Search
 

Interpreting dwelling clauses in homeowners' policies

While insureds are riding a winning streak in these disputes, insurance companies continue to deny claims on the basis of residency.

By Kelsey Shannon, Martin Lynn | Updated on October 24, 2017
There is little in the way of firm guidance about when a home ceases to be a residence. (Photo: iStock)

In courts across New York, homeowners find themselves litigating the most intimate details of their lives — where they sleep, who they live with, how they cook their dinner — all in the name of insurance.

More specifically, in the name of the “residence” or “dwelling” provision in their homeowners’ policies, which insurance companies increasingly contend limit the homes eligible for coverage to those homes in which the insured “resides.” In this article, we examine how courts have addressed this almost existential question. We further argue that insurers’ unwillingness to settle on a consistent — or even articulable — definition of the term has been a double-edged sword, at once providing for disclaimers over a broad swath of behavior but also planting the seeds of defeat.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.