The answers to coverage questions are primarily based on ISO forms generally used in Florida by most companies. However, we must keep in mind that all companies’ forms are NOT necessarily the same. Some companies may provide broader coverage and some may be more restrictive. IN ALL CASES, THE CONSUMER MUST REFER TO HIS OR HER OWN POLICY FOR SPECIFIC COVERAGE INFORMATION.
In catastrophic situations, some companies may be more lenient in their handling of claims and may make concessions, such as advancing additional living expense (i.e. ALE) payments, to expedite the claim process. Other companies may handle such claims in accordance with their normal procedures.
If you have additional questions that need to be added to this list or if you find any errors, please send them to the Division of Insurance Consumer Services, Bureau of Education, Advocacy and Research.
If you have a comprehensive glass insurance policy your loss should be covered. However, the policy may require safeguards, such as hurricane shutters or a specific grade of plywood, be put in place prior to the loss for coverage to be extended.
You do not have coverage under the Condo Association policy for debris removal from the pool. However, the policy may cover the damage to the fence. Contact the Association’s Board to obtain a copy of the policy to read the coverage and exclusion sections.
Your auto dealer’s physical damage policy would provide coverage for the new cars if you included comprehensive or combined additional coverage (CAC- comprehensive coverage excluding theft) in your policy. The coverage would extend to the new cars. Sometimes, the manufacturers provide coverage for the new cars. The used cars would only be covered if coverage was added to the policy for an additional premium. The damage to your employees’ cars would be covered by the comprehensive coverage on their own auto policies.
The damage to your steeple is covered under the multi-peril special building form or a fire and EC form. The fence would only be covered if it was added to the policy by endorsement.
Food spoilage is covered if you have a consequential damage endorsement on your policy. Your business interruption policy, if you have one, may cover loss of receipts and/or your employees’ loss of income. Review your policy for coverage details.
Generally, there is no coverage, as a defined loss has not occurred. Some companies will provide this coverage by endorsement under Business Interruption by removing the “defined loss” wording; however, this is very expensive.
Your flood policy would only provide coverage if you insured the contents and you can prove the food was ruined by the floodwaters. The spoiled food in the freezer could be covered by your policy under the consequential damage section. Check your policy for details.
No, flood policies do not provide coverage for loss of use. Business package policies may have an endorsement adding Extra Expense Coverage, however, flood is also excluded from this coverage.
As an example, consider a business that is adjacent to a geographical area that has been evacuated by civil authorities. The closing of that geographical area may include the closing of a highway such as an interstate (I-95 or I-75). Generally, coverage is not provided unless a defined loss has occurred. Some companies will provide coverage by endorsement under the Business Interruption by removing “defined loss”. It is always best to review your claim questions with your adjuster after the loss. If coverage is agreed upon, the deductible for business interruption insurance applies.
Business interruption coverage isn’t a required coverage, therefore, it will depend upon the company’s form filing. Business interruption coverage may be provided under the BOP and may be provided under the CPP. If the property policy is written to exclude wind the business interruption coverage would be endorsed to exclude business interruption losses caused by wind damage whether direct or indirect.
Multi-peril builder’s risk policies are a named peril policy. There wouldn’t be coverage for the rain damage unless the contractor had an Inland Marine contract included with his multi-peril policy to cover specific materials located at a job site. There is coverage for the wind damage subject to contractual provisions. Some policies require the construction to be at a certain stage, i.e. 50% or 75% complete before coverage will be extended for the wind damage.