Homeowners

Meth Labs, Explosions, and Homeowners’ Insurance

A house exploded in Charlotte, NC. Rumors of a meth lab began to swirl leading to an analysis of the HO policy to answer the question, does the insurance carrier…

Close up of Microscope in a laboratory

3 Underutilized Homeowners’ Endorsements

In the “HO-2000 world,” ISO has promulgated over 145 homeowners’ endorsements. Some of these endorsements take protection away (we want to stay away from those), some apply to specific exposures…

co-workers brainstorming

Kids at College: Does ISO’s Age Limitation Really Apply?

Based on the dictionary meaning of “resident,” is there really an age limitation on kids away at college? Paragraph 5.a.(1) states that an insured is a relative who is a…

Diverse students, including a young man in a wheelchair, chat in college library.

Trusts: Watch Out – Lawyers Strike Again

Trusts are often used as a means to avoid some of the issues related to probate and estate taxes. However, the lawyers rarely tell insureds that when a trust is…

Why Defining Actual Cash Value is Amazingly Difficult

The concept of actual cash value (ACV) is far more complicated than “replacement cost minus physical depreciation.” In fact, the meaning of replacement cost differs based on the state. To…

Law.

Loss Assessment Coverage

Individuals who live in or own homes in a home association face increased financial risks from assessments. Personal lines policies cover some of the assessments, but increased limits of loss…

Home insurance or mortgage protection concept with a 3D house model under a blue umbrella

Homeowners’ Insurance and Firearms

Once again, we find ourselves in the deeply political and emotional debate about guns, the second amendment, gun control, and safety. This discussion requires us to clear up some misconceptions…

Which size of house can you afford? Concept shot: four differently sized models of houses on a blue background. Copy space available, web banner format