Right? I just started shopping around for new homeowners after a different post that was either here or H&G about having Service Lines covered - like the sewer line from the house to the street for example. My current insurer doesn't even offer that coverage. I guess now I need to ask my agent about leakage exclusions.
And it doesn't really matter what form (HO3 vs HO6 vs non-standard) your policy is written on when what we are discussing is an endorsement. An endorsement can be added to any form.
But for all those shopping, do talk to an independent agent so that they can quote you multiple companies and advocate for you. Tell them you are interested in finding out the cost to have this exclusion removed. If you are able to find a carrier who will do it, it will likely be quite expensive.
This was a good thread to stumble upon the day that I am shopping insurance for our new house. I'm really sorry that my valuable learning experience is coming at your expense, though, dach0507. That's so upsetting.
And it doesn't really matter what form (HO3 vs HO6 vs non-standard) your policy is written on when what we are discussing is an endorsement. An endorsement can be added to any form.
But for all those shopping, do talk to an independent agent so that they can quote you multiple companies and advocate for you. Tell them you are interested in finding out the cost to have this exclusion removed. If you are able to find a carrier who will do it, it will likely be quite expensive.
I disagree with your assertion that only expensive policies wouldn’t have that exclusion or such policies are difficult to find.
And it doesn't really matter what form (HO3 vs HO6 vs non-standard) your policy is written on when what we are discussing is an endorsement. An endorsement can be added to any form.
But for all those shopping, do talk to an independent agent so that they can quote you multiple companies and advocate for you. Tell them you are interested in finding out the cost to have this exclusion removed. If you are able to find a carrier who will do it, it will likely be quite expensive.
I disagree with your assertion that only expensive policies wouldn’t have that exclusion or such policies are difficult to find.
I suppose it is likely a state-by-state experience. I should say, in CA (Los Angeles specifically) that would be the case.
ETA: Which again, is all the more reason to find a good local insurance agent who has experience dealing with the carriers and policies that are available to you. Not every carrier can or chooses to operate in every state, sometimes the product offerings will be different based on location. Having someone who knows the ins and outs of your market is very helpful.
Right? I just started shopping around for new homeowners after a different post that was either here or H&G about having Service Lines covered - like the sewer line from the house to the street for example. My current insurer doesn't even offer that coverage. I guess now I need to ask my agent about leakage exclusions.
Quoting myself here. I'm in PA if it matters for anyone. I reached out to the agent that I'm working with to switch my current coverage, and the policy that he quoted me includes seepage, but there is a 14 day reporting window, similar to OP. I asked about other companies and he said that all of the ones that he works with either have the exclusion or the limited reporting window. I checked my current policy as well and leakage/seepage is excluded, but I do have an endorsement for water back up (drains, sewer, sump pump) so that is at least something.
I just feel like the coverage should be different since the damage came as a result of someone else's negligence - not just due to normal house maintenance things...like there should be some sort of coverage for someone damaging your property (home), and not just coverage for specific home issues (water damage, etc). I don't think I'm explaining myself well. Anyway, clearly the insurance doesn't work that way but I sure wish it did!
I just feel like the coverage should be different since the damage came as a result of someone else's negligence - not just due to normal house maintenance things...like there should be some sort of coverage for someone damaging your property (home), and not just coverage for specific home issues (water damage, etc). I don't think I'm explaining myself well. Anyway, clearly the insurance doesn't work that way but I sure wish it did!
Honestly, I'm surprised that it doesn't - and especially that the contractor's insurance doesn't cover it. I guess if there is no way to prove it was their fault, that's another issue, but their insurance should cover their work/mistakes! Even if it doesn't work that way, I think it should.
You could try taking the subcontractor to smalls claims court, especially with that email confirmation. I think the limit in CA is $7500, but it’s cheap to pursue. Worth a shot? Maybe better than nothing, if that’s all you’re left with.
ETA - did you try taking it up with Home Depot? If you paid them directly for the work, they should have some responsibility as well. I really know nothing about suing or smalls claims court, aside from Judge Judy, but can you take a major corporation like HD to small claims? Maybe you could sue both them and the contractor?
I just feel like the coverage should be different since the damage came as a result of someone else's negligence - not just due to normal house maintenance things...like there should be some sort of coverage for someone damaging your property (home), and not just coverage for specific home issues (water damage, etc). I don't think I'm explaining myself well. Anyway, clearly the insurance doesn't work that way but I sure wish it did!
I agree. It's not that you let your dishwasher go without maintaining it or something. I understand why your insurance doesn't want to pay out, but it sucks that the contractor's insurance won't cover it. I guess you can't 100% prove he did it, but it still sucks.