Crops Include Pumpkins under Property Form
We have an insured who had a large number of pumpkins bought from farmers to sell during a fall festival. The pumpkins were stored outside. A large, unexpected snow storm in October ruined the pumpkins. The insurer is denying coverage for damage to the pumpkins based on this exclusion:
The following property while outside of buildings:
(1) Grain, hay, straw or other crops;
(2) Trees, shrubs or plants (other than “stock” of trees, shrubs or plants), except as provided in the Coverage Extensions
We believe that this exclusion does not fit our insured's situation .The pumpkins are personal property being held for sale by a retail store that are no different than bicycles or other products being stored outside while being held for sale.
What is your opinion?
Kentucky Subscriber
The pumpkins are included in this exclusion. Notice that trees, shrubs, and plants in (2) are followed by the qualifier “other than 'stock,'” while grain, hay, straw, and other crops are not. Pumpkins fit the dictionary definition of crop: “a plant or animal or plant or animal product that can be grown and harvested extensively for profit or subsistence.” (Merriam-Webster Online). Thus, while pumpkins could be considered personal property being held for sale, they are also crops and subject to this exclusion.
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