Virtual University

Sometimes we come across policy exclusions that shouldn’t be there but, due to human error, they’re there. If such inappropriate exclusions are used to deny a claim, what should be…

A homeowner has his vinyl siding painted a darker color. Direct or reflected sunlight then causes the siding to warp. Does his HO policy cover this damage? If liable, does…

In July 2015, on the campus of UCLA, a 30-inch water main had some sort of catastrophic failure, causing a massive geyser of water, estimated to be around 30-feet high,…

A boat dock was damaged by boats blown in a windstorm. The adjuster has denied the claim, citing the “water damage” exclusion reference to water damage “whether or not driven…

A large hailstorm and heavy rain resulted in substantial interior damage to a commercial building. Apparently hail stones clogged up the drains, causing the water to back up into the…

A squirrel entered a community center building that had just undergone a $2 million renovation. It either gnawed some wiring or otherwise came in contact with the electrical system, causing…

We are all aware of the human tragedy involved in the landslide which buried homes in Darrington, Washington in March 2014. From the perspective of our industry, the first question…

Commercial insurers have increasingly incorporated provisions into their coverage forms and/or endorsements that can create significant coverage gaps when property is insured on a blanket basis. The use of a…

An insured’s party guest wore spiked high heels that left major dents in his home’s hardwood floors. The adjuster has denied the damage, citing the “marring” and “wear and tear”…

ISO revised various General Liability coverage forms and endorsements effective April 2013 to reflect the changing needs of insureds and insurers. As with all program changes, the revisions include broadening…