Legal Question in Insurance Law in California

Responsibilitie for public utility damage

We had our water turned off From a past due bill that was not paid. We paid the bill and they turned it off again for the same reason. Now the city is trying to collect on

a bill that says we owe $3000 for damage done to a water line on the citys sideof the meter. We unfortunately at that time renting rooms. Someone (Not exactly sure who) tryed to by-pass the meter while it was off. Our water has been off for some time. In December/04 we recieved bill #1 for $1200 then last month 3/05 recieved the $3000 bill from a collection firm. The city says that we cannot despute this bill because it is in collection. Can we use our home owner insurance to pay this bill? Isn't that what we pay for?, like unforseen damages that may occur without notice or fault by owner.


Asked on 4/08/05, 10:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steven Murray Steven W. Murray, APC

Re: Responsibilitie for public utility damage

Yes, if the claim against you is for property damage - damage to the city's pipes, then your homeowners policy should provide you with a defense. If you did not damage the pipes or lines, then you don't owe the city.

Turn the claim into your insurer by letter asking that it defend you against this claim. Make sure you send in a copy of the city's position that its property was damaged and the bills represent the city's losses.

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Answered on 4/19/05, 4:42 pm


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