Wawanesa and water damage: what’s covered and how the claim works
This page explains how Wawanesa handles water damage on a home policy, in plain language, with the facts taken from Wawanesa’s own website. It is general information, not advice on your policy. Your policy documents and your claims representative are the final word on what you hold.
Which Wawanesa coverage applies to what you’re seeing
Start with where the water came from. That decides which part of the policy it falls under.
- Burst pipe or appliance leak
- Standard sudden and accidental water damage.
- Backup or escape of water or waste from the plumbing
- Sewer backup. Water Defence.
- Sudden heavy rain, rapid run-off, overflowing river
- Overland water. Water Defence.
- Groundwater entering the home
- Water Defence.
Water Defence: one add-on for three sources
Wawanesa combines sewer backup and overland water into a single package called Water Defence, and it protects against groundwater as well. That matters in a GTA storm, where water often arrives through the drain and through the foundation at the same time.
Wawanesa also tells customers to confirm coverage with their claims representative before starting repairs. Emergency extraction and drying are different: they stop the damage getting worse and should not wait.
The two documents you will be asked to sign
Before a contractor starts work on a Wawanesa claim you will be asked to sign a Work Authorization form. Read it before you sign. Once the damage is assessed, the contractor prepares a Scope of Work. Wawanesa asks you to review it to make sure it is based on materials of similar quality to what you had, and to raise any concerns with your claims representative straight away.
We walk you through both documents line by line, and we will not ask you to sign anything you have not had explained.
Preferred providers, or your own
Wawanesa can arrange a restoration company for you, and if you choose one of its Preferred Providers its Claim Service Guarantee applies. If you would rather use a contractor you have chosen, tell your claims representative when you open the claim.
Our experience with Wawanesa claims
Insurance claims are most of our work, and we have handled claims for Wawanesa policyholders. We know what the Wawanesa claims team asks for and how its water coverage is set up, so the evidence your adjuster needs is collected from the first hour instead of pieced together afterwards.
You deal with one team from the first call to the final repair. We answer the adjuster’s questions ourselves, and we tell you plainly what your policy is likely to cover before any work that is not an emergency.
Common questions
What is Wawanesa Water Defence?
An add-on that combines sewer backup and overland water coverage, and also protects against groundwater entering the home.
What is the Wawanesa claims number?
1-844-WAWANESA, which is 1-844-929-2637, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can also open a claim online.
What is a Work Authorization form?
A form Wawanesa asks you to sign before a contractor starts work on your claim. Read it carefully before you sign.
Is Delta24 a Wawanesa Preferred Provider?
Delta24 Restoration is an independent company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wawanesa. Ask your claims representative about using a contractor of your choice.
Where this information comes from
Checked against Wawanesa’s website in September 2026. Insurers change product names and wording; if anything here differs from your policy, your policy wins. Wawanesa is a trademark of its owner. Delta24 Restoration is an independent restoration company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wawanesa.