Coverage relating to trees and other greenery on a property can vary widely depending upon the specific circumstances of an incident. Some policies may include limited coverage, while others exclude it. Depending on the cause of a fallen tree and if it was healthy or dead at the time it fell, coverage for property damage or bodily injury may or may not be available.
Many assume that coverage for garages, fences and other outdoor property is automatically included in their insurance policy as these items are located on the same land as the main house. Coverage for “Other Structures” is usually always included in standard Homeowner’s policies. However, coverage for investment properties operates differently, and some “detached structures”, or “outdoor fixtures” may not be included unless your client specifically requests coverage for those items.
If your investor clients have properties in coastal locations, it might not always be clear if they have coverage when a tropical storm or hurricane passes through. Damage may occur because of the force of winds, rain driven by those winds, storm surge, and flooding. Some carriers get very specific about separating these coverages versus covering damage occurring in one storm event under the Named Storm peril.
While your investor client’s Property Coverage protects damage that happens to their investment property, (i.e. the physical building), your client’s Liability Coverage protects their financial well-being associated with that property (i.e. if their negligence at that property were to harm someone else). Property policies intended for investment properties usually exclude Wear-and-Tear due to animal nesting or infestation, while General Liability policies for their property will often have limitations on the coverage offered for dogs and other animals, such as injuries due to dog bites.
Many people assume that pools, trampolines, and other recreational equipment sitting in the yard are insured. Some people also assume that if a person is injured while using this outdoor equipment, coverage will be available to help reimburse any medical expenses. In truth, policies can vary quite a bit on this topic. Some may include these items while many will choose to exclude them as they are considered attractive nuisances.
Coverage for mold, mildew, and fungus is usually either completely excluded or may be very limited depending upon the policy. Although many people assume that they will have at least some coverage for mold, it is most often the case that mold, mildew, fungus, and their bi-products are excluded.
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