According to the Province of Manitoba’s recent flood bulletin "Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports overland flooding and tributary flows continue to subside across parts of southern Manitoba. Flows in the Assiniboine River are continuing to rise.

Weather forecasts are predicting strong winds for April 13 to 16, as a low-pressure system begins to move from west to east across Manitoba. Rain is forecast for much of Manitoba over the weekend.

Partial ring dike closures are in place at St. Adolphe and Gretna."

Although the risk seems to have subsided in many areas, some flood warnings and watches remain in effect.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada "From 2009 to 2014, insured losses from catastrophic events were close to or above $1 billion each year – most of this was due to water damage".

As severe weather continues to increase in frequency and severity throughout Canada, Wawanesa has created Water Defence Coverage, a new product providing comprehensive protection for loss or damage as a result of the following risks:

• Overland Water - The water that enters a home due to sudden and unusual precipitation accumulation on your property (e.g. heavy rains) or the overflow of a lake or river.
• Sewer Backup - The sudden and accidental backup or flow of water in your home from your sewer, septic system or sump

Overland Water coverage becomes available to qualifying homeowners effective May 1, 2017. The addition, or increase of Sewer Backup coverage will also be available for qualifying homeowners at this time as well. Increased Sewer Backup coverage may be available for homes that are not equipped with a backwater valve and sump pump.

A brief video showcasing this coverage can be viewed here.

Insurance Companies reserve the right to decline, or limit the addition of coverages at any time. Insurance companies have occasionally placed a moratorium, or temporary prohibition, on adding or increasing water related coverages when the threat of flood is imminent. We recommend that any clients who are concerned about their current water damage coverages contact Our Team to review the options available to them.

Please note that availability of Overland Water coverage may affect eligibility for compensation from the Emergency Measures Organization through the Province of Manitoba.

Our Team is looking out for the best protection for our clients. Not all insurance policies are created equal, and not all clients are interested in all coverages. That is why it is important to have an insurance broker on your side, who will listen to your specific needs and coverage concerns, tailor a policy best suited to your needs, and explain the coverage and exclusions of your policy. All insurance policies have exclusions, and it is important to understand your policy wordings, and the specific details of exclusions and limitations of coverage.

Up-to-date flood information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/.