YOUR DUTIES UNDER YOUR POLICY

Have you looked at your policy lately, have you ever looked at your policy? Most people haven't. I get called to a claim and my clients discover they don't have the proper coverage...but my broker said...I hear it all the time. Sometimes you are unaware of changes made for you. Every policy is unique, but most of them , endorsements and exclusions aside, follow an ISO HO3. It would take too long to review every policy for the purpose of this blog,but I or one of my team members would be happy to review your policy, for a complimentary review contact one of our team leaders ASAP!

Today I want to highlight your duties under your policy. This is perhaps the biggest way the Insurance Companies get out of paying a bonafide claim. I could explain it line by line, but just read what I've copied and pasted from an actual policy sample .If you want to see a sample policy in full, GOOGLE ISO HO3 and enjoy. Pay special attention to item 4...what does that mean???

B. Duties After Loss In case of a loss to covered property, we have no duty to provide coverage under this policy if the failure to comply with the following duties is prejudicial to us. These duties must be performed either by you, an "insured" seeking coverage, or a representative of either:

1. Give prompt notice to us or our agent;

2. Notify the police in case of loss by theft;

3. Notify the credit card or electronic fund transfer card or access device company in case of loss as provided for in E.6. Credit Card, Electronic Fund Transfer Card Or Access Device, Forgery And Counterfeit Money under Section I – Property Coverages;

4. Protect the property from further damage. If repairs to the property are required, you must:

a. Make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect the property; and

b. Keep an accurate record of repair expenses;

5. Cooperate with us in the investigation of a claim;

6. Prepare an inventory of damaged personal property showing the quantity, description, actual cash value and amount of loss. Attach all bills, receipts and related documents that justify the figures in the inventory;

7. As often as we reasonably require:

a. Show the damaged property;

b. Provide us with records and documents we request and permit us to make copies; and

c. Submit to examination under oath, while not in the presence of another "insured", and sign the same;

8. Send to us, within 60 days after our request, your signed, sworn proof of loss which sets forth, to the best of your knowledge and belief:

a. The time and cause of loss;

b. The interests of all "insureds" and all others in the property involved and all liens on the property;

c. Other insurance which may cover the loss;

d. Changes in title or occupancy of the property during the term of the policy;

e. Specifications of damaged buildings and detailed repair estimates;

f. The inventory of damaged personal property described in 6. above;

g. Receipts for additional living expenses incurred and records that support the fair rental value loss; and

h. Evidence or affidavit that supports a claim under E.6. Credit Card, Electronic Fund Transfer Card Or Access Device, Forgery And Counterfeit Money under Section I – Property Coverages, stating the amount and cause of loss.