Fire in Loon Cove today.

[mcdude]

The letter from AFD does not specify who was burning leaves but my question is this: If a homeowner sets his/her house on fire by burning leaves without a permit on a windy day will the insurance company still pay up?

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by mcdude

The letter from AFD does not specify who was burning leaves but my question is this: If a homeowner sets his/her house on fire by burning leaves without a permit on a windy day will the insurance company still pay up?

Interesting question. Does negligence void an insurance policy?

I would think they might not. The not having a permit thus what they were doing to cause this was illegal certainly would give the insurance company grounds to say no to covering the loss.

[CTYankee]

Homeowner/Fire insurance will cover negligent acts resulting in damage by the homeowner. Insurance will not cover intentional damage caused by the homeowner. Provided there was an insurance policy in force the damage should be covered to the extent of the policy limits.

[AC2717]

The simple answer being an agent:
Insurance covers stupidity

[betterthanbacon]

Originally Posted by AC2717

The simple answer being an agent:
Insurance covers stupidity

Insurance covers stupidity. But...
If the owners were the one burning leaves? I would think will give the insurance company a reason of doubt or speculation. This can give the ins. Company reason to do a long drawn out investigation before paying out..
Regardless. It sounds like the owners and neighbors didn’t experience any physical hardships and everyone is safe.
Kudos to all the firefighters and other responders

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by betterthanbacon

Insurance covers stupidity. But...
If the owners were the one burning leaves? I would think will give the insurance company a reason of doubt or speculation.

It is covered.

As would damage to your roof be covered if you erroneously felled a tree that landed on it.

Or if the house burned down from a lit cigarette you held in your hand while falling asleep.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by betterthanbacon

Insurance covers stupidity. But...
If the owners were the one burning leaves? I would think will give the insurance company a reason of doubt or speculation. This can give the ins. Company reason to do a long drawn out investigation before paying out..
Regardless. It sounds like the owners and neighbors didn’t experience any physical hardships and everyone is safe.
Kudos to all the firefighters and other responders

as having dealt with this in the past unless there is overwhelming evidence, it will not be investigated

who says they have insurance though

[upthesaukee]

From the perspective of a Personal Lines Underwriter for over 15 years, in my prior life, there were many times that we wished we had one all inclusive exclusion to our policies: the Aggravated Ignorance clause. Sadly, no insurance department would allow it.

Dave