Quebec has been inundated with insurance claims following the severe storms that struck on August 9, with around 70,000 home insurance claims filed since the event, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). This figure represents a staggering tenfold increase over the usual claim volume, the IBC revealed on Tuesday.
The IBC has cautioned claimants to expect significant delays in the processing of their claims, attributing the backlog to the unprecedented number of submissions. The storm, driven by Tropical Storm Debby, unleashed up to 200mm of rain within a 24-hour period, severely impacting areas including Montreal, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, and Mauricie, covering a substantial portion of southern Quebec.
The sheer volume of claims has placed immense pressure on both the insurance industry and claims processing services. The IBC has assured the public that efforts are being made to address claims as swiftly as possible despite the delays.
For those affected, the IBC advises documenting all damage by listing affected items, taking photographs, and retaining receipts for damaged property and any emergency-related expenses.
Quebec Premier François Legault has recommended that individuals affected by the storm initially seek compensation from their private insurers to maximize their coverage. In certain cases, the province may assist with costs not covered by insurance.
The IBC also noted that extreme weather events in Canada throughout 2023 have resulted in over $3.1 billion in insured damages.
