Dec Page

The question of the month deals with the catastrophic hurricanes of 2005 and the flooding that accompanied those hurricanes. Much damage was caused and this raised many questions about possible insurance coverage. After a disaster hits, whether it be a homeowner or a businessman, the insured wants to know what, if anything, his or her insurance policy will cover. Much depends on the particular insurance policy and, given that first party property policies often significantly vary in their terms and conditions, it can be difficult to describe a prototypical claim and what the insurance response may be. However, there is an article in the FC&S Bulletins that examines the coverage issues that arise after a disaster strikes and answers many questions on the subject. Link onto the designated article in the Bulletins.

The Dec Page also lists information on equipment theft, identity theft, and the disputes over the use of credit reports by insurers to grant or deny coverage.

The court cases listed pertain to defective workmanship, advertising injury, and the pollution exclusion in the general liability form. Courts in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Texas offer current judicial thinking on the disputes that arise between insureds and insurers based on these items.

Radio and TV Tower Coverage

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) has developed an inland marine coverage form that can be used to insure radio and TV towers and related equipment, including mobile units, presumably the kind often seen at newsworthy events. The form provides extremely broad coverage, including coverage for flood and earthquake. The insured can elect to cover buildings used in connection with the radio or TV tower (although no debris coverage is available, which might present a problem). Extra expense coverage and replacement cost coverage are available.

For a discussion, see Radio and Television Towers and Equipment Coverage.

Questions and Answers

Equipment is attached to a trailer that is not self-propelled. If the equipment malfunctions, resulting in a claim for property damage, is coverage to be found under the CGL form or the business auto policy? See Mobile Equipment Claim or Auto Claim. Will the personal auto policy (PAP) provide any coverage for a gunshot wound? See Med Pay coverage for Gun Shot Wound?

How does the homeowners coverage grant of 10 percent of the personal property limit for property at another residence apply if an insured has other insurance on a vacation home? See Other Insurance and Personal Property at Secondary Residence.