TORONTO, September 16, 2026 – Nearly two weeks after a severe thunderstorm hit the Greater Toronto Area on September 2, some residents are still waiting for insurance claims, home repairs and vehicle repairs to move forward. Some areas received more than 100 millimetres of rain that day, while strong winds, hail and fallen trees caused damage to homes and vehicles.
After the storm, a large number of claims were filed within a short period of time, increasing demand for insurance adjusters and repair services. Some residents have already reported damage to their insurance companies, but are still waiting for next steps involving written-off vehicles, compensation amounts, rental car arrangements and home repairs.
Insurance Bureau of Canada said the storm involved a high volume of claims, and adjusters and restoration companies need time to work through the backlog. The total amount of damage has not yet been fully calculated, and preliminary figures are expected to take several more weeks. Homes with severe damage that can no longer be lived in are generally handled as a priority.
When filing insurance claims, residents should keep photos and videos of damage to their homes and vehicles, as well as receipts for expenses such as water removal, temporary window covering and emergency repairs, to support the claims process.
Repair workers may also go door to door after a storm. If someone claims to have been sent by an insurance company, residents should contact their own insurer first to confirm the person’s identity before deciding whether to accept the service.
For Toronto homeowners concerned about future basement flooding, the City still offers the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $6,650 for work such as home plumbing inspections, backwater valves, sump pumps and backup power systems.
Some projects may be eligible for a subsidy covering 80 per cent of eligible costs. The City reminds residents to confirm before work begins that contractors hold valid licences and that required permits and inspections are completed.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
