“I’m Singing in the Rain” is an old favorite musical lullaby. However, after getting soaking wet while dancing in the street can bring on the flu.
Commercial:
Please remember, The majority of Commercial Property Policies require “physical damage” to the building (i.e. roof) caused by a covered cause of loss allowing an opening for coverage to apply for interior rain damage. In other words, wind blows off the shingles to allow an opening for the rain to leak inside or a tree limb falls on the roof to cause an opening. Without the roof damage, rain leaks to the building interior is excluded.
If the roof just leaks from lack of maintenance or leaves clogged the roof drain, there is NO coverage. So please be prepared to warn your clients that the adjuster will due their due diligence by inspecting the roof.
Home:
The majority of the home policies take the opposite approach and afford coverage regardless for a sudden roof leak. They do not require storm damage to cause an opening. The Underwriters had more empathy that day, however please be cautious to imply coverage.
Warning:
Also be very cautious to recommend restoration companies to your clients without written back up that coverage is not authorized by D & D and must be approved by the Insurance Company.
On behalf of the P & C Claims Department
