West v. Umialik Insurance Co.

OPINION

MATTHEWS, Chief Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

This case involves coverage under a homeowners insurance policy for damage caused by the settling of a house when soil under the foundation was washed away by water from broken plumbing. The superior court entered summary judgment in favor of the insurer, applying policy exclusions for loss caused by settling, earth movement, and water damage. Because the listed exclusions only apply to external or natural phenomena such that the damage does not fall within the exclusions, we reverse and direct the superi- or court to enter summary judgment in…