Quebec storms cost more than $56 million

Insurers expect to pay more than $56 million to customers after storms swept through parts of Quebec on June 10, according to a survey by the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

To date, more than 6,000 claims for damages to residence and personal property and 10,000 automobile claims have been filed due to the Quebec storms, according to insurers.

The intensity of the winds and the localized hail showers caused extensive damage to property in a short period of time.

These most recent storms in Quebec follow on the heel of a severe winter, which resulted in more than $172 million in damages to homes.

By comparison, during the winter of 2006-07, property damage totalled only $58 million, the IBC notes.

Breaking down the 2007-08 winter into specific claim types, damage to pools, spas and saunas caused by heavy snowfall resulted in 14,000 claims valued at a total of $36 million.

Damage caused by the weight of snow and ice resulted in 7,000 claims and $31 million in damage.

Water damage caused by sewer back-ups, overflows and water leakage as a result of heavy snowfall caused 17,000 claims and an estimated $105 million in damage. •