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New Commercial Property Forms for The New Year--2012The ISO has submitted significant changes for the Commercial Property Forms that have an effective date of 10/2012. The changes include: new edition dates of existing form numbers; forms that are being withdrawn and new forms that are being introduced. The information, upon which this article relies, is the ISO Circular dated January 3, 2012. This multistate revision will be applicable to the following jurisdictions:AlabamaKentuckyOhioAlaskaMaineOklahomaArizonaMarylandOregonArkansasMassachusettsPennsylvaniaCaliforniaMichiganRhode IslandColoradoMinnesotaSouth CarolinaConnecticutMissouriSouth DakotaDelawareMontanaTennesseeDistrict of ColumbiaNebraskaTexasFloridaNevadaUtahGeorgiaNew HampshireVermontGuamNew JerseyVirgin IslandsIllinoisNew MexicoVirginiaIndianaNew YorkWest VirginiaIowaNorth CarolinaWisconsinKansasNorth DakotaWyomingMany of the ISO changes have already been adopted in insurance company forms while other changes represent clarification of the “intent” of the form. We will include a listing of the forms that will be part of the 10/2012 edition date. Specifically we will highlight those changes that have any significant impact and new endorsements to the form series. This chart is a summary of the form changes and each form must be reviewed in its entirety to understand the impact of the changes. As you review the impact of the form changes you will note that there are many instances where there is no change in coverage. What this means, typically, is that the language of the form has been modified by adding or removing a word or substituting a word that is clearer. There is no change in the intent of the form. Some changes result in a coverage increase typically in a sub-limit that is provided. Some changes result in coverage being reduced for example removing am extension or sub-limit that appeared in a prior edition date. Some changes will show coverage is broadened which typically means that form language has been added to make the coverage more comprehensive. There are some new endorsements that are being introduced that we will discuss in more detail as they are new to the form series.NEW ENDORSEMENTS:Exclusion of Loss Due to By Products of Production or Processing Operations (Rental Properties) CP 10 34This endorsement is as a result of the landlord/tenant business risks relating to the rental of the property. While the landlord may enter into a lease that holds the tenant responsible for damages arising from a variety of causes, the insurance contract is not intended to compensate a landlord for the expected consequences of usage of the rental premises as intended. One example provided by the ISO in explanation would be when a premise is leased for use as a restaurant and there is damage from the residue of the cooking operation. This is deemed a business risk innate to the occupancy not loss compensated by insurance. This question becomes much more interesting and complex when the property is rented for illegal purposes such as the rental of premises that is used as a methamphetamine laboratory in which the damage from methamphetamine “cooking” operations can be likened to the residue from cooing operations in a restaurant. Needless to say there are many issues at the heart of this discussion that goes beyond the coverage issue such as: did the landlord know about the operation; should the landlord have known about the operation and so on. A case in point that the ISO used in their circular was the Graff v. Allstate Insurance Company, 113 Wash, App.799; 54P.3d 1266 (Wash, Ct. App.2001). In the case the insured filed a claim for cleanup expenses after a tenant’s methamphetamine laboratory damaged his rental house and the insurer denied the claim citing the policy’s contamination exclusion. The insured sued and the trial court held in favor of the insured finding that his insurance policy covered the cleanup expenses. The appellate court affirmed the lower court’s decision and stated that the operation of a methamphetamine laboratory is vandalism and therefore covered under the policy. Thus both the contamination and vandalism issues came into play. The Insurance company, (plaintiff), contended that coverage is not intended to extend to the inevitable effect of a production operation which is emphasized in the language of the Special Form. As a result of this case and similar claims, the ISO has introduced this endorsement to be attached to all polices issued to owners and tenants of rental property. Equipment Breakdown Cause of Loss CP 10 46 Suspension or Reinstatement of Coverage for Loss Caused by Breakdown of Certain Equipment CP 1047The ISO is introducing a new Cause of Loss form for Equipment Breakdown that is compatible with the Special Cause of Loss Form. Currently in the Special Cause of Loss Form there are three major categories of exclusions that relate to equipment breakdown: artificially generated electrical current; mechanical breakdown; explosion of steam boilers… By use of this new endorsement those exclusions are eliminated. There are limitations specific to Equipment Breakdown coverage that is then added in the form language. Ammonia Contamination and Hazardous Substance amounts of insurance can be scheduled on the form. Because of the introduction of the new Equipment Breakdown Form, the ISO has also introduced the Suspension or Reinstatement of Coverage for Loss Caused by Breakdown of Certain Equipment to allow the insurance companies to either suspend or reinstate coverage for certain pieces of equipment. Increase in Rebuilding Expenses Following Disaster CP 04 09This endorsement is introduced as a response to nationwide disasters and catastrophic events that have tested the limits of the policy as relates costs of labor; cost of materials due to demand and limited resources (demand surge). The ISO circular references Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wherein estimates per square footage of housing reconstruction quadrupled in the first six months after the events. The new endorsement provides an option for insuring additional expenses when the costs of labor and/or building materials increase as a result of a disaster AND the total cost of repair or replacement exceeds the applicable limit of insurance. Some significant sections of the endorsement include:Buildings to be insured are indicated on the endorsementCoverage will only apply as a result of an event that is declared a disaster as well as damage resulting from an event which occurs in close proximity to the disasterCoverage is on an annual aggregate basisThe maximum amount of additional coverage is determined by applying a specified percentage to the limit of insurance for specific insurance.Dependent Properties in the Supply Chain (Business Interruption)Dependent Property Coverage is written by scheduling the business locations that the insured is “dependent upon” and have chosen to insure. The new endorsement allows for secondary dependencies. An example provided by the ISO of a secondary dependency is a situation in which the insured’s supplier (a dependent property identified in the schedule of the current endorsement) is unable to deliver products/services due to interruption in the business of an entity (for example, a manufacturer) upon which the supplier depends but was NOT a supplier that the insured directly depended upon or was identified in the endorsement. The new option for covering secondary dependencies is focused on contributing and recipient locations as defined in the form. Business Income losses arising out of physical loss or damage at the secondary location is subject to the same Limit of Insurance that applies to the scheduled dependent location and does not increase the coverage. The coverage territory is reiterated on the form to avoid any confusion that the coverage goes beyond the stated territory of the policy for example for locations outside of the United States. FormChangeImpactCOVERAGE FORMSBuilding and Personal Property Form CP 00 10Debris Removal: The additional limit provided is increased from $10,000 to $25,000. When no Covered Property sustains direct physical loss there is coverage in the amount of $5,000 provided for removal of debris of others’ property. Coverage is increased and expanded in definitionBuilding and Personal Property Form CP 00 10Fire Department Service Charge: The policy clarifies that the $1000.00 limit provided applies to each premises insured. No change in coverageBuilding and Personal Property Form CP 00 10 (various)Business Personal Property in Described Structures: The coverage provided for Business Personal Property is clarified to cover both in the building or structures covered in the policy.No change in coverageBuilding and Personal Property Form CP 00 10 (various)Coverage Radius: The language is clarified as relates “where” coverage must occur for coverage to apply. The form extends coverage to 100 feet from the building or 100 feet from the described premises, whichever distance is greater. The revision broadens coverage with respect to a tenant in a multiple-occupancy building in such situation where the premises are described in terms of the actual area (quarters) occupied by the tenant. Note: many company forms already include this clarification. Building and Personal Property Form CP 00 10 (various)Property in Storage Units: A new coverage extension is introduced on the Commercial Property Form for Business Personal Property Temporarily in Portable Storage Units. The coverage is for 90 days with a sub-limit of $10,000. The property must be located within 100 feet of the described premises. A higher limit can be indicated on the Declarations Page.This can be considered an extension of coverage, however, if an insurer previously treated property in storage as property in the open then then coverage is decreased to the sub-limit. Building and Personal Property Form CP 00 10 Newly Acquired Business Personal Property: Currently the Commercial Property forms provide $100,000 additional coverage at each building covering newly acquired business personal property. This provision has been removed. There is no change for newly acquired business personal property located at newly acquired locations. If the insured has “newly acquired” property at their location, the coverage should be increased accordingly to reflect that limit. Coverage is reducedBuilding and Personal Property Form CP 00 10 & Cause of Loss Forms Vegetated Roofs: This is one of the new “green” extensions in Commercial Property. Currently the property form excludes trees, shrubs, plants and lawns and then sub-limits the coverage. The property form is revised to include lawns, trees shrubs and plants which are part of a vegetated roof and thereby treating such property as an insured part of the building so that an existing vegetated roof can be replaced with like kind in the event of a loss. There are some exclusions that are revised to relate directly to a vegetated roof. Coverage is broadened.Building and Personal Property Form CP 00 10 & Business Income Form (various)Electronic Data in Building Equipment: Currently ISO Commercial Property forms limit coverage for electronic data to $2,500 on an annual aggregate basis. The form is revised to remove the $2,500 limitation with respect to loss or damage to electronic data which is integrated in and operates or controls the building’s elevator, lightning, heating, and ventilation, air conditioning or security systems. Coverage is broadenedBuilding and Personal Property Form CP 00 10; Business Income Form CP 00 30/00 32; Cause of Loss Forms (various)Ordinance or Law Exclusion: The form is revised to include the word “compliance”. The new form states the “enforcement of or compliance with any ordinance or law. This is a clarification of languageNo change in coverageBuilding and Personal Property Form CP 00 10; Business Income Form CP 00 30/00 32; Cause of Loss Forms (various)Options for Increasing Specified Limits: The coverage forms currently include the ability to increase coverage via an entry on the Declarations Page for certain categories of coverage. This change allows for increased coverage via Declarations for the additional coverages of Electronic Data; Newly Acquired Locations; Interruption of Computer Operations and Limitations for Theft. These changes are new coverage optionsBusiness Income Form CP 00 30 and CP 00 32Extended Business Income, Extended Period of Indemnity: The Business Income forms provide automatic coverage for 30 days’ following the end of the period of restoration for residual loss of income. The form revises the 30 days to 60 days.Coverage is increased. Note: Many insurance company forms automatically include more than 30 days. Cause of Loss CP10 10, CP10 20, CP 10 30Earth Movement Exclusion: The term “earthquake” now incorporates tremors and aftershocks. Language is added to the Earth Movement exclusion to reinforce that earth movement is excluded regardless of whether it is caused by an act of nature or is otherwise caused.No change in coverageCause of Loss CP10 10, CP10 20, CP 10 30Water Exclusion: The Water Exclusion CP 1032 and is now incorporated in the base policy formsNo change in coverageCause of LossCP 10 30Entrusted Property: The revision is included to distinguish between those who have a role in the insured’s business such as partners/employees and others to whom property may be entrusted such as bailees or tenants. Specifically there is an exclusion for loss or damage caused by…dishonest or criminal acts by…anyone to whom the insured entrusts the property. Coverage is broadenedCause of LossCP 10 30Wear and Tear Exclusion—Special Form: The coverage is expanded to include coverage for water damage in the “specified causes of loss” to include accidental discharge or leakage of water or waterborne material as the direct result of the breaking apart or cracking of certain off-premises systems due to wear and tear. Coverage is broadenedCause of LossCP 10 30Covered Cause of Loss: The term “risk of” is deleted. This change has been done specifically to clarify the collapse exclusion but has a broader impact. This is modified for clarity purposesNo change in coverageFormChangeImpactENDORSEMENTSBusiness Income Report/Work Sheet:CP 15 15The worksheet has been modified to 60 days rather than 30 days for the Extended Period of Indemnity as modified in the Business Income Form No change in coverageDebris Removal and Outdoor Trees, Shrubs and PlantsCP 04 15 and CP 14 30Debris Removal:The $10,000 additional limit for debris removal is increased to $25,000. Note: Many company forms automatically include this limit automatically.Outdoor Trees, Shrubs and Plants:This specifies that debris removal is included in the limit provided for this coverageCoverage is broadenedRadio or Television Antennas—Business Income or Extra ExpenseCP 15 50The endorsement removes a “reference” to the Cause of Loss Earthquake. If the Earthquake Form were attached to the policy it’s terms and conditions are therein specifiedNo change in coverageUtility Services—Overhead Transmission LinesCP 04 17 (Direct) and CP 15 45 (Time Element)The endorsement clarifies that the term “transmission lines” also includes “distribution lines” which is the vernacular in the power industry for a system that provides electricity to residential and commercial users by reducing voltage through the use of substations, transformers and other devices. The forms now reinforce the intent to cover both transmission and distribution systems which serve in the transmission of power or communication service. No change in coverageOrdinance or LawCP 04 05; CP 04 38; CP 15 01; CP 15 02; CP 15 08; CP 15 09; CP15 25; CP 15 31; CP 15 34Ordinance or Law: The endorsement form is revised in the same manner as the exclusion in the Coverage Forms to include the word “compliance”. The new form states the “enforcement of or compliance with any ordinance or law. This is a clarification of languageNo change in coverageCondominium Commercial Unit-Owners Changes—Standard Property PolicyCP 17 98The endorsement modifies three sections of the Condominium Unit Owners Policy: Coverage Radius; Business Personal Property in Described Structures; and Newly Acquired Property. Coverage Radius is modified to state 100 feet from the building or described premises whichever is greaterClarifying that coverage applies both in a building or structureNo change in coverageBuilding Glass Tenants Policy EndorsementCP 14 70This endorsement was first introduced in 2007 to facilitate writing coverage for building glass under a tenant’s policy that did not cover the building. This endorsement simply allows for the deductible for this coverage to be added on the endorsement rather than on the Declarations PageNo change in coverageTheft Exclusion EndorsementCP 10 33The Theft Exclusion Endorsement currently does not contain a schedule. The new edition date will display a schedule of locations so that there is clarity as to which location the exclusion appliesNo change in coverageFlood Coverage Endorsement and ScheduleCP 10 65; CP DS 65Currently the Flood Endorsement states there is no coverage for loss from any Flood that begins before or within 72 hours after the inception date of the endorsement. The prior form did not make any distinction concerning renewal policies. The revised form provides that the 72 hour waiting period will not apply when the prior policy included flood coverage and the policy periods are consecutive without a break in coverage.Coverage is broadenedPayroll Limitation or Exclusion OptionCP 15 10The payroll endorsement is being modified to provide a means of limiting or excluding the payroll expense of “any category of employees or individual employees” The term “ordinary payroll expense” and its definition are removed from the endorsement. The title, also, will no longer refer to the word “ordinary” and the word “ordinary” will no longer appear in other sections such as the “coinsurance section”. The revised endorsement serves the same purpose as the prior one but can be used to address any category of employee on the insured’s payroll. No change in intent—clarification of definitionCondominium Commercial Unit-Owners Optional Coverage: Loss AssessmentCP 04 18Currently the endorsement places a $1,000 limitation on an assessment as a result of a deductible on the condominium association policy. This endorsement provides a means for selecting a higher limit. Coverage is broadenedUtility Services—Wastewater Removal (Time Element) CP 15 45 The Utility Service Time Element endorsement is being revised to add a new category of utility service: wastewater removal property. By definition, wastewater removal property is a utility system for removing wastewater and sewage from the described premises other than a system designed primarily for draining storm water. The utility property includes sewer mains, pumping stations and similar equipment for moving the effluent to a holding, treatment or disposal facility; and includes such facilities.Coverage is broadenedEarthquake Sprinkler Leakage DeductibleCP 10 40; CP 10 45In 1999, the EQSL Endorsement CP 10 39 was withdrawn from the series and EQSL could be purchased by activating the EQSL ONLY option on the EQ endorsements CP 10 40 and CP 10 45. The revision in this form adds language providing that the EQ deductible provisions outlined in the EQ endorsement (that is, the percentage deductible) do not apply to the EQSL—Only coverage. Instead the Fire deductible applies. Coverage is clarified and broadenedBuilders Risk—Theft of Building Materials, Fixtures, Machinery, EquipmentCP 11 21This change relates back to the issue of “entrusted property” discussed above. Entrusted Property: The revision is included to distinguish between those who have a role in the insured’s business such as partners/employees and others to whom property may be entrusted such as bailees or tenants. Specifically there is an exclusion for loss or damage caused by…dishonest or criminal acts by…anyone to whom the insured entrusts the property. There is no change in “intended coverage”Green Upgrades Endorsement RevisionCP 04 02The schedule on the form is revised to identify which property is subject to upgrade when not all personal property is not to be covered for Green Upgrades. No change in coverageFormChangeImpactNEW ENDORSEMENTSExclusion of Loss Due to By-Products of Production or Processing Operations (Rental Properties) CP 10 34New form introduced to be attached to policies issued to owners and tenants of rental premises.Discussion of the change is included above.There is no change in “intended coverage”Specified Property Away from PremisesCP 04 04New form introduced to provide coverage for business personal property temporarily away from the described premises in the course of daily business activities, while in the care, custody or control of the insured or an employee of the insured. Coverage is broadenedHigher LimitsCP 04 08Currently the insurance form has many options to increase coverage via the Declarations Page. This endorsement is an alternative to activating the coverages on the Declarations Page by using this multi-purpose endorsementNo change in coverage but new coverage optionEquipment BreakdownCP 10 46 This is a new optional endorsement which is compatible with the Special Form Cause of Loss CP 00 13. Discussion of the change is included aboveNew Coverage OptionSuspension or Reinstatement of Coverage for Loss Caused by Breakdown of Certain Equipment CP 10 47Because of the introduction of the new Equipment Breakdown Form, the ISO has also introduced the Suspension or Reinstatement of Coverage for Loss Caused by Breakdown of Certain Equipment to allow the insurance companies to either suspend or reinstate coverage for certain pieces of equipment. Discussion of the change is included aboveNew Coverage OptionDeductible By LocationCP 03 29Currently there is a Multiple Deductible Form CP 03 20 adopted in most states which is designed to allow for the selection of different deductible by location and peril. This schedule of endorsement shows separate locations and the deductible for each location.This is a new optional way to show deductibles but does not affect existing deductible options. Limitations on Coverage for Roof SurfacingCP 10 36This endorsement provides options for insuring roof surfacing on an ACV basis and for excluding cosmetic damage to roof surfacing. The cosmetic exclusion option applies only to the perils of wind and hail, and could be written without regard to the underlying valuation clause. New Coverage Option. This would be chosen by an insurer when they deem it necessary typically on an older buildingIncrease in Rebuilding Expenses Following Disaster CP 04 09This is a new endorsement to add additional expenses following a disaster. Discussion of the change is included aboveNew Coverage OptionDependent Properties in the Supply Chain (Business Interruption)Endorsement to CP 15 01; CP 15 02; CP 15 08; CP 15 09; CP 15 34.Dependent Property Coverage is written by scheduling the business locations that the insured is “dependent upon” and have chosen to insure. The new endorsement allows for secondary dependencies.Discussion of the change is included aboveNew Coverage OptionDischarge From Sewer, Drain or SumpCP 10 38This is a new endorsement to cover discharge from a sewer, drain or sump and pertains to physical damage and/or time element loss as indicated in the schedule. The amounts stated in the schedule are sub-limits and therefore do not increase the underlying limits of the insurance provided. An annual aggregate limitation can be selected via the schedule on the endorsement. New Coverage OptionTheft of Building Materials and Supplies (Other Than Builders Risk)CP 10 44Currently there is a limitation under the Special Cause of Loss form for theft coverage for building materials and supplies that are not part of the building or structure to that which is held for sale by the insured. The new endorsement provides coverage for the theft of building materials and supplies that are located on or within 100 feet of the premises when such property is intended to become a permanent part of the building or structure. New Coverage OptionProtective Safeguards (Fire)CP 04 11The new endorsement replaces the interline form IL 04 15. This endorsement, therefore, only pertains to Commercial Property insurance and contains the same provisions as the current endorsement.No Change in CoverageFood Contamination (Business Interruption and Extra Expense)CP 15 05This new option covers extra expenses and business income loses arising out of food contamination and pertains to the Business Income And Extra Expense Coverage Form. Coverage is limited to loss of income/extra expense due to the closure of the business. Covered expenses include: cost of cleaning equipment; cost of replacing food; medical testing and vaccination and advertising expense.New Coverage Option ................
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