Scorching—Not a Named Peril

Q

We have a somewhat unusual loss. Our insured has an HO-3. He recently discovered his sofa appears to have been scorched. It is near a large picture window, and he thinks the sun's rays came through the window, hit a glass picture frame, and in turn the sofa. Now he has to re-upholster the sofa.

Can you find coverage for this loss?

New Jersey Subscriber

A

Unfortunately for your insured, “scorch” is not a named peril for contents coverage. For the loss to be covered, a fire would have to occur. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Tenth Edition) defines fire as “the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat.” Although scorching certainly involves heat, the other two elements are not present.

Although too late for your insured, this event is certainly a strong selling point for “open perils” coverage on contents.

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