03/18/2025
Rental property owners recently hired Indemnity Resolution Public Adjusters Ltd. (IRPA) to assist in overturning an insurance carrier’s denial of a fire loss claim to their property which was leased to tenants.
The insurance carrier adjuster denied coverage, alleging that the structure damages were not covered under the policy. This adjuster instructed the policy holders to file a suit against their tenants.
The policy holders sent IRPA a recorded conversation they had with the insurance adjuster. During this conversation, the adjuster claimed that their policy had exclusions for multiple causes of losses. The alleged first of the multiple causes of loss was the fire caused by an overloaded extension cord. The second cause of loss stated was the tenants failure to properly take care of the premises (wear/tear). Based on the use of the wear/tear exclusion in the policy, the insurance company denied coverage.
The Insurance carrier sent the policy holders a denial letter stating, in part, referencing a section in their policy referencing the wear and tear exclusion that did not apply to the situation.
IRPA reviewed the denial letter, insurance policy, and other facts relevant to determine the claim. IRPA determined that the carrier was incorrect in denying coverage under the policy section referenced. As a result, the insurance company rescinded its denial letter and our clients’ insurance claim was fully covered and policy limits paid.
Insurance policies are contracts filled with multiple terms and conditions that must be followed by all parties. The insurance company adjuster mis-interpreted the contract. This illustrates why it is important to speak to a public adjuster at the beginning of the claim process.
Bill Brunsdon, President of Indemnity Resolution Public Adjusters, has close to thirty years of experience in the insurance industry.