Although I was not a victim of the recent tragic ice storm in Quebec and eastern Ontario, it got me thinking about the damage that can be caused by water, frozen or otherwise. Would my insurance cover me if I had, say, a flood in my basement? -- Sinking Violet

Dear Violet:

You may or may not find yourself in hot water, from an insurance perspective, if your basement is flooded. It all depends on the circumstances.

Let's say you've escaped the wrath of winter for a few days of sunbathing (with sunscreen, of course!) in warmer climes. You return home, tanned and relaxed, only to find that a water pipe has frozen and burst, leaving your basement a sodden mess.

Since the damage occurred while you were away (for more than four days), you would be covered ONLY IF you had arranged to have your house checked daily by a competent person to ensure that heat was maintained or if you had shut off the water. In other words, the onus is on the homeowner to take reasonable steps to prevent this type of damage from occurring. If you have done that, you're off the hook.

In another scenario, you go downstairs one day to do your laundry, and alas, your basement is swimming in water. If the water came up through the main drain, you would be insured, as long as you have "sewer backup" coverage on your policy. Many homeowners policies provide this option, although you may have to request it. There could also be a dollar limit on such coverage, especially in flood-prone areas like Winnipeg.

If, on the other hand, the water came in through a window as a result of a river overflowing, you'd be up the creek without a paddle, insurance-wise. A peril like flood cannot be insured against, because, if you live in an area that can be flooded, it's a sure bet that, sooner or later, it will be. Home insurance is intended to protect against the financial consequences of unpredictable events, not those that are inevitable.

Perhaps you don't live in a flood plain, but you carelessly left your basement window open during a rainstorm. That damage would not be covered either, because it could have been avoided had you been more vigilant.

When it comes to water damage, prevention is the best policy. But it is a complex issue, so don't just go with the flow -- find out from your insurance representative how you can stay high and dry.

Note: The preceding information is based on the Insurance Bureau of Canada's guideline wordings. Remember, policies vary, so when in doubt, consult your insurance representative.