I have previously written on what is and is not “flood” damage. Now, another chapter in that same story.
My client’s home was inundated with water when the fire hydrant at the front of his property literally blew off. The ensuing deluge undermined the foundation of his house, and penetrated his frame walls, and soaked his garage.
He submitted the claim to his homeowners insurer which promptly denied the claim based on exclusions for “flood,” and/or water which “backs up from a sewer, drain or sump.” Absurd. Neither of these exclusions apply.
“Flood” damage is not synonymous with water damage. Flood damage when read in the context of most homeowners policies means rising water from a pond, lake, river or ocean, or tidal surge from any of these. These cannot be extrapolated to include a defective fire hydrant. Nor, is this loss caused by a “back up” from a sewer, drain or sump. This isn’t a “back-up,” and a fire hydrant is not a sewer, drain or sump.
Most homeowners policies are “all-risk” policies, which means that they cover all losses – however caused – unless they are specifically excluded. Because this loss is not specifically excluded, it is covered.
As with most of my insurance cases, my client owes me nothing out-of-pocket. If I win, the insurance company must typically pay my fees and costs, and if I lose, I’ll work for free.
Research conducted by an insurance firm ‘Sainsbury’s car Insurance’ has revealed that many UK motorists are breaking the laws when they are driving in other countries during their holidays or business tours.
The research also found that a huge amount of car owners will not care to pack a glowing warning triangle in their cars even if it is a legal requirement of the country in which they are driving. This is a serious matter that can make them pay heavy penalties, accumulate points on their driving licenses (which are obviously from the UK) as well as making their temporary or travel insurances as void, making them uninsured in a foreign country.
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We have written quite a bit on the Car Insurance Blog about the risks that young drivers pose to road safety and , perhaps more importantly – how these younger drivers struggle to find affordable car insurance!
The younger male drivers are perceived to be the greatest risks to road accidents and car insurance claims, hence the more expensive car insurance premiums they have to pay!
It is however often difficult to find factual evidence of these risks. This is why the 2009 RTMC Crash Report makes such interesting reading. T
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On the Arrive Alive website we have given much attention to the dangers of impaired driving! Too many fatal accidents have been caused by intoxicated drivers. Many more of these accidents are fortunately not fatal but have lead to car insurance claims– and could have been prevented were it not for the reduced driver reactions as a result of intoxicated driving.
Many visitors to the car insurance blog have enquired about accidents caused by drunk driving – and asked the question whether car insurance companies will settle these claims.
The truth is that a car insurance claim will not be settled if there is proof that the driver has been drunk.
A car insurance policyholder should be aware that he is obliged under the car insurance policy to operate the vehicle within the Rules of the Road. If
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