The growing concern around water damage and the importance of mitigation

This seminar aims to equip them with the tools to confidently communicate mitigation’s value and guide insureds to available resources.

Turning the Tide on Water Risk — Empowering Insurance Professionals to Drive Change (Part One) Water damage – particularly sewer backup and basement flooding - has become the most pressing property risk in Canada, driving up claims costs and placing increasing strain on insurers, municipalities, and homeowners. The growing frequency and severity of losses make it clear that awareness alone is not enough—we must work toward real solutions. This two-part seminar series, hosted by the Insurance Institute of Ontario, is designed to move the conversation from problem to action. Together, we will examine the root causes of escalating water risk and explore practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce losses and strengthen resilience. Our focus is on solutions at every level of the industry: supporting insurers and adjusters in managing claims more effectively, helping brokers educate clients, and collaborating with municipalities and communities on long-term mitigation. Featuring expert insights from Glenn McGillivray and Keith Porter of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), these sessions will equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to mitigate water risk today while driving systemic change for the future. Part One: Understanding the Risk and Supporting Prevention Date: March 24,2026 Duration: 2.5 Hours Time: 1:00 PM- 3:30 PM ET The first session in this two-part series addresses the growing challenges of water damage claims (with a focus on sewer backup and basement flooding), including rising costs and increased frequency. It highlights the importance of mitigation, with frontline staff—brokers, agents, claims, underwriters and risk managers—serving as key educators for insureds. This seminar aims to equip them with the tools to confidently communicate mitigation’s value and guide insureds to available resources. Dont forget to join us for part two: https://www.insuranceinstitute.ca/en/Events/16292-IIO-SW---Turning-the-Tide-on-Water-Risk-Part-Two ? Key takeaways: The current strain on the insurance industry and policyholders How to reduce risk: sump pumps, backwater valves, battery backups, grading, and more Importance of never guaranteeing outcomes—focus on education, not promises Tools for client engagement: videos, talking points, and municipality guides Understanding municipal responsibilities and available programs This session will equip participants with actionable insights to guide homeowners, collaborate with municipalities, and promote a proactive approach to risk management—while avoiding overpromising on outcomes. Why Attend? Value by Audience Leadership: Provides leaders with insight into the rising cost of water claims and how frontline teams can promote practical mitigation strategies. Agents & Brokers: Strengthen client trust with clear mitigation advice. Access tools (videos, guides, talking points) to educate insureds. Position as a proactive advisor, not just a policy seller. Claims Professionals: Reduce repeat water losses and settlement costs. Guide insureds with practical mitigation resources. Support a proactive, prevention-first claims culture. Underwriters: Better assess water risk with real-world mitigation insights. Inform underwriting guidelines and coverage decisions. Align messaging with brokers and claims for consistency. Loss Prevention: Gain ready-to-use education tools for policyholders. Collaborate effectively with municipalities on programs. Lead the charge in reducing preventable water claims. Seminar Leader: R. Glenn McGillvary, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, Graduate Program, Disaster & Emergency Mgmt, York University (ICLR) Keith Porter, Chief Engineer, Institue for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) RIBO CE Hours: TBD FOR GROUP RATES OF 3 OR MORE, or if you need assistance with registration, email us: gtaseminars@insuranceinstitute.ca