08/12/2026
There's a specific smell that tells a London homeowner exactly how bad their week is about to be.
You open the basement door after a big August storm, and before you even see anything, you smell it — wet drywall, soaked underpad. Then you get to the bottom of the stairs and see the waterline on the boxes.
The question everyone asks next is "Am I covered for water damage?" — and it's the wrong question. On a standard Ontario home policy, water isn't one thing. It's at least four different things, and which one hit your basement decides whether you're filing a claim or writing a cheque.
Here's the short version: a burst pipe inside your house is usually covered. Sewer backup and overland flood are two separate, optional add-ons — and most policies here in London include neither by default. Buying one doesn't give you the other.
The City of London's Basement Flooding Grant Program will cover up to 90% of a backwater valve or sump pump install, which helps prevent damage. But prevention and insurance coverage are two different jobs. You want both.
I wrote up the full breakdown, including exactly what to look for on your declarations page this week: 👉 https://519blog.com/london-home-insurance-water-damage-flood-coverage/
Not sure what's on your policy? Send it my way and I'll read it with you.
Most home insurance in London, Ontario covers neither overland flood nor sewer backup. A licensed broker explains the difference and how to check yours.
