Storm Damage Raises Deductible Questions
November 21, 2011
A commercial building sustained wind damage to the roof and interiors as a result of a windstorm. The roof was temporarily repaired with tarps since part of the roof was completely ripped off by the wind. Three months later—with still no payment from the carrier—another storm came through the area and ripped the tarps off the building. The interiors were inundated with water. A second estimate of damage was prepared without duplicating damages from the original event. The carrier now wants to create a second claim with a second deductible. We believe that this should remain as a single event with only one deductible applied. What is your opinion on this matter?
Florida Subscriber
We agree with your assessment of the loss. This should be considered a single event—the subsequent damage occurred while the insured was awaiting payment from the carrier to repair the damage from the original storm. If the repairs had already been made and more damage resulted from the second storm, that would be considered a separate event with a separate deductible. But, in this case, no second deductible should apply.
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