Noncompliance with SFIP Bars Coverage for Property Damaged During Sandy, N.J. Federal Judge Rules

NEWARK, N.J. — A couple cannot collect insurance for air conditioner compressors that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy because they did not sustain direct physical damage “by or from flood” as required by the Standard Flood Insurance Policy, a New Jersey federal judge has ruled.

On Feb. 14, Chief Judge Jerome Simandle of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey further held that coverage is not available for contents within the home that were allegedly damaged by flood because the insureds did not submit proofs of loss as mandated by the SFIP.

Herbert and Danna Ruth’s Oceanport, …