VU Resources

Insuring a ‘Box of Air’

Although the unit owner doesn’t own the entire structure, they may have responsibility for insuring some “real property” elements that are part of the building. And the only way to know what property the unit owner is required to insure is to read the condo association’s ruling documents such as the covenants, conditions and restrictions…

Condo Associations and the NFIP

What happens with there is not enough coverage from the NFIP to cover the condo association. Do the unit owners purchase their own coverage or does the association have to purchase excess coverage?

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Insured’s Party Gives Her Insurance Agent Heartburn

A customer is considering hosting a party for a church group on a property someone is giving her free access to. If there is a liability claim, will her ISO HO-3 respond? What if it’s property other than her residence premises that she owns?

HO Coverage for College Student Residing in an Apartment

Your insured’s 21 year old daughter is moving from a dorm to an apartment at college. She has been covered on your family HO and PUP policies but the underwriter now says she needs to get her own policies since she’ll be living off campus? Is that correct?

Exterior view of modern apartment building offering luxury rental units in Silicon Valley; Livermore, East San Francisco bay area, California

Swimming Pools…HO Coverage A or B?

We often get questions about in ground pools and whether they’re HO Coverage A or B. HO guru David Thompson explains, with photos, why this isn’t always cut and dried, but provides some advice on how to reach a consensus with the underwriter.

CP Coverage for Docks

A dock is damaged by a covered peril but the carrier denies the claim, citing the “piers, wharves, docks” exclusion. You argue that his language applies to permanent docks, not portable docks like the one damaged. Who’s right and, if the insurer is correct, is there a solution for this coverage gap?

HO Coverage for Damage Caused by Falling Tree

What happens if an insured’s tree falls and damages property or injures someone on a neighbor’s premises? If the occurrence is caused by an “Act of God,” is the insured off the hook? This may not be as simple a question as you think and many factors can come into play.

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The Danger of Relying on Automatic Coverages

From “host liquor” in a CGL policy to “vacant land” in an HO policy, we often relying on automatic coverages for certain exposures to cover an insured who has an exposure that sounds like it fits. However, when you examine the exact facts of the situation or the possibilities when a claim occurs, coverage may…

How to Misread an Insurance Policy

A claim was filed against a homeowner for a child injured at a facility being rented by the homeowner. The adjuster has denied the claim, but is the denial correct? This claim serves as an excellent reminder to all insurance practitioners (newbies and veterans alike) to read the entire provision in a coverage form or…

Using Lawn Tractors Off Premises

An insured keeps a high value lawn tractor at a hunting camp owned by an LLC he’s part of. How does he insure that vehicle and its use? Will his homeowners policy suffice?

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