Cost of Superstorm Sandy Debris Removal Not Covered Under Flood Policy, Judge Rules

TRENTON, N.J. — Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. is not obligated under a Standard Flood Insurance Policy to cover the cost of removing debris that littered a New Jersey beach property after Superstorm Sandy, a federal judge has ruled.

Judge Anne E. Thompson of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey said in an April 24 decision awarding judgment to the insurer that terms of the SFIP clearly state that only the expense of removing non-owned debris deposited on or in an insured building or structure is covered by the policy.

Michael and Geraldine Torre filed a …