Overland Water Coverage

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Written by Kayla Jane Barrie Updated on October 17, 2025 min read

What you need to know about overland water coverage

Will your home insurance cover you if your house floods due to overland water? It might, but not all policies include this coverage. Overland water coverage is an optional add-on, and without it, you may not be protected.

Water damage accounts for half of all home insurance claims in Canada. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reports that annual severe weather-related damages from floods, hailstorms, and wildfire reached $7 billion. Given these statistics, adding overland water coverage to your policy is wise if you don't already have it.

At ThinkInsure, we can help you assess your needs and determine if overland water coverage or another type of flood insurance is right for you. We partner with Canada's leading providers to find the best insurance to protect your home against overland water and flooding.

Key takeaways about overland water insurance:

Overland water coverage typically costs from $100 to $400, though high-risk areas could see premiums closer to $1,000 per year.
This coverage is optional and not automatically included in basic home insurance policies.
Overland water coverage protects your property and belongings from damage caused by surface water overflow from lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as heavy rainfall and accidental dam breaks. It can cover repair costs and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to flooding.
You can get overland water coverage as an endorsement, but not all insurers offer it, so it's important to compare quotes and speak with brokers who work with multiple providers to find the best option for your needs.

How to get overland water insurance

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What is overland water coverage?

Wooden house exterior surrounded by nature

Overland water coverage is an optional add-on that offers protection from damage caused by surface water from various bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and streams. It's important to note that basic insurance policies typically do not include coverage for this type of water damage. This add-on is highly recommended for individuals residing in areas susceptible to overland flooding, particularly those along flood plains or in low-lying regions.

Overland water coverage is an optional add-on that protects from damage caused by surface water from lakes, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. Water damage from these events is typically not included in basic policies. If you live in a region prone to overland flooding from lakes and rivers, along flood plains, or low areas, it's recommended that you invest in it.

What is overland flooding?

Overland flooding is when water overflows from a lake, river, or body of fresh water and causes destruction to homes, vehicles, and other property. It’s usually caused by extreme storms, heavy rainfall in short periods, and rapidly melting snow. Water damage from overland flooding events is typically not included in basic policies.

Insurers offer overland water coverage as an add-on. If you live in a region prone to overland flooding from lakes and rivers, along flood plains, or low areas, it's recommended that you invest in it.

Overland floods and coastal floods are not the same. Floods from coastal waters, storm surges, saltwater and tidal waves are not covered as part of overland water coverage. You would need coastal flood or tsunami insurance in this situation.

Overland flood insurance should not be confused with other types of water coverage such as sewer backup insurance, flooding from neighbours, and accidents due to a broken pipe or plumbing issues. These are typically covered under water damage insurance.

Do I need overland flood insurance?

Given the increasing threat of climate change, even homes not near water sources are susceptible to flooding, primarily due to heavy rainfall causing water sources to overflow. It is highly recommended to add overland flood insurance, as basic home insurance often doesn't provide adequate coverage.

Understanding how insurers assess flood risk and ensuring you have sufficient protection is crucial for homeowners. Many insurers offer comprehensive water packages that cover various types of water damage. Contact our brokers today to discuss your options and gain peace of mind knowing you're protected.

Does my home insurance policy cover overland flooding?

Many homeowners are surprised to discover that overland flooding and many types of water damage are not included in home insurance in Canada. If you have coverage, it’s limited and can vary based on your insurance company and policy level of protection.

In 2021, a CBC report found up to 10% of homes could be uninsured due to incomplete floodplain maps and the industry pulling back on overland flooding areas. Never make assumptions about what is included in your plan. If you are not sure, speak with your insurer.

Your home may not be eligible for overland water insurance if you live in a high-risk flood area. Insurers may not offer plans if the threat of flooding is high. Call us to review your policy if you are unsure if you have overland flooding coverage.

What is the average cost of overland water coverage in Canada?

Depending on your location and limits, overland water coverage will add around $100 to $400 per year to your home insurance quote. Greater risk areas may pay closer to $1,000 a year. This monthly cost beats the thousands of dollars of damage you could face if there is a flooding accident that damages your home.

How does overland water coverage work?

Overland water coverage is offered as an endorsement - it’s not automatically included in your policy. But insurers commonly recommend this type of protection. Adding this to your policy will increase your premiums.

When your policy has this endorsement, you’ll be covered for any loss or damage to your belongings and property from overland flooding. This is another reason why it’s essential to keep a home inventory checklist for insurance. It’ll just make it easier to manage the claims process.

If you have renters insurance, it’s highly recommended to add additional flood insurance to your policy.

What is an example of overland flood insurance?

You’re on your way home from work in the city, and it begins to rain heavily. You begin to hear reports of road closures and flooding around roads in your neighbourhood. You live close to a nearby creek, which has already started to overflow. The increase in water causes flooding in all the homes in your neighbourhood. After the storm, you find you have extensive damage to your basement, and your home is uninhabitable.

While restoration work is being done, you need a hotel and have your living expenses covered. It will cost $25,000 to get your basement back to its pre-storm condition. Since you have overland flood insurance, your living costs and repairs will be covered.

Without overland flood insurance, you may have some protection, but not enough to cover all the costs to repair your home.

What does overland water coverage include in Canada?

When you add overland water coverage to your policy, you’ll have additional protection from various accidental damage from water. Overland water coverage will protect against the following:

Rain accumulation on the surface enters through the garage door, basement windows, or cracks in an above-ground basement wall.
Heavy rain and surface water enter the home.
Accidental dam break.
Overflow of freshwater – oceans, and seas are not included under overland water coverage and require additional flood insurance.

What is not covered by overland water coverage?

Overland water coverage will not cover you from all types of water and flood incidents. Your policy never covers these losses:

Rain or snow enters through an open window or door.
The roof is leaking because of poor maintenance.
Extended seepage and leakage from appliances or neglect throughout your home, such as cracked foundation.
Saltwater damage or coastal flooding.

Why isn't flood damage from coastal storms covered?

According to the IBC, “The purpose of insurance is to spread risk among many policyholders. Storm surges or tidal waves are risks for only a small percentage of the population who live in coastal areas. Since most homeowners aren't exposed to this risk, they should not be expected to share in the cost through their premiums. This means the cost of coverage would be very high for the smaller number of people who might need it.”

If you live in a coastal region you will require specific flood insurance for saltwater damage and coastal flooding. Be sure to speak with your advisor to make sure you have proper flood insurance for your region and needs.

Can you get overland water coverage in a flood zone?

Whether you are buying a new home or want to confirm how safe your current house is from flooding, it’s crucial to investigate its location in relation to a flood plain. However, many homeowners and insurers are finding this to be a difficult task.

One of the reasons it can be challenging to get approved for insurance in a flood zone is that there is insufficient data. Flood maps were last done in the 1970s, but the Canadian government is working on updating them. Once these maps are updated, they will provide homeowners and insurers with the opportunity to assess the threats to their neighbourhood.

The federal government released the Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation's report, Adapting to Rising Flood Risk: An Analysis of Insurance Solutions for Canada. They found that even though the threat is concentrated in a small number of high-risk homes, there’s a need for standardization in the flood insurance that is offered. There’s a call for carefully crafted flood insurance solutions to protect Canadians.

It’s worth noting that if you live in a low-lying elevation, close to water (lakes, rivers, streams, etc.), or a location prone to heavy snow and rainfall, you may be at risk, and not all insurers will cover you. Some policies may require installing a backwater valve or purchasing additional water protection.

What are the different types of flooding?

A flood is defined as water that has overflowed onto dry land, or beyond its normal confines. Often, a combination of water overflow may affect municipalities and homes.

For example, Toronto experienced severe floods which cost more than $80 million in insured damage. Heavy rainfall caused damage to urban areas that were not equipped to handle the rain. This event also caused creeks and streams to overflow their banks, causing issues such as sewer backup into the basements of homes.

This extreme weather event would fall into urban flooding and overland flooding – two areas that homeowners are not protected under with basic level insurance.

Here is a look at some of the different types of flooding:

Overland flooding: Homeowners and businesses want to invest in overland flood insurance to protect their dwellings from damages caused by freshwater lakes, rivers, or streams overflowing onto land. This can happen from natural disasters, heavy rainfall, or thawing ice and snow.
Urban flooding: Urban flooding is a threat when infrastructure doesn’t drain rain, snow melt, and water runoff properly. Concrete asphalt, large roofs, and heavy concentration of development all play a role – water has nowhere to go which overloads drainage systems.
Groundwater flooding: Groundwater is present beneath the surface of the ground. This flooding can occur in areas where the water table is high, or where large aquifers are located below riverbeds. Water can enter basements and cracks in the foundation – this saturated soil can lead to damage.
Coastal floods: Also known as storm surges or tidal flooding, this type of damage from salt water is caused by four factors; tides, storm surges, waves, and changes in sea level. This can cause tidal waves, tsunamis, and flooding along shorelines.
Natural dams and structural failure: Landslides, glaciers, and moraines can block natural water flow. They are often localized in nature but can lead to structural failure in homes.
Dam failure: Engineered structures such as dams, levees, and dykes may fail and cause reservoir flooding from excessive water or failure in design.

It’s imperative to remember that many types of flooding are not covered under basic policies. Review your plan documentation thoroughly to understand what protection is and is not included.

How to reduce your overland water coverage premium

Overland water coverage is one of the more expensive property insurance endorsements, but there are ways to save. Here are five tips for reducing your flood insurance costs in Canada.

Shop around: Always take the time to compare home insurance quotes so you can find the best coverage at the lowest price. At ThinkInsure, our experts are ready to answer any of your questions and support you in the quest for lower costs.
Limit risk: By installing backwater valves, sump pumps, and opting for backup systems to alert you in the event of a problem, some insurers will lower your premium for taking the initiative to limit exposure.
Increase your deductible: Flood insurance requires a deductible. Raising this will usually help lower the overall cost of your plan, but make sure you can afford to pay it out in the event of a claim.
Bundle up: Some insurers will offer a water insurance package that includes defence from various water hazards.

Where can you get overland water coverage?

Not all insurance companies in Canada offer overland water coverage, which is why ThinkInsure is here to guide you by comparing quotes with multiple insurers. Here is an overview of what is available from different companies:

Company	Water Damage Protection Endorsements
Aviva	Overland water is available for Alberta and Ontario residents who have sewer backup on their policy.
Economical	Overland water, sewer backup
Gore Mutual	WaterEscape Plus includes overland water and sewer backup (Ontario residents only)
Intact	Overland water coverage, sewer backup, groundwater coverage, and enhanced water damage package include septic failure, drain failure, and sump pump failure.
Pembridge	Overland water and sewer backup endorsements are available.
Unica	Watertight provides overland flooding, groundwater, surface water, and sewer backup protection.

How does a flood insurance claim work?

The flood insurance claims process works similarly to other types of claims. Once you identify a need to open a claim, contact your insurance company. They will be able to dispatch restoration assistance to your home as soon as possible to get the clean-up process underway. You’ll then work with your insurer to complete the required documentation and manage the claim.

If you experience basement flooding or damage from water from an overland flooding event, it's essential to follow the proper steps to open your claim and start cleaning up after a flood. This means ensuring your family is safe. While you may be tempted to check out the damage, ensure it's safe before you do so. Shut off the power and wear protective equipment.

Although overland flooding will generally consist of relatively clean rainwater, it may wash soil and mud into your basement, or it may be tainted with chemicals, pet waste, salt, or other contaminants from city streets and local buildings, says The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction.

The best way to clean a flooded basement is to let the professionals handle it. Always err on the side of caution. Call your advisor immediately and work with them to get professional assistance and start the home insurance claim process.

Overland water coverage FAQs

How is overland water insurance different from flood insurance?

Overland flood insurance is essentially the same as flood insurance. It is a policy endorsement that offers protection for when bodies of water (lake, river, ocean) overflow and then flood your property. This is different from basement flooding or damage because of a sewer backup, pipe burst, or water leak. Speak with our experts to ensure you have the right type of water protection insurance in place.

Do you need flood insurance for a condo?

Even if you live in a high rise, you may want to consider adding a flood protection endorsement as part of your condo insurance. The building association will protect the condo's structure if there is a flood, but that does not necessarily protect your belongings and what’s inside your unit. Condo owners near water or a flood plain should speak with ThinkInsure to ensure they have adequate protection.

Do I require flood insurance for a rental property?

Landlords will cover the repairs to the house and property during a flood, but renters should have tenant insurance to protect their valuables in case of flooding. Be sure to ask your ThinkInsure representative about plan limits.

Does insurance cover a basement flooding from rain?

If your basement floods from rain and you only have basic insurance, you may have limited protection. However, if you have overland flood insurance, you will be protected from most issues from weather that results in a flood in your basement.

What is an overland water endorsement?

An overland water endorsement is a protection you add to your existing homeowner’s policy. This insurance endorsement amends our existing insurance contract to include additional coverage.

Does overland water coverage have a deductible?

Overland water insurance typically has its own deductible. This is separate from your policy's standard deductible amount. It's usually set at a higher amount because claims of this nature tend to be more expensive. The deductible amount and how it works can vary by insurance provider. So, make sure you are clear about how the deductible works.

Why won’t an insurer offer me overland water insurance?

There are instances where you will not be able to add overland water coverage. Insurers may not issue you a policy if you live in a flood zone that is at a very high risk of flooding. You may also not be able to get coverage if you’ve had too many water insurance claims in the past. If you are having issues getting coverage, speak with our brokers to explore your options.

Flood prevention tips

A flooded basement is not something homeowners want to experience if they can prevent it. While we can't control the weather, there are some things we can do to protect our homes from it:

Live in a newer area: Most newer subdivisions and residential areas are designed to help handle water from large rainstorms and guide excessive water away from homes. Engineers create overland flow routes to carry water from residential areas.
Research before you buy: If you are considering purchasing a home, research the area and determine if it is not an area prone to overland flooding.
Ensure your home is graded correctly: Landscaping can prevent issues. Proper grading and having your land slope away from your home will help redirect stormwater to the proper channels.
Add weather sealant around basement windows: Taking precautionary steps to ensure your basement windows and ground-level doors are correctly sealed can help prevent issues.
Make sure downspouts are correctly installed: Ensuring your downspouts are far enough away from your home will help prevent water from pooling around the foundation.
Install a sump pump and backwater valve: If you don’t already have one, consider installing a sump pump and backwater valve in your basement to reduce the risk.

A basement flood could still happen if you take the above steps. Therefore, it's important to avoid storing important documents and valuables in basement areas. Store personal belongings high up on shelves or in the upper areas.

Tips for purchasing overland water coverage

It is important to keep the following in mind during your search:

Don't wait for your renewal: You don’t have to wait for your renewal to add overland flooding protection.
Separate deductible: A separate deductible applies to this endorsement.
Not all companies offer it: Only a handful of insurers currently offer this in Ontario. We can help you add it to your insurance.
Increase your deductible to save: You can save money by increasing your deductible.
Some homes will not be eligible: There are some instances where your house may not qualify.

ThinkInsure can answer your questions about this type of protection and help you assess your situation, so you are prepared no matter what storm occurs.

Get a quote for overland water insurance

At ThinkInsure, our experts will help you compare quotes and coverage for overland water insurance from the top providers in Canada. We'll help you get proper protection against flooding for a great rate.

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Kayla Jane Barrie

Digital Content Writer

Kayla-Jane has been a content writer with ThinkInsure since 2020. She creates insurance content for auto, home, and commercial. Kayla-Jane has a diploma in Journalism.

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