(772) 217-6600
bill@terrypa.com
_fa_gavelFree Case Evaluation
  • Home
  • About The Firm
    • Homeowner’s Insurance Claim Denial
  • Property Damage Insurance Claims
    • Hurricane Damage
    • Wind and Storm Damage
    • Water Damage
  • Contact Us

Will My Insurance Company Pay for Rusty Pipe Damage?

March 19, 2018admin

Property insurance companies have developed a number of complicated rules over the years to deal with plumbing losses. The result is often a mishmash of coverage provisions, limitations, and exclusions. What this means in the real world is that even if an insurance company says “No,” there is often a “Yes!” to be found, if one knows where to look.

Chapter Two: Cast Iron Drain Lines

“See, that pipe is all rusted out. That’s a long term event. We don’t cover that.”

Not so fast! Although insurance policies typically have rules against coverage for damage caused by rust, corrosion and “wear and tear,” tucked deep inside your typical homeowner’s insurance policy are some important exceptions to that rule. One of the exceptions will typically say, in effect, that if water damage results from rust, corrosion, or “wear and tear” the actual water damage is covered (though the rusted pipe is not covered). The policy will also typically cover the cost to tear out parts of the home necessary to repair or replace the rusted pipe (“tear-out” coverage). Finally, the policy will also cover the cost to build the house back in the condition it was before the loss (“build-back” coverage).

What can and often does happen is even a small section of cast iron piping rusts out, clogs, and causes a home’s drainage plumbing system to stop working. Because the pipe is located underneath the home’s interior flooring, the floors have to be cut up to gain access to the pipe. Then, the house must be built back to the original condition – an expensive task! In short, a piece of pipe which might cost $50 dollars “dies” of old age and triggers a problem which can cost $50,000 to $100,000 or more to resolve.

It’s safe to say that insurance companies do not particularly like these kinds of claims; yet, as our houses age these claims are on the rise. Homes built in the 1970s and earlier will ordinarily have cast iron drain lines whose “life expectancy” is about fifty years. When their lives expire, a costly problem results, which is why PVC has been the material of choice since the 1980s.

If your home experiences a similar plumbing problem, don’t take “no” for an answer from your insurance company. Lawyer William Terry has personally handled thousands of these kinds of cases over his 25-year career and he is able to help you if you find yourself dealing with a water disaster brought on by the failure of cast iron plumbing systems. Be sure to contact him at (772) 217-6600 or email bill@terrypa.com to receive a free evaluation of your insurance claim.

Previous post When to Hire an Attorney for Plumbing Losses Next post Cheap Insurance Policies Cost More Long-Term
March 2021
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Apr    

Recent Posts

  • Common Questions Regarding Proof of Loss in Florida
  • Top 3 Things to Know about Homeowners Insurance
  • Cheap Insurance Policies Cost More Long-Term
  • Will My Insurance Company Pay for Rusty Pipe Damage?
  • When to Hire an Attorney for Plumbing Losses

William Terry, P.A.

Visit Our Office at:

9301 North Highway A1A
Suite 101
Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 217-6600
Email: bill@terrypa.com

Areas We Serve


Disclaimer
The information provided on this Website does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Web Design and Legal Marketing
by
HomeAbout The FirmProperty Damage Insurance ClaimsContact Us
© 2020 William Terry, P.A. All Rights Reserved.