Defective Chinese Drywall Leaves Some Florida Homeowners Without Insurance
As many as 100,000 homes across the country may have been built with defective Chinese Drywall. The drywall has been found to emit sulfide fumes, which can corrode pipes and wiring and cause health problems such as skin irritations and respiratory problems. At least two Florida home insurance providers have threatened to cancel or not renew policies of affected homeowners.
Citizens Property Assurance Corporation and Universal North America have stated that they are not required to cover the cost of removing and replacing the drywall and corroded wiring and piping, which could add up to as much as $100,000 for an average home. The companies have cited clauses in policies that exclude damage caused by "pollution" or "builder defect."
Citizens advised policyholders who have filed claims for damages that they must provide proof that they have replaced the drywall or their policies will not be renewed as the corrosive effects of the sulfur will likely cause further damage to the home. Universal North America, Florida's 12th largest home insurer, dealt with at least one claim by cancelling the homeowner's policy outright.
Policy holders have been put in a difficult position; if they report the defective drywall they may be required to replace it or risk losing their coverage. Builders who installed the defective drywall may be held liable for replacing it. Each may also have recourse with the distributor or manufacturer of the product.
Find out more about this story at Insurers Drop Drywall Victims.
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