Statement from Nationwide Regarding the Leonard Verdict
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2006
Contacts:
Joe Case (614) 249-6353
casej6@nationwide.com
"We are very pleased that the court ruled in our favor and upheld the long-standing flood exclusion language which is foundational to traditional homeowner policies across the country. We are also pleased the court found no misrepresentation on the agent’s part. The facts clearly demonstrated the damage the Leonards’ home incurred was overwhelmingly due to floodwaters. This is clearly the type of damage covered by flood insurance provided through the National Flood Insurance Program.
The court found that it would be inappropriate to re-write our contract after-the-fact.
While it is unfortunate that the Leonards did not choose to purchase flood coverage, insurance carriers have an obligation on behalf of all policyholders to adjust claims based on factual evidence that supports coverage payments. We will continue to adjust claims on a case-by-case basis.
This ruling underscores just how important it is for all policyholders to carefully read and understand the terms of the coverage they purchase."
Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
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Investments Retirement Insurance www.nationwide.com One Nationwide Plaza Columbus, OH 43215-2220
