New home woes: Pre-existing damage causes cabinet collapse

Coverage Q&A: Collapse is a covered loss in most insurance policies; however, other factors are considered when determining coverage.

The supports of the kitchen cabinets in a home were water damaged from a loss that occurred before a person had purchased a home. (Photo: Rodolfo Benitez)

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: The insured bought a property that had existing damage that caused a collapse. How does that situation factor into the loss?

Question: The supports of a home’s kitchen cabinets were water damaged from a loss that occurred before our insured purchased the home.

When the new homeowner climbed onto the countertop to put items away at the top of the upper cabinetry, the water-damaged particleboard supports of the cabinets gave way by about an inch due to their deteriorated condition.

Would there be any coverage for this under a homeowners insurance policy (HO 00 03 10 00)? If so, would it be the peril of collapse or just a loss not excluded under an all-risk policy?

— Hawaii Subscriber

Analysis: Among the many causes of loss covered in an insurance policy, collapse is one. However, what exactly constitutes a collapse is not always obvious. If the supports of a structure are damaged, and the building sags or bends, is that a collapse?

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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