Nov. 9, 2007

I have an above-ground pool in my backyard. Would my homeowners policy cover me in the event my pool burst, due to a fallen tree or some other accident? Would it cover the resulting water damage to my basement, or my neighbor's basement, or do I need a flood insurance policy?

James, New York

Dear James,

Wayne Carter, a spokesperson for the New York Department of Insurance, says that this should be covered under the standard homeowners policy. He says that a destroyed pool is treated the same as a burst pipe.

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