Mold, Sewage Leak Not Covered by Calif. Family's Homeowner's Policy

LOS ANGELES - A California appellate court has affirmed judgment for Fire Insurance Exchange on contract, bad faith and fraud claims brought by a family who sought coverage of mold and related problems from a city sewerage leak. Figueroa v. Fire Insurance Exchange, No. BC267135 (Calif. Super., Los Angeles Cty.).

Frank and Doris Figueroa first reported to their homeowner's insurer on June 30, 2000, that a break in the city's main sewer a day earlier caused raw sewage to intrude underneath their property.

The Figueroas later reported structural damage to a patio they contended was caused by settling from …