‘Companies flooded’: Surge in insurance claims in Quebec after historic rainfall, flooding

Laval resident Dominic Gratton is among the many whose homes were damaged by the historic rainfall nearly a week ago.

The contents of his basement are scattered across his driveway under a tarp — awaiting to be thrown out because it was soaked by sewage water in the flood.

On Aug. 9, during the storm brought on by Tropical Storm Debby, Gratton was on vacation with his family when his house was flooded.

Since moving in 2019 he says he has never seen anything like this with most of his and his families personal items and belongings completely ruined.

“People came here while we were away, pumping out sewage water out of our basement, it was about two-feet high,” he said.

Gratton filed an insurance claim like many, as several companies are reporting a record amount of requests — something some haven’t seen since the infamous ice storm of 1998.

“Insurance companies are flooded right now,” said Gratton, “I don’t want to make a bad joke here but we know they’re trying to do their best.”

Gratton filed his claim online and says it was fairly straight-forward. He heard back about the claim on Monday, with an inspector showing up on Thursday to assess the damage.

Given the high demand, insurance companies are warning that customers may have to wait several days before receiving a follow-up.

“I know for a fact my neighbour, he’s trying daily to call and still no answer back,” Gratton said.

Gratton says his insurance will provide coverage.

“We are covered, however, insurance coverage won’t be enough to regain and rebuild everything,” Gratton said.

He adds that he’ll have to dish out more money to cover the remaining parts of it, as he lost valuables like furniture, instruments and more items.

“I will rebuild,” he said, adding that it may cost him an extra $20,000 just to make the space livable again.

Insurance company urging patience

In a statement to CityNews, insurance company Beneva said they have received 60 times more calls than usual and thousands of claims. “The situation in our call centres is improving every day, which is very positive,” the statement said.

Beneva says employees are working “to help the people we insure, but customers will have to be patient, given the number and scope of losses.”

Mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, said held Thursday at a press conference that the city doesn’t yet know how many homes are impacted, but are estimating it at more than 10,000.

“I want the insurance company to fulfil the role and and and pay the people and not try to find excuses to not do their job,” he said.

 He also said some Laval residents may not qualify for the  provincial government financial aid program.

“It’s limited to flooding coming from the river because that’s how we interpreted natural disaster,” he said.

Cleanup efforts underway by City of Laval

Laval says City teams are mobilizing to accelerate the cleanup operation that began Monday. “Given the extent of the damage observed on the ground across the territory, the special collection carried out by external suppliers will now be supported by additional employees from municipal services,” a press release read.

The City will deploy nearly extra 200 staff members from the municipal Public Works and Environment departments and nearly 60 additional vehicles will be on the streets.

Municipal snow dumps will now be used as well.

Temporary measures are in place including the City tolerating winter car shelters in driveways to protect furniture and personal belongings. Residential properties also will not need a permit to restore their basement.

“Our city has been tested by a climate event of historic magnitude and my heart goes out to the affected population,” Boyer said in a press release. “Our teams have been working hard since the beginning of the crisis and will continue to do so until the situation is resolved. Our citizens can count on our support – we are doing everything we can to help them in these difficult times.”