TL/DR –
A couple in Scottsdale, Arizona found a significant water leak in their living room and filed a claim with their insurance carrier, State Farm, which was rejected. The adjuster blamed the leak on a “gradual leak from a copper line under the slab”, but after tearing out the drywall, the couple found that the leak was coming from a faulty pipe that was above the slab. After intervention by a community service called ‘On Your Side’ and submitting video evidence of the leak, State Farm agreed to reopen the case but the matter is not fully settled yet, as the damage cost the couple over $30,000.
Scottsdale Couple’s Water Leak Insurance Claim Rejected
An Arizona couple based in Scottsdale encountered a substantial water leak in their living room and were left dumbfounded when their insurance claim was inexplicably denied. This unexpected twist forced the couple to seek external help from On Your Side.
As a resident of Arizona, Charlie Cramer frequently used his ice machine located in his wet bar. The leak was discovered near this bar, and Charlie promptly contacted both a plumber and his insurance carrier, State Farm, to report the incident.
After an excruciatingly long two-week wait, an adjuster from the insurance company finally arrived at the scene. Despite thorough inspection and an array of photos, the adjuster remained tight-lipped. However, a subsequent letter revealed State Farm’s decision to deny Charlie’s claim due to the leak allegedly stemming from a “copper line under the slab”.
Unconvinced by the adjuster’s findings, Charlie hired workers to remove the drywall, revealing the leak source. Water sprayed out profusely when the water was turned on, discrediting the ‘gradual leak’ theory. The leak’s location, almost a foot above the slab, should have warranted coverage.
Despite submitting video evidence and an affidavit from their plumber to State Farm, they refused to reopen the case. This resulted in Charlie lodging a complaint with the state, though State Farm insisted the leak originated from “a failed plumbing line located below the slab”.
Charlie decided to involve On Your Side, who then contacted State Farm and provided them with the damning video. After reviewing the video, State Farm agreed to reopen the case and expressed their intention to pay the claim.
However, the struggle is far from over: Charlie has already spent more than $30,000 on home repairs. State Farm has yet to commit to reimbursing the full amount. A follow-up report will be provided once the issue is fully resolved.
Noticed an error in our story? Please report it here. If you have a photo or video of a breaking news story, please send it to us here with a brief description.
—
Read More US News; Arizona News