When normal 'wear and tear' causes additional property damage

Coverage Q&A: Possible wear to the roof of the insured's RV caused damage to the vehicle's interior.

Caulking on the insured’s RV wore over time. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Every claim is different, and some insurance policies can be difficult to interpret for unique situations. FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, the recognized authority on insurance coverage interpretation and analysis for the P&C industry, makes it simple to find credible answers to your complicated coverage questions. Analysis brought to you by our FC&S experts. 

Editor’s Note: This week, we analyze if wear and tear to an RV and subsequent damage to the interior of the vehicle is covered by insurance.

Question: An RV owned by the insured has caulking that has deteriorated on the roof, allowing water damage to the interior of the RV. Does the “wear and tear” exclusion apply to this loss?

— Kentucky Subscriber 

Analysis: Insurance is designed for catastrophic or sudden and unexpected losses, such as fires or tornadoes. Normal “wear and tear” is not covered in insurance policies because it can be expected for property to deteriorate over time. There are times, however, when something becomes worn and other property is damaged. The roof may have a hole worn in it, but the property inside the house that becomes waterlogged because of the roof isn’t usually affected by rain water coming inside the home.

Answer: To learn the answer to this week’s coverage Q&A, please log into your FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation account.

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