to fourplexes, for work done on or after November 12, 2025; apply within two years. (City of Toronto, June 2026)
Before you compare quotes in Toronto
- 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
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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.
Does home insurance in Toronto cover basement flooding?
Not automatically. Water backing up through drains (sewer backup) and water coming in from outside (overland flooding) are usually separate coverages. Ask for both to be quoted.
Will a backwater valve lower my Toronto home insurance?
It can help, and some insurers ask about one before offering sewer backup coverage. The City's subsidy covers 80% of the cost, up to $1,600 per valve.
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