We may not often think too much about tornados here in southern Ontario, but that might be changing.
Since the Northern Tornadoes Project confirmed a tornado in Haldimand on Saturday August 12, 2023 and again in Niagara Falls on Monday September 9th, 2024 more homeowners have naturally been asking questions about how their home insurance comes into play.
IS DAMAGE CAUSED BY TORNADOES COVERED BY MY HOME INSURANCE?
Very likely, yes.
Tornadoes are typically covered under most home insurance policies in Ontario, including here at Erie Mutual Insurance.
Insured perils such as wind and falling/flying objects would pick up the vast majority of damage (e.g. siding, missing shingles, broken windows etc,.), as well as falling trees and branches or flying debris which cause extensive damage.
Even more extreme damage would still be covered as well.
SHOULD TORNADOS BE A CONCERN FOR ONTARIO HOMEOWNERS?
More than you think.
Thanks to new data, we now know that Ontario experiences around 18 tornadoes per year. (1)
Although they can happen at any point in the year, tornadoes in Ontario are most common between May and September, with a peak in activity in June and July. (2)
Key Facts About Ontario Tornadoes:
Frequency: Ontario has the highest number of tornadoes in Canada, primarily due to its size and the weather systems affecting the region.
Locations: Southwestern Ontario is particularly prone to tornadoes, including areas like Windsor, London, and Barrie, but they can occur across the province including here in Haldimand and Niagara.
Severity: Most tornadoes in Ontario are relatively weak (EF0 to EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale), but stronger tornadoes (EF3 and above) occasionally occur.
Ontario’s tornado activity is part of the broader pattern seen in the Great Lakes region, where warm, humid air from the south meets cooler, drier air from the north, creating conditions conducive to severe weather
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TORNADOS AND HOME INSURANCE
Yes, home insurance generally covers damage caused by tornadoes, but the specific coverage depends on the details of your policy.
Here’s how it typically works:
Dwelling Coverage
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include dwelling coverage, which protects the structure of your home (walls, roof, foundation, etc.) against damage from windstorms, including tornadoes.
Personal Property Coverage
This covers your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, if they are damaged or destroyed by a tornado.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
If a tornado makes your home uninhabitable, ALE coverage pays for temporary housing and related expenses during a reasonable time to repair or rebuild.
POTENTIAL EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Windstorm Exclusions: In some high-risk areas, windstorm damage might be excluded from standard policies or items that your insurer has specifically noted excluded perils under your policy such as to an outbuilding or dwelling roof if it is in poor condition.
Flood Damage: Tornadoes often bring heavy rains, but standard home insurance does not cover flood damage. You would need a separate flood insurance policy for water damage caused by flooding if you do not qualify under your homeowner insurance.
Deductibles: Tornado damage might be subject to a separate windstorm or hurricane deductible, especially in areas prone to severe weather.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR HOME INSURANCE?
Review Your Policy: Check your home insurance policy for windstorm and tornado coverage specifics.
Consider Endorsements or Separate Policies: If you’re in a high-risk area, you may need additional policies for comprehensive protection.
Would you like guidance on finding a home insurance policy tailored to your situation? Reach out to us anytime and we will be happy to help. 🙂
Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
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