Uncertainty regarding a date of loss could lead to a court’s denial of a defendant insurance company’s motion to dismiss. The court in ID Ventures, LLC v. Chubb Custom Insurance Company,1 addressed this issue.… Continue Reading
A Maryland court recently ruled there was no insurance coverage available to an insured for a loss to her property that was not her primary residence.… Continue Reading
A court in Georgia found coverage for a loss based on the presence of a semicolon. In the case Lee v. Mercury Insurance Company,1 the court found coverage for a home destroyed by fire based on the potential ambiguity created by a semicolon.… Continue Reading
Some homeowners may have lender-placed insurance policies, also known as “creditor-placed” or “forced-placed policies.” These policies occur when there is an insurance policy placed by a bank or mortgage company on a home when the homeowners’ insurance policy may have lapsed or is deemed insufficient by the bank. Under these lender-placed insurance policies, the bank … Continue Reading
Many property insurance policies have a provision that states something similar to the following: “we do not insure…for loss…caused by…constant or repeated seepage or leakage of water…over a period of 14 or more days.” Insureds may find their claims for water loss under their homeowners’ policy denied on the grounds that the leak was present … Continue Reading
As a renter, you may be unsure of what steps to take after you have suffered a loss to your apartment, rental home, and/or belongings. If you have a renters insurance policy, the following steps should be taken when reporting a claim to your insurance company.… Continue Reading
All insurance companies have a Special Investigative Unit [SIU] that handles elevated claims. Policyholders may be informed by the claims adjuster that their claim has been transferred to the SIU, leaving the insured confused and perhaps apprehensive. So, what does it mean when a claim has been transferred to the SIU?… Continue Reading
One of the first steps in buying a new home is obtaining homeowners insurance. Lenders will not close on a home unless it is insured. Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes discover that their new home does not qualify for standard insurance, despite having passed home inspections. While each insurance company has its own underwriting standards and procedures, … Continue Reading
Section 708.1.1 of the Florida Building Code, often referred to as the “25% Rule,” implements guidelines for roof replacement requirements. The section states, Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the entire … Continue Reading
Homeowners and commercial property owners may find themselves in situations where a contractor or subcontractor performed construction on the property that was defective or faulty and may have resulted in additional loss to the property. Are these damages covered by insurance?… Continue Reading
The holidays are a time filled with travel, gifts, and sometimes, added perils. Often, people travel to visit family and friends during the holiday season and bring their personal belongings with them. Although theft and other unpleasant possibilities may rarely cross the minds of travelers, it is important to consider coverage in the unfortunate event … Continue Reading
You filed a claim with your insurance company after suffering a loss and it is refusing to pay what is owed under your insurance policy – what now? One of your options is to file a Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violation, or CRN, with the Department of Financial Services. The CRN serves as notice … Continue Reading
Renters insurance is a good thing for any renter to have, providing protection for personal property as well as peace of mind in the event a loss should occur; however, only a minority of renters have insurance. While homeowners insurance is commonly held among homeowners, renters insurance isn’t nearly as common; in fact, studies show … Continue Reading
