Cost of Superstorm Sandy Debris Removal Not Covered Under Flood Policy, 3rd Cir. Affirms

PHILADELPHIA — 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 appellate court has affirmed.

In a March 26 precedential opinion, the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals concluded that the 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’s beach property sustained significant damage during Superstorm Sandy and they submitted claims to …