We are hoping you can help us in interpreting some policy language. Our insured is a small manufacturer who leased premises that were destroyed in a fire. He is insured on a CP 00 10 04 02 with broad form coverage, with the CP 00 30 04 02 business income and extra expense coverage form attached. 

He established a temporary office in his own home until he was able to find a suitable space elsewhere, which took about two months. Unfortunately, he did not have adequate business personal property coverage.

Our questions are these: Is the expense incurred to move to and set up the temporary office covered? Also, can extra expense coverage be used to replace any of the business personal property; and, if so, is the coinsurance penalty applied to this?

Michigan Subscriber

Any extra expense incurred "to avoid or minimize the suspension of business and to continue 'operations' at a temporary location, including "costs to equip and operate the … temporary location" is covered.

The additional coverage for extra expense can indeed be used to replace business personal property, but only to the extent the amount spent reduces the amount that would otherwise be payable as business income. For example, if the insured spends $50,000 extra expense dollars to purchase office furniture because of a property insurance shortage, and is able to resume operations quickly, thereby reducing his business income loss by $25,000, he is entitled to $25,000, the amount of the reduced loss. (He cannot claim the entire $50,000. To receive full payment would encourage underinsurance.)

Coinsurance does not apply to additional coverages, which are extra expense, civil authority, alterations and new buildings, and extended business income.

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