November 10, 2010

We have a loss involving a broken window resulting from a heavy windstorm. Rainwater entered through the broken window and caused damage to personal property contained within the dwelling. Our policy says the following:

 Perils Insured Against:

 2. Windstorm or Hail

 provided coverage if a wind causes an opening in a roof or wall.

 Do you consider a window to be a wall? We believe a window and a wall are essentially the same thing and that coverage would apply for the loss to the personal property in these instances. Do you concur?

 Thanks for your time.

California Subscriber

The intent of the policy language is to pay only for personal property when the outside of the dwelling has been breeched; normally that's through the roof or wall, but a window is part of a wall, so we agree with you that the loss should be covered. Merriam Webster Online includes in its definition of wall: something resembling a wall (as in appearance, function, or effect), especially: something that acts as a barrier or defense. Therefore the loss should be paid.

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