Flood Coverage

Am I covered for a loss resulting from a flood?

BCAA provides flood protection as an Optional Extra for eligible customers. If you are a current BCAA policyholder and are not sure if you have Flood protection, look under the Optional Extras section of your policy Declaration Page. If you are still unsure, please head to the nearest Service Location or call 1.888.268.BCAA (2222) so a Team Member can confirm.

What if my home is damaged or has already suffered a loss as a result of a flood?

BCAA is dedicated to making your claims experience as stress free as possible. Should you need to make a claim on your home, contact BCAA claims online at bcaa.com/makeaclaim or call 1.888.268.BCAA (2222). We’re available 24/7.

What is mass evacuation coverage?

BCAA will pay any necessary and reasonable additional living expenses incurred by you if you’re unable to live in your home due to a mandatory evacuation order. Some examples of necessary and reasonable additional living expenses are food, accommodations, pet care, medication and clothes. In the event of a flood, mass evacuation coverage will only be provided for policyholders with flood coverage.

How do I access my mass evacuation coverage?

If you are evacuated from your home by mandatory evacuation order, please be sure to keep all receipts for living expenses such as food, accommodations, pet care, medication and clothes. To make a claim, call 1.888.268.BCAA (2222), or go online at bcaa.com/makeaclaim.

What if I am unable to live in my home due to a flood?

If you have flood coverage on your policy, you are covered for the cost of alternative accommodation and anything over and above everyday living expenses should you not be able to live in your home due to damage from a flood. Additional Living Expense may include:

• Temporary accommodation
• Moving costs
• Restaurant meals
• Laundry
• Accommodation for your pets

Are my belongings insured while I’m away from my home?

Most home insurance policies will cover the items you take temporarily away from your home, just as they would if they were left in your residence.

The power is out. Is the food in my fridge and freezer covered?

Most home insurance policies will cover food spoilage due to a power outage or mechanical breakdown, subject to your policy deductible.

Will the government provide coverage for costs that insurance doesn’t cover?

Please check with BC’s Public Safety & Emergency Services Department to learn more about government assistance programs in the event of a flood.

I have a BCAA Home Insurance policy, but with a flood warning I’m worried about the amount of coverage. Can I increase my coverage?

Unfortunately, if you live in an area currently being threatened by flood, we are not able to increase existing coverage until this threat passes.

My neighbour doesn’t have a BCAA Home Insurance policy. Can they buy it now?

Anyone in an area currently being threatened by flood is unfortunately not able to purchase a BCAA Insurance policy until the threat passes.

If anyone you know has suffered a loss, or has questions about their coverage, please have them contact their local insurance broker. If they have any difficulty locating their broker or insurance company, the Insurance Bureau of Canada can help. Their number is 1.844.227.5422.

Where can I get more information on what my policy covers?

Your full home insurance policy wording has all the details about what’s covered - it can be found at bcaa.com/wordings. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to BCAA if you have any specific questions or concerns. You can reach us at 1.888.268.2222.

I’ve heard a rumour that floods are considered “acts of god” and not covered by home insurance. Is this true?

Flood damage is covered by BCAA Home Insurance for eligible customers who have flood coverage on their policy. BCAA does not use the term “acts of god” when referring to what’s covered or what’s excluded from a policy. If you have any questions or concerns about your BCAA Home Insurance coverage, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach us at 1.888.268.2222.

How do I file a claim?

If you have insurance coverage with BCAA and need to file a claim visit bcaa.com/makeaclaim. You can also make a claim by calling the 24-hour emergency claims number at 1.888.268.BCAA (2222).

Am I covered for a loss resulting from a flood?

If you have purchased comprehensive coverage as part of your BCAA Optional Car Insurance policy, your vehicle is insured against damage resulting from rising water, windstorm and falling or flying objects. You may also have access to included benefits to support you and your family in the event of a claim resulting from a flood.

How do I initiate a claim?

In the unfortunate even of a claim, it depends on which insurance company you have purchased your comprehensive coverage from:

• BCAA Optional Car Insurance Policy
• Please call our 24-Hour BCAA Optional Claim service at: 1.888.592.1111.
• ICBC
• Visit icbc.com/claims to report a Claim 24 hours a day.

If my vehicle is a total loss, how much will I receive in compensation?

If your vehicle is a total loss, the insurer will base the settlement value on the Actual Cash Value of the vehicle at time of loss. BCAA also offers replacement coverage options for eligible customers that will replace your vehicle in the event of a total loss.

I have a BCAA Optional Car Insurance policy, but I’m worried about the amount of coverage. Can I increase my coverage or reduce my deductible?

If you live in an area currently being threatened by floods, we are not able to increase existing coverage until this threat passes.

My neighbour doesn’t have a BCAA Optional Car Insurance policy. Can they buy it now?

Anyone in an area currently being threatened by floods is unfortunately not able to purchase a BCAA Optional Car Insurance policy until the flood threat passes.

If anyone you know has suffered a loss, or has questions about their coverage, please have them contact their local insurance broker. If they have any difficulty locating their broker or insurance company, the Insurance Bureau of Canada can help. Their number is 1.844.227.5422.

Where can I get more information on what my BCAA Optional Car Insurance policy covers?

Your policy wording has all the details about what's covered - it can be found at bcaa.com/wordings. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to BCAA if you have any specific questions or concerns. You can reach us at 1.888.268.2222.

Is my business covered for a loss resulting from a flood?

BCAA Small Business Insurance provides flood protection as an optional coverage. If you are a current BCAA Small Business Insurance policy holder and are not sure if you have Flood Protection or Sewer Backup, look under the coverage section on the Declaration Page. If you are still unsure, please call 1.888.268.BCAA (2222).

How do I file a Small Business Insurance claim?

If you have insurance coverage with BCAA Small Business Insurance and need to file a claim, call the 24-hour emergency claims number at 1.888.268.BCAA (2222). You can also make a claim online at bcaa.com/makeaclaim.

What if I am unable to operate my business due to a flood evacuation order? 

BCAA Small Business Insurance provides flood protection and business interruption as an optional coverage. If you are experiencing an interruption to your business operations give our BCAA Small Business Advisors a call at 1.888.268.BCAA (2222).

Where can I get more information on what my policy covers?

Your BCAA Small Business Insurance coverages can be found on the policy Declaration Page. If you have specific question or concerns you can contact a Small Business Advisor at 1.888.268.BCAA (2222).

Visit our BCAA flood resources for home protection advice and tips if you’re on evacuation alert or evacuation order.

Make an emergency plan and make sure your family knows it.

Plan how you'll get out of your home and safely out of your community should you be evacuated. Make sure your family, including young children, know your evacuation route, how you'll communicate with each other and where to meet up if you get separated. Evacuations can happen on a moment's notice, so advanced planning is critical.

Create an emergency kit

Prepare an emergency kit for both your home and vehicle that can sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. BCAA Members save 20% on emergency kits for home and personal use with our rewards partner F.A.S.T. (First Aid & Survival Technologies Limited).

Step one: Buy a ready-made kit or build your own, which includes items listed on PreparedBC's recommended basic essentials. Health Canada's Website and fact sheet have additional coronavirus-specific recommendations for your emergency kit.

Step two: Customize your kit to meet your needs—for example, regular medications, comfort items for children, or food for your pet.

Step three: Put your kit in a place that's easy to access. Prepare extra kits to keep in your car and at work.

Make sure you have the right coverage

Make time to review your insurance policies, so you fully understand your coverage.

1. Keep all vehicles on your property insured
   Keeping occasional-use recreational vehicles insured throughout flood season enables you to move them in the event of an evacuation. Basic liability insurance may be obtained to move uninsured vehicles to a safe location, but coverage for physical damage may not be available in flood-effected areas. Contact a BCAA Car Insurance Expert for details.


2. Keep your home insurance up-to-date
   It may be difficult to purchase home insurance as a natural disaster is unfolding, so make sure you're covered for flood season. Know what coverage you have and whether you need to update your policy. Document your valuables with photos or videos, including any renovations to your home and yard. Speak to your local BCAA Home Insurance Expert early on to go over your policy.


3. Move and document valuables
   Transfer irreplaceable possessions and valuables to a safe storage location and take photos of anything that can't be moved. Upload important documents and precious digital photos to a secured 'cloud' or onto a portable hard drive that you can encrypt for added security and take with you.


4. Talk to an insurance expert
   For questions about home insurance coverage caused by a flood, speak to your local insurance advisor.

Residents in areas with moderate to high flood danger ratings should always stay prepared for a potential evacuation alert.

Stay up-to-date and be flood-ready

Mobile apps that alert you of floods and hazards in your region can keep you up-to-date on threats so you can take appropriate action. The Alertable app (available through Apple or Google Play stores) is a great option and can provide you with real-time flood information. Emergency Info BC provides information on evacuation alerts and orders, as well as response and recovery resources. You’ll also find information about Alert Ready and BC’s Emergency Alerting System.

Pack your essentials and key documents

Have a small bag of essentials packed and ready to go, including personal items that you and your family will need should you have to leave home and stay elsewhere overnight. Include copies of personal identification, prescriptions and insurance papers.

Be visible

Ensure emergency responders can see your home address.

Ensure your car has enough gas in its tank

Flooding can come on quick. Should you have to leave the area, you never know how far you'll have to drive to get to a safe location or reach a gas station.

In the event of an evacuation

Notice of an evacuation can happen fast and at any time. Here are vital to-dos to help you stay organized and informed.

Track your expenses

Keep your receipts for accommodation, meals and other out-of-the-ordinary expenses. Most BCAA Home Insurance policies will cover a certain amount of additional living expenses for eligible customers forced to evacuate their homes.

Contact your insurance provider

To make a claim or to obtain emergency funds, contact your insurance company right away. Most companies have a 24-hour emergency claims line. BCAA's 24-hour number is 1.888.268.BCAA (2222) or you can make a claim online at bcaa.com/makeaclaim.

When a major disaster strikes, like a flood, wildfire or an earthquake, our BCAA Community Support Team will also be there to help our Members, insurance customers and the local community.

If you've been evacuated, you may be anxious to return home, but remember your home and its surroundings may not be the same as they were before, so practice caution.

Re-enter your home safely

There may be significant damage to your home and surrounding areas. Ensure you obey all signage and Damage Assessment Placecards (notices that the local government places on buildings within the damaged area).

If you can enter your home for an extended period:

• Bring essential supplies like drinking water, gloves, garbage bags, and a flashlight
• Inspect the perimeter of your home before entering and make sure the main power breaker is off before you enter the home with caution (do not connect to a household circuit!)
• Avoid using your sewage disposal system and remember your septic system or sump pump may not work without power and water
• Do not use propane, gas or heating oil until you have contacted suppliers for inspection and service

Food and Water Safety tips

• Your tap water may not be suitable for drinking, so use bottled water or boil or disinfect tap water. Contact your local authority before using tap water
• Discard spoiled food in your refrigerator and if your freezer has been exposed to water or without power for more than three days, throw out the contents
• Discard food items exposed to heat, ash chemicals, soot, water and smoke

Check-in with your mental health

A stressful event like a home evacuation can often cause anxiety—check-in with yourself and loved ones.

Getting help

• For 24/7 non-emergency assistance, visit the HealthLink BC website at www.healthlinkbc.ca or call 8-1-1 to speak to a health service coordinator who can also connect you to other health care professionals if necessary.
• 310 Mental Health Support can be reached at 310-6789 (no area code needed) and offers emotional support, information and resources.
• Kids Help Phone is Canada's only national helpline for young people between the ages of five and 20 where they can speak to a counsellor by calling 1.800.668.6868 or text a volunteer crisis responder at 686868.

Learn more about recovering after a flood here.