Wisconsin Subscriber

The homeowners policy provides coverage for the dwelling on the “residence premises,” being defined in the policy as the one or two family dwelling where the named insured resides.

According to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, “reside” means “to dwell permanently or continuously.” Since the insured was in a nursing home for five years prior to her death, the home in question was no longer her residence. She still owned it; it just didn't meet the definition of “residence.” Because the home did not meet the definition of residence premises, it did not qualify for homeowners coverage. You were technically correct in denying the claim. (However, in this consumer-driven age, could it be argued that you, the insurer, accepted the premium for five years only to deny coverage for the loss? Unfortunately, the answer may lie with the courts.)