Experts Question Iowa City Landfill Fire Coverage

Iowa City’s insurance may not cover the damage done in the landfill fire that’s been burning since May 26.

At least two insurance experts told The Gazette that the city could be on the hook for the estimated $4 million to $6 million bill.

Ty Leverty is an assistant University of Iowa business professor whose doctorate is in risk management and insurance. He and an insurance attorney reviewed the city’s policy and concluded that because the landfill isn’t listed as an asset, the insurer likely won’t pay.

City Manager Tom Markus says the city has notified its insurer about the fire. He declined to comment about what the city would do if the insurer were to deny coverage.