Connecticut Supreme Court to hear arguments about crumbling foundations insurance coverage

Dec. 18--The Connecticut Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday on whether homeowners insurance should cover failing foundations.

Attorneys for homeowners and several Connecticut insurance companies, including Liberty Insurance Corporation and Liberty Mutual Insurance company, will make their case to the judges.

As many as 34,000 homes could be affected by crumbling concrete foundations. A mineral, called pyrrhotite, that breaks down when exposes to oxygen and water is partially to blame for the issue, according to state reports.

Insurance companies have denied homeowners' claims that their foundations are failing, saying that the issue does not fall into their definition of collapse. Homeowners have been left to foot the bill for the repairs -- which often cost more than $250,000.

Lawyers for the affected homeowners contend that the insurance companies should cover the damage to the foundations because the houses become unstable and at risk for a collapse.

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