Homeowners should consider how they are protecting valuables in their basement Brisbane, CA (May 9, 2023) – Basements have evolved from mere storage spaces to integral parts of many homes, now equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, expensive gym equipment and valuable furniture.However, these spaces remain highly susceptible to flooding, potentially leading to costly repairs.Recent data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada highlights 2024 as the most expensive year for severe weather-related losses in our country’s history, with flooding contributing to over $1 billion in losses.

In fact, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada (Allstate Canada) data reveals that water damage is one of the top reasons customers submit a home insurance claim, and the cost to repair a water-damaged basement rose by nearly 20 per cent from 2019 to 2024.According to a recent Léger poll conducted on behalf of Allstate Canada, 80 per cent of Canadians who responded have a basement and one in 10 have experienced basement flooding.The survey also revealed that 61 per cent of responding homeowners have a bathroom, sink or access to running water in their basement, and 55 per cent use their basement to store a spare fridge or freezer.

Additionally, 47 per cent have a bedroom, 30 per cent have a home gym or workout area, 23 per cent installed a home theatre system, 20 per cent a home office, and 25 per cent say their basement has a playroom for their children.While Canadian homeowners use their basements in different ways, the results of the poll also show that: Rethinking Home: A New Era for Basements “Kitchens are often a central, social part of the home, but basements play an important role as a space to relax with hobbies, store gear between adventures, or to simply unwind,” says Odel Laing, Agency Manager at Allstate Canada.“Homeowners should consider how they can protect these valuable spaces from flooding, which can quickly affect plans as we approach the spring season.” Protection and Remodeling Tips Flooding typically occurs during warmer weather months, so Laing invites homeowners to consider taking steps to protect their basement and its contents.

Visit the GOOD HANDS blog for 11 Practical Tips to Protect Against Flooding Damage and more home flooding-related safety advice.About the Léger poll Allstate commissioned Léger to conduct a study among Canadian homeowners to better understand their use of basements, storage habits, flood prevention measures, and overall preparedness for extreme weather events.In order to meet research objectives, an online survey was conducted with 1,000 Canadian homeowners, aged 18 and over, who could express themselves in French or English from January 23 to 27, 2025.

It should be noted that due to the non-probabilistic nature of the sample (associated with any web survey), the calculation of the margin of error does not apply.For comparative purposes, a probabilistic sample of 1,000 respondents (web panel) would have a global margin of error of ± 3.1% 19 times out of 20.The margin of error would, however, increase for subgroups.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is a leading home and auto insurer focused on providing its customers prevention and protection products and services for every stage of life.Serving Canadians since 1953, Allstate strives to reassure both customers and employees with its “You’re in Good Hands” promise and is proud to have been named a Best Employer in Canada for nine consecutive years.Allstate is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates through partnerships with charitable organizations, employee giving and volunteerism.

To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca.For safety tips and advice, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca.Tags: Allstate, claims, Leger Marketing, storm surge damage, survey, water damage, water leak exposure