Loss of Water as Loss of Use
August 18, 2014
I have had two recent scenarios that involve an increased water bill following a covered loss. In both cases we have substantial increased water usage due to the break in a pipe that is covered. We have always presented this increased water bill as a loss of use claim for increased living expenses as the water is a utility. It has always been paid in the past but recently we have had two denials of coverage for this increased cost. In both cases they are saying that the water falls under coverage C as personal property. Since there is an exclusion for water as personal property they are not covering the increased water bill. Again, we have always presented previous water usage and the increased usage and made claim for an increase in living expenses. What is your thought on this?
New Hampshire Subscriber
While loss of use is a broad coverage, the insured has to be displaced in order for it to come into play. Water is specifically excluded, and it is not part of coverage A or B. Under older ISO forms it was not excluded, but it is now. Your previous losses that were covered were likely on the old form, and the newer losses are falling under the newer form. The carriers are correct; there is no coverage for the loss of water.
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