Wednesday, February 25, 2015

HUGE CHUNKS OF ICE SMASH CAR IN OLD PORT, MAINE. CAR OWNER'S INSURANCE DOESN'T COVER DAMAGE, BUT THE PROPERTY OWNER’S LIABILITY INSURANCE COULD COVER IT.










FEBRUARY 23, 2015

PORTLAND, MAINE

Huge chunks of falling ice smashed a man's car in Portland's Old Port on Sunday.

"I thought maybe an icicle would fall off, not a whole car-size piece of ice," Adam Sousa told WMTW News 8.

That's what he said melted and fell off a building on Exchange Street.
"The chunk that was through the windshield came out of the windshield maybe three feet and was sitting on the passenger's seat," Sousa said.

Sousa's liability insurance won't cover repairs, and he said the city wasn't much help either.

"What they told me when I spoke to the police is that they can't really do much, because it's an act of nature. But from what I saw, the size of those ice chunks,  they're a 100- 150-pound ice chunks," Sousa said.

That could be considered a threat under city ordinances.

"When that ice dam is noticed, or obviously presents a hazard, they're required to mitigate that hazard.  Sometimes that presents some logistical problems," said Tim Nangle, with Portland Fire and EMS.

Tony Payne, of Clark Insurance, who isn't involved in the case, said there may be help for Sousa.

"The property owner has liability coverage, and with that liability coverage, he should be able to get some damages taken care of," said Payne.

Sousa said friends are helping him out with rides to and from work, and there's a donation page to help with expenses.
"At least it wasn't a more expensive car. Then I'd probably be more upset than I am," said Sousa.

No one was hurt, but the sidewalk was roped off for fear of more falling ice.