Manifestation Rule Bars Calif. Family's Mold Claim Against Subsequent Insurer

VENTURA, Calif. - A California appellate court has affirmed denial of insurance coverage for a family that discovered mold damage five years after a rainstorm damaged their roof. Chorpash v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., et al., No. B166405 (Calif. App., 2nd Dist.).

California's 2nd Appellate District ruled July 12 in an unpublished opinion that Howard and Carole Chorpash waited too long to submit a claim to State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., and couldn't claim the loss against a subsequent insurer.

State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. insured the Chorpashes' home when a 1996 rainstorm caused water to …