When Insured's Damage Affects Other Side of Duplex

December 27, 2017

Currently working on a fire loss that occurred in our insured's tenant occupied duplex. The damages will likely be a total loss and require demo. The other half of the duplex is owned by another individual and sustained smoke and water damage. The smoke and water claim for the other half is being handled by a public adjuster with a different insurance company. The duplex shares a common roof and basement. The basement is separated by a frame wall and will require concrete or block wall to retain back fill. It is assumed the block wall is an incurred cost for our insured since it is needed to retain back fill.

 

Does our insured have a responsibility to make repairs to the non-owned portion of the duplex?

 

Tenant dwelling is insured under AAIS Form FL-2. Unknown coverage on the other half of the duplex.

 

Kentucky Subscriber

 

If the duplex is split ownership between two parties, I don't see why the insured would be responsible for damage to the other half. Both properties experienced a fire loss to some extent, so their respective coverages should handle it.

This premium content is locked for FC&S Coverage Interpretation Subscribers

Enjoy unlimited access to the trusted solution for successful interpretation and analyses of complex insurance policies.

  • Quality content from industry experts with over 60 years insurance experience, combined
  • Customizable alerts of changes in relevant policies and trends
  • Search and navigate Q&As to find answers to your specific questions
  • Filter by article, discussion, analysis and more to find the exact information you’re looking for
  • Continually updated to bring you the latest reports, trending topics, and coverage analysis