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Filing a claim after a disaster
If your property has been damaged by a disaster, your municipality has limited actions it can take. However, we can guide you in starting your recovery process.
First steps to take after a disaster
No matter what caused the damage or how severe it is, some steps are always useful:
- Ensure your safety first by checking if your home is safe to enter. If in doubt, wait for authorization from authorities.
- Document the damage before touching anything—take photos or videos and make a detailed list of lost or damaged items.
- Remove contaminated materials and contents from the house quickly. Completely clean and dry any water damage within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold.
- Contact your insurer and provide the required documents.
- Hire a certified disaster recovery expert for cleaning.
- Notify your mortgage lender to report the damages.
- Keep all receipts related to the disaster, including living expenses if you need to temporarily leave your home.
- Check if a permit is required before starting repairs, especially for structural work. If so, request a permit from the City of Laval. (Interior residential renovation or repair or Exterior residential renovation or repair)
Financial assistance after a disaster
In case of flooding or other disasters, the Government of Quebec may offer financial assistance through the General Financial Assistance Program for Disasters from the Ministry of Public Security. This aid can go up to $8,000 per residence.
Eligible beneficiaries:
- Individuals for damage to property or temporary housing expenses
- Businesses and agricultural enterprises
- Rental property owners
- Community organizations assisting disaster victims
To qualify as a flood, the water must come from an overflowing nearby waterway. If water enters through sewer backup or infiltration following a flood, the event may still be eligible for the program.
Other eligible disasters:
- Bank erosion
- Submersion
- Landslides
- Earthquakes
This financial aid may cover temporary housing, the installation of a pump, sandbags, and more. The full compensation program is detailed on the Government of Quebec’s website.
Other organizations, such as the Red Cross, may also provide financial assistance.
Freezing rain and power outages
If a power outage causes the loss of refrigerated or frozen food and you have insurance, you may be able to file a claim.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC):
“Most home insurance policies cover many types of damage, such as a branch or tree weighed down by ice falling on a residence, or the loss of food in a refrigerator or freezer.”
Who Is Responsible for Electrical Wires?
According to the IBC, the wires connecting the electrical grid to your home are called “service wires” and belong to the homeowner.
If your service wires are damaged, you must contact an electrician for repairs. For more information, visit Hydro-Québec’s website.
One-time financial assistance
When a natural disaster or major incident affects a large number of people, a level of government may decide to set up specific financial aid for victims.
If a special fund is announced, it will usually be communicated through major newspapers and TV news reports. Stay informed, even weeks after the disaster.