Reader Backs FC&S On Columbine
To The Editor:
I wanted to thank Michael K. McCracken for his response to the reaction to the Columbine insurers settlement in his “FC&S On Lines” column of June 11, headlined: “Why Homeowners Policy Covered Columbine.”
I have personally witnessed losses where coverage was denied because the contract did not provide for the loss. Even in the presence of an outpouring of sentiment for the unfortunate individual by the community, the industrys reaction has been to follow the terms of the contract. If we dont use personal feelings to apply coverage, we cannot use personal feelings to deny coverage.
When I have the privilege of teaching newcomers to the insurance industry, I stress two points: (1) emotions cannot affect interpretation of the contract, and (2) you cannot make a decision about coverage until you review the entire contract. Whether we personally feel outrage over an action or a courts decision, the contract must stand.
In the future, Mr. McCracken's column will be required reading.
William D. Cundiff, Jr.
Wm. Cundiff & Associates, Inc.
Fredericksburg, Va.
Reproduced from National Underwriter Property & Casualty/Risk & Benefits Management Edition, August 27, 2001. Copyright 2001 by The National Underwriter Company in the serial publication. All rights reserved.Copyright in this article as an independent work may be held by the author.
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