April 8, 2010

At what point would an insurer cover/replace carpet that has, in the insured’s opinion, been damaged due to smoke? The carpet was technically not burned but the odor remains. The insured believes the carpet should be replaced, but the insurance company has a different opinion.

Would this odor stuck in the carpet be considered smoke damage? Should the insurance company replace the carpet?

North Carolina Subscriber

It depends on what caused the smoke damage. If it was the result of agricultural smudging, industrial operations, or wear and tear, then no, the damage to the carpet would not be covered. However, if there was a fire in the insured’s building and the resulting smoke odor lingers in the carpet, that would be a covered loss.