Rethinking Basement Usage: Allstate Canada Data Reveals Water Damage Among Top Claim Reasons

Core Insights - Basements have transformed into valuable living spaces but are prone to flooding, leading to significant repair costs, with 2024 marking a record year for weather-related losses in Canada exceeding $1 billion due to flooding [1][2] Group 1: Basement Usage and Flooding Risks - A Léger poll indicates that 80% of Canadians have a basement, with 10% experiencing flooding [2][6] - Water damage is a leading cause of home insurance claims, with repair costs for water-damaged basements increasing by nearly 20% from 2019 to 2024 [2][6] - Many homeowners utilize their basements for various purposes, including storage of expensive items, with 41% storing sports gear and 32% storing entertainment equipment [6][7] Group 2: Homeowner Preparedness and Recommendations - Homeowners are encouraged to take protective measures against flooding, especially as warmer months approach [3][4] - Recommendations include elevating expensive equipment, using waterproof storage solutions, and consulting professionals for landscaping to divert water [7][4] - The survey highlights that 61% of homeowners have running water in their basements, increasing the risk of water damage [2][6]