Notice Clause Bars Coverage for Homeowner Who Waited 31 Days

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. - A homeowner who was on vacation when a leak was discovered in his home and waited 31 days to notify his insurer is not entitled to coverage for the resulting mold and water damage, a New York trial court has ruled. White v. Allstate Insurance Co., No. 7354/07 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., N.Y. Cty.).

Nassau County (N.Y.) Supreme Court Justice Thomas Feinman ruled on Sept. 24 that William White did not meet his burden of demonstrating that the delay in reporting the loss to his insurer was reasonable.

White sought coverage for damage to his Levittown, N.Y., home, …