Homeowner's coverage re: Swimming pool equipment freeze

[owheaton]

What is the name of your state? Georgia

I live in Georgia and we recently had several days of below freezing weather..during that time, the freeze protection device in my pool equipment malfunctioned and the outside pipes/valves/filter system and heater froze and burst...I havent officially filed a claim yet however my local insurance broker is advising me that he doesn't feel it will be covered...the insurance comapny was made aware of the pool and equipment at the time I purchased the policy. What are your thoughts on this? Should it be covered?

I look forward to hearing from you!

Owen

 

[xylene]

We have not read your insurance policy.

What was you agents reasoning that the claim would be denied?

HINT: If he didn't tell you, demand an explanation.

Also. READ your coverage.

 

[owheaton]

Re: Swimming pool equipment claim

Xylene:
They are referring to this exclusion statemnt as the reason this would get denied:
it reads as follows "Freezing, thawing, pressure or weight of water or ice, whether driven by wind or not. This exclusion applies only to fences, pavements, patios, swimming pools, foundations, retaining walls, bulkheads, piers, wharves or docks."...

I do understand this exclusion and to me it seems more related to damage to the pool itself in the event of a freeze or thaw...and my point is that my damage is directly to the pool equipment and piping system as a direct result of the freeze and as such should be covered..

Do you think i have a valid point?

Owen

 

[You Are Guilty]

If it only says "swimming pools" and not "swimming pool and related equipment", I think you have a viable argument. Exclusions are to be construed narrowly, so the burden is on the insurance company to be as specific as possible as to what isn't covered. In other words, if the specific equipment is not listed as an exclusion, the insurance company cannot attempt to "shoehorn" it in on the coattails of an excluded item that is listed.

Stand your ground

 

[xylene]

It is worth a fight BUT

the insurance co. will use the common, narrow meaning of swimming pool, the whole thing, all of its parts.

I don't see anything in that exclusion that by swimming pool they only mean a lined hole full of water.