Drying Marijuana in Clothes Dryer

April 30, 2014

The insured risk is covered under policy form DP-3 (9-83) with a SFP-1 (08-86) Standard Fire policy endorsement. The endorsement reads under the conditions section: Unless otherwise provided in writing added hereto the Company shall not be liable for loss as a result of explosion or riot, unless fire ensues and in that event for loss by fire only.

The loss is a result of an explosion from the tenant drying marijuana in a clothes dryer. The dryer exploded and caused direct physical loss to the walls, ceilings, and windows. The only fire damage noted was contained inside the dryer.

With the SPF-1 (8-86) language, is there coverage for the damages to the dwelling with no evidence of fire damage?

California Subscriber

Any endorsement changes the provisions of the policy. If your endorsement excludes explosion and only covers ensuing fire, then the loss from the dryer explosion is excluded and the only coverage is for anything damaged by fire.

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