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Nearly two weeks after a major storm hit the Greater Toronto Area, some residents are still waiting for their damage to be reviewed or repaired.

The storm struck on Sept. 2, 2026. It brought heavy rain, strong winds and hail. More than 100 millimetres of rain fell in some parts of the region. Roads and basements flooded. Trees fell on homes and vehicles. Power lines also came down.

Toronto fire officials reported almost 1,500 calls over 24 hours. They said it was their second-highest daily call total. The highest was during the 2013 ice storm.

The full number of insurance claims has not been released. However, CityNews reported on Sept. 15 that residents, insurers and repair shops were still dealing with heavy demand.

Insurance companies are handling a large amount of work. Adjusters must inspect damage and review each policy. Repair shops and cleanup companies are also busy.

Claims involving people who cannot stay in their homes are being treated as a priority. Other claims may take longer to process.

What residents should document

Residents should record all damage as soon as it is safe.

Anne Marie Thomas, consumer and industry relations director at the Insurance Bureau of Canada, said detailed records can help with a claim.

“There is no such thing as too much information when it comes to an insurance company and your claim,” Thomas told CityNews.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada recommends making a full list of anything that was lost, damaged or destroyed.

The list should include:

A description of each damaged item
The estimated value of each item
The date it was bought, when known
Photos or videos of the damage
Receipts or other proof of purchase
Warranties and owner’s manuals
Photos of the item from before the storm
Bills for emergency repairs or cleanup
Receipts for temporary places to stay
Contractor quotes and repair invoices
Emails and other messages about the claim

Residents should also keep notes about talks with their insurer, adjuster or contractor.

Damaged property should usually be kept because an insurer may need to inspect it. However, wet or mouldy items may create a health risk. Residents should take clear photos before throwing away anything that is unsafe to keep.

Stop more damage when it is safe

Policyholders have a duty to take reasonable steps to stop further damage when it is safe.

This may include covering a broken window or putting a tarp over a damaged roof. A trained worker should be called if the job is not safe.

Residents should save receipts for tarps, wood, drying machines and emergency work. The insurer may repay some of these costs if the policy includes the right coverage.

People should speak with their adjuster before starting permanent repairs. The adjuster can explain what work is covered and how much the insurer will pay.

A policyholder does not have to use the contractor suggested by the insurance company. People can choose their own contractor. However, they should show the estimate to their adjuster before signing a contract or starting the work.

Coverage is different for every policy

Insurance coverage depends on the policy each person bought.

Standard home insurance in Canada usually covers damage from wind, hail, fire and lightning. Coverage for overland flooding and sewer backup is often optional. It may need to be added to a standard policy.

How water entered a home can affect coverage. A resident should ask the insurer whether the damage falls under overland flood, sewer backup or another part of the policy.

Vehicle coverage also varies. Damage caused by hail, flooding or falling trees may be covered if the owner bought comprehensive or all-perils coverage. A basic auto policy may not cover this type of loss.

Residents should also check their deductible. This is the part of an approved claim that the policyholder must pay.

Some home policies include additional living expenses. This may cover added costs if a person cannot live at home because of an insured event. These costs may include a hotel, restaurant meals or laundry expenses above the person’s normal spending.

The insurer will decide whether these expenses are covered. Residents should keep all receipts and ask about policy limits.

What happens after a claim is filed

The insurer will normally assign an adjuster or property appraiser. That person will review the damage and prepare an estimated repair cost.

The policyholder may also receive a proof-of-loss form. This form asks for a list of damaged or destroyed property and its estimated value.

Residents should ask their adjuster for a realistic timeline. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s severe weather guide, insurers do not control the supply of workers, contractors or building materials. This can add more time to the repair process.

Residents should also check the identity of anyone who comes to their home and says they were sent by the insurer. The name of the company or worker can be confirmed directly with the insurance company.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has activated its Consumer Information Centre to help people affected by the storm. Residents can call 1-844-227-5422 for general help with the insurance process.

A full estimate of the insured damage from the Sept. 2 storm is not yet available. Thomas told CityNews that it could take about another month for the bureau to prepare an early estimate.

Until claims are settled, residents should continue saving photos, receipts, estimates and messages. These records can help the insurer confirm what was damaged and what costs may be covered.

Related Information

CityNews Toronto: Early September storm still leaves residents in Toronto area struggling to get damages addressed
Insurance Bureau of Canada: After the Storm: Insurance Essentials for Severe Weather Recovery
Insurance Bureau of Canada: Severe Weather Insurance Help