Insurers deemed mold too risky decades ago. That coverage gap still surprises homeowners
Insurers deemed mold too risky decades ago. That coverage gap still surprises homeowners

When a nor’easter struck in 2018, intense winds blew shingles, gutters and siding off Brandi Schmitt’s home in Lothian, Maryland. Her family was without electricity for three days, during which time all of their food in the refrigerator spoiled and water continued to leak into…
The Hidden Risk: How Mold Coverage Gaps Leave Homeowners Vulnerable
The Hidden Risk: How Mold Coverage Gaps Leave Homeowners Vulnerable

As a journalist with over 20 years of experience in the legal and insurance sectors, I’ve seen firsthand how the complexities of insurance coverage can catch homeowners off guard. One of the most surprising gaps in coverage involves mold—a problem that is becoming increasingly prevalent…
A “Flood” of Uncertainty; Massachusetts SJC Finds Policy Term Ambiguous
A “Flood” of Uncertainty; Massachusetts SJC Finds Policy Term Ambiguous

The highest court in Massachusetts recently held that term “Flood” and the associated phrase “surface waters,” as used in two all-risk insurance policies, is ambiguous in the context of water that accumulated on a parapet roof and rooftop courtyard, thereby negating the insurers’ attempt to…
Policyholder Attys Cheer Justices’ Ruling On ‘Surface Waters’
Policyholder Attys Cheer Justices’ Ruling On ‘Surface Waters’

Like a bridge over troubled water, Massachusetts’ highest court laid down a rejection of the term “surface waters,” finding insurers couldn’t rely on the phrase to limit coverage to a storm-damaged hospital… Read more.
Insurance – ‘Surface waters’ – Roof
Insurance – ‘Surface waters’ – Roof

Where the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has certified a question asking whether rainwater that landed on the roof of a hospital and subsequently inundated the interior of the building constituted “surface waters” under Massachusetts law, the definition of “surface waters” does not include…
States beg insurers not to drop climate-threatened homes
States beg insurers not to drop climate-threatened homes

Property insurance companies say they’re taking losses amid escalating disasters. In the coming years, climate change could force Americans from their homes, not just by raising sea levels, worsening wildfires and causing floods — but also by putting insurance coverage out of reach. In places…
State Farm denies another homeowner’s claim for water damage
State Farm denies another homeowner’s claim for water damage

More homeowners are coming forward saying State Farm is denying their water leak damage claims. CBS 8 is Working for You to find out if this is a pattern by the insurance company. Mark Matthews has lived in his Chula Vista home for 25 years. And, he…
What Does “Surface Water” Mean? NAPIA Files an Amicus Brief in a Legal Fight Over Its Meaning
What Does “Surface Water” Mean? NAPIA Files an Amicus Brief in a Legal Fight Over Its Meaning

The term “surface water” generally refers to water that accumulates on the ground’s surface in a diffuse manner, typically resulting from precipitation (rain or snow) that does not flow within a defined channel or watercourse. This definition is crucial in understanding coverage limitations and exclusions…
Catch UP on Insurance for Repairing Flood Damage with David Maurstad
Catch UP on Insurance for Repairing Flood Damage with David Maurstad

In this Catch UP segment, Amy Bach talks to David Maurstad about Flood Insurance. David Maurstad is FEMA’s Assistant Administrator of Federal Insurance Directorate and Senior Executive of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Winter storm recovery and insurance: Baby, it’s cold…
Winter storm recovery and insurance: Baby, it’s cold…

Collecting insurance funds to pay for damage from heavy rains and localized flooding can be tricky. Insurers have been excluding floods in standard home policies since the 1960s, but the cost of repairing damage from water intrusion due to wind-driven rain, fallen trees, flying debris,…
Catch UP on water and mold damage with Kris Griffith
Catch UP on water and mold damage with Kris Griffith

In this Catch UP segment, restoration and remediation contractor Kristofer Griffith of Anderson Group International shares insights on water and mold damage repairs and insurance.    
Businesses and Residents Hope for Post-Storm Relief
Businesses and Residents Hope for Post-Storm Relief

Costs continue to add up even with assistance from FEMA and flood insurance When Watsonville resident Amy Thomas reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for help, she had already paid thousands of dollars to repair damages caused by a spate of recent…
Video: Why few California homeowners have flood insurance
Video: Why few California homeowners have flood insurance

Something doesn’t compute. Some 32 trillion gallons of rain and snow has fallen in California since Christmas. Yet, only about 2% of properties are covered against flooding, according to the Associated Press. Thats means only 230,000 homes and other buildings have flood insurance policies, which…