What first appeared to be a bizarre property damage incident of fairly epic proportions has turned out to be a hoax. A significantly large blueberry was reported to have partially crushed a local home. Fortunately, it just turned out to be a reckless teenager playing around with graphic design, instead of doing his summer homework.
But, the awesome size and quality of Michigan blueberries got local insurance professionals thinking. If inexplicably becoming airborne, would damages to a home by giant blueberries be covered by insurance?
Blueberries from the South Haven area—including Covert, Glenn, Grand Junction, and Pullman and beyond—are known to be large. Michigan is among the top producers of high-bush blueberries in the world, with southwest Michigan’s lake-effect climate growing arguably some of the largest, most flavorful blueberries known to humankind. So back to the looming question that certainly keeps many people awake at night—would it be covered?
The short answer is that yes, this type of damage would most likely be covered on a typical homeowners insurance policy. Most policies are known as HO-3, “special perils” policies. These policies are structured such that a claim is covered, unless it is specifically excluded. Typical homeowners policies do include several exclusions, so you always want to review your policy or discuss questions with your agent. But, in reviewing the HO-3 policies issued by Hardt Insurance’s carriers, we did not find any who exclude damage from giant flying blueberries.
So good news—you can rest easy and enjoy your locally grown blueberries! That is, if you have a “special perils” HO-3 type policy. Some companies will sell more restrictive policies, so if you have questions or want a quote for your home, auto, business, or farm, please contact us here at Hardt Insurance regarding your insurance needs. And don’t forget to visit the National Blueberry Festival (August 9-12, 2018), and get some local blueberries before the season flies by!