Overflow from Washing Machine Not Drain Backup

Our property coverage contains an exclusion for flood. Included under the flood definition is the exclusion of water or sewage which backs up through sewers, drains or sumps. It also excludes overflow of any body of water. We have a claim where the fire department put a load of clothes in the washing machine and was called out on a run. During the washing cycle, water overflowed into the building due to the drain being frozen from an ice storm. This was while the fireman were gone performing their duties. When they returned, the building was flooded damaging carpet and sheetrock. Is this covered?

Oklahoma Subscriber

We do not see an exclusion that would apply in this instance. It doesn't sound as if the water actually went down a drain and then backed up. The washing machine overflowed because water could not go down the frozen drain, which would not constitute a backup. So, in our opinion, the loss is covered.