Damaged water pipe: Is the loss of water covered?

Coverage Q&A: The insured wants coverage for the loss of water incurred due to a covered water leak.

Hidden leaks in heating or water supplies can cause rot and other damage if left untreated. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Every claim is different, and some insurance policies can be difficult to interpret for unique situations. FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, the recognized authority on insurance coverage interpretation and analysis for the P&C industry, makes it simple to find credible answers to your complicated coverage questions. Analysis brought to you by our FC&S experts. 

Editor’s Note: Property is something that seems to be straightforward. It is something tangible that an insured owns; it can be damaged and can be repaired or replaced. However, it’s not always that easy. This week’s question deals with water, and whether an insured can be reimbursed for expenses incurred due to a water leak.

Question: Our insured filed a claim under his homeowners insurance policy for a broken water pipe at a joint located in their yard after the water meter. 

There was no damage to the house or its contents.

The repair cost came to $750, which we agreed to pay. However, the insured also wants us to pay $250 for a portion of the water bill that was in excess of his usual monthly consumption. Is he entitled to that?

— Guam Subscriber

Answer: To learn the answer to this week’s coverage Q&A, please log into your FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation account.

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