Bump v. Firemens Ins. Co. of Newark, NJ

Firemens Insurance Co. of Newark, New Jersey (Firemens) issued a homeowner’s insurance policy to Brenda and Bruce Bump, insuring their residence against damage by wind. Firemens’ policy excluded loss caused by “pressure or weight of water or ice, whether driven by wind or not,” as well as loss caused by “latent defect.” While Brenda and Bruce were absent from their home in Chadron on August 3, 1981, a severe thunderstorm with a 4-inch rain and winds of 55 knots struck the city. Upon return to their home Bruce discovered that one of the basement walls had buckled, permitting mud and water to…