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Information for British Columbians in case of flooding
September 29, 2023
With rain in the forecast after a spell of dry weather, we're sharing important information for British Columbians on insurance, safety tips, and essential documents and items to pack in case of emergency.
We urge British Columbians to plan for the unexpected and stay away from flood water as much as possible. Flooded rivers and streams are unpredictable, and flood water can carry toxic chemicals.
For up-to-date information about areas under evacuation orders, please see the River Forecast Centre.
If your vehicle is damaged by flooding, we'll do everything we can to help. You can report a claim online or by phone (1-800-910-4222) at any time.
Make a plan
If you're preparing for possible flooding or on evacuation alert, it's a good idea to locate and pack important documents in a waterproof bag or container to avoid losing them or having to replace them if they get damaged.
These documents may include:
Identification such as your B.C. driver's licence, B.C. identification card, B.C. Services Card, passport, and original copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and Canadian citizenship documentation.
A copy of your vehicle registration, licence and Autoplan insurance documents.
Other documents such as a copy of your home insurance policy and banking/financial information – or anything you may not be able to access remotely or online.
It's also important to have a “grab-and-go" kit ready with important items such as medication, food, batteries, etc. in case you need to leave immediately.
Driving tips
It's important to stay away from floodwater, including walking or driving, as much as possible. Flooded rivers and streams are unpredictable – they can carry debris and toxic chemicals, and quickly destroy roads, bridges and cause landslides.
Avoid driving in evacuation areas, be prepared and plan an alternate route in case the road you want to use is closed. Check DriveBC.ca before travelling for the latest road conditions and EmergencyInfoBC.ca for information about areas under evacuation alerts and orders.
If you find yourself on a road that's flooded, the bset choice is to turn around if you can do so safely. If a road is marked as closed, do not continue.
Floodwater can quickly sweep away vehicles. Depending on the size of your vehicle, 15 centimetres of water can cause loss of control and possible stalling and damage to the mechanical and electrical components of your vehicle. Even at smaller depths, water can splash up and damage your undercarriage. Thirty centimetres or a foot of water will float many vehicles.
Water can also hide dips and potholes in the road as well as submerged trees or downed power liens. Without being able to see the road's surface, you may hit something and cause major damage to your vehicle (on top of possible flood damage).
Be extra cautious when driving at night because it will be more difficult to spot hazards on the road. If your vehicle stalls, be prepared to abandon it and move safely to higher ground.
If water has entered your vehicle, don't attempt to start your engine as that can cause more damage (and any resulting damage may not be covered by your insurance). Get your vehicle towed to a qualified professional to ensure it's safe to operate.
If you made it through a flooded road and your engine is still running, your vehicle should still be checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
If your vehicle is damaged, we'll do everything we can to help. You can report a claim online or by phone (1-800-910-4222) at any time.
Insurance coverage
If any of your vehicles, including motor homes, trailers or snowmobiles, are parked in low-lying areas that may be subject to flooding, find a safe location on high ground to park them. If your vehicle is uninsured or unlicensed, you can purchase a temporary operating permit with coverage that includes basic insurance from any Autoplan broker to operate it on the road.
In B.C., vehicle damage caused by floods is covered by optional insurance coverages – collision, comprehensive and specified perils – which are available from us and other insurers. Collision applies when a vehicle drives through water, comprehensive and specified perils apply in other situations related to floods – for example, if your vehicle is damaged by flooding or landslides while parked.
The vast majority of B.C. drivers have collision and comprehensive insurance for floods. You can renew your policy up to 44 days before it expires.
If you're placed on evacuation alert or ordered to evacuate, or if there is a River Forecast Centre flood warning that applies to your vehicle's location, you won't be able to purchase new comprehensive or specified perils coverage until the alert, order or flood warning has been lifted or you have moved your vehicle from the designated evacuation order, alert or warning zone.
You can still buy basic and collision coverages or a temporary operating permit with basic coverage to move your vehicle to safety.
Once the vehicle has been removed from the designated warning, alert or evacuation zone, or once those zones are no longer active, you can purchase comprehensive or specified perils coverage.
For more information about insurance coverage and restrictions in affected areas, please contact an Autoplan broker.
