We have a condominium with the attached Howsoever Caused Endorsement, and the insurance company is denying them flood coverage. They are not allowing this because it was not named a flood by FEMA, although it was a national disaster. There was so much rain due to Hurricane Maria that a creek near this condo overflowed, with water moving so fast it caused the land adjacent to the condo to settle down 17ft, which undermined the foundation of the building and pilings. The fast moving water caused erosion.

Can you tell us the definition of Howsoever? The endorsement does not state that it has to be flood declared by FEMA.

New York Subscriber

There is no requirement in the definition of flood that it be declared a flood by FEMA, and even the NFIP form does not have such language. If the water was caused by a peril described in the definition, such as overflow of rivers which is your situation, the loss should be covered.

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