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RJ
32 Posts |
 Posted - 01/16/2004 : 11:11:11
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Oh by the way;
Unlike a mechanical failure (wear and tear, rust, corrosion of a tank or pipe) where the source of the leak is not covered because it was the cause of loss the plumbing repair is in this case is covered because the cause of loss was the freezing temperature and not a defect in the pluming pipe or appliance (hot water heater, ect.).
RJ |
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Cecil
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2004 : 10:47:15
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| The important theme here is that there is thinking going on. Nothing is automatic all the time. When unusual circumstances come up, we need to think before we leap. What a company does one year can change the next. We need gather the facts, give our recommendations and get authority on issues of questionable coverage. |
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danguyer
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2004 : 12:24:23
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The freezing issue concerning frozen pipe can vary on what part of the country you are from.
Frozen pipes are common in the extreme winter climates. They usually occur when somebody leaves town for a period of time and when they come back they discover their damage. The furnace shuts down and pipes freeze.
I agree that you have to determine if the risk was unoccupied or vacant. However, there is much more to consider.
Possible questions your clients usually ask are as follows:
1. Was anyone watching the risk while the insured was gone?
2. When was the last time the insured was at the risk?
*3. If a seasonal risk, were the pipes drained or anti-frezze applied to the water lines prior to leaving the risk for the winter?
I am not familiar with the southern winter climate but #3 is a very important issue in cold weather climates. The temperature rarely rises above freezing on an extended basis for a period of 4-5 months. I have seen claims denied for seasonal homes in northern Minnesota because the insured did not take preventative measures concerning frozen pipes. However, if the insured had someone check the risk on a regular basis and had taken preventative measures to prevent the loss there is no problem concerning coverage. There is no coverage for what caused the pipes but coverage is afforded for the resulting damage.
The same guidelines may not apply to southern climates. It depends how frequently the temperatures in those areas consistently stay below freezing. There may be coverage if this is an uncommon occurrance.
Remember, there is no coverage for what caused the pipes to freeze. This can get complicated.
For example:
The temperature control switch on a gas-fired boiler malfunctions due to age causing the boiler and pipes to freeze. The cost to replace that component is not covered. The resulting damage to the boiler and frozen pipes is covered. The cost of repair for that component on the boiler will be deducted from the RC boiler loss once the boiler is replaced.
You can see that finding the Cause of Loss is the most important issue to address when determining coverage for any claim being handled.
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Dan Guyer |
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okclarryd
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2004 : 10:03:41
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Nice post, Dan. I might add that the insurer may handle the very same claim in very different ways relative to the area of the country the claim may have occured in. In other words, the claims are NOT the same. The circumstances may be very similar but the region or state or even portion of the state may have different claims criteria that may or may not apply.
That's why we are "Adjusters". |
LARRY D HARDIN |
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Frozen Pipes
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