Water below the surface of the ground seeps through a basement wall over one winter and ruins the finished walls. The policy:
Explanation
The water damage exclusion carries three ideas: flood and surface water, water backing up through sewers or drains, and water below the surface of the ground that seeps or leaks through a foundation, wall or floor. Basement seepage sits squarely in the third, so nothing is payable. Calling it accidental discharge misapplies a peril meant for plumbing and appliances inside the home, and nothing here has collapsed.
This topic, taught in full in the California Property & Casualty Broker-Agent guide. California Property & Casualty Broker-Agent Study Guide — 2026 Edition — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 531 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete California Property & Casualty Broker-Agent guide — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- A homeowner deliberately smashes the windows of his own house to collect on the policy. Section I:
- An earthquake ruptures a gas line and the fire that follows destroys the house. On an unendorsed homeowners form:
- Lightning strikes the home's own service panel, the power dies and a $3,400 heat pump is ruined. The power failure exclusion:
- One burglary takes a $3,000 firearm collection, a $4,000 silver service and $2,000 of bearer securities. An unendorsed form pays:
- The special limits that apply to jewelry, firearms and silverware are best described as:
- A windstorm topples a $2,000 ornamental maple onto the lawn, damaging nothing else. The trees, shrubs and plants coverage:
Last reviewed: · editorial process