Handling of Collapses
This required note must be documented in ClaimsPro when a collapse claim is filed.
What is the coverage note including status, peril, and date of loss?
This term describes a sudden falling down or caving in of a building such that it can't be used for its intended purpose.
What is "abrupt collapse"?
Collapse caused by this natural process is covered, but only if hidden and unknown to the insured.
What is decay?
This term is consistently defined across legacy policies as a sudden falling down or caving in that renders the building unusable.
What is "abrupt collapse"?
This must be included in the estimate when a general contractor is needed.
What is Overhead & Profit (O&P)?
This document must be obtained for contested coverage matters.
What is a Proof of Loss (POL)?
This must occur for collapse coverage to apply under the policy.
What is the building or part of it must be unfit for its intended use?
Collapse due to this type of pest damage is covered if it was hidden and unknown.
What is insect or vermin damage?
Under NJ HO3 and HO3000 policies, collapse coverage is included under these two limits shown on the Declarations.
What are Coverage A and Coverage B?
This is not depreciated in collapse-related estimates.
What is demolition or debris removal?
Collapse coverage does not apply to this unless it results from a building collapse.
What is a retaining wall or bulkhead?
A building that is merely leaning or sagging is treated this way under the policy.
What is not covered under collapse?
Collapse caused by this weather-related factor collecting on a roof is covered.
What is the weight of rain?
According to MA 1775 and CT legacy policies, collapse coverage does not apply to buildings showing these signs—even if still standing.
What are cracking, bulging, sagging, bending, leaning, settling, shrinkage, or expansion?
This must be used to document the condition and age of damaged items.
What are the “Age” and “Condition” fields in Xactimate?
If the collapse involves a loss with a Coverage A exposure $100,000 or greater, this notification must be circulated.
What is a Large Loss Notification?
This section of the aligned policy outlines the collapse coverage.
What is Section I – Additional Coverages, item 8?
Collapse caused by this during construction is covered, but only if it happens during the construction process.
What is the use of defective materials or methods?
This peril is covered under all legacy policies if it causes collapse, but only if the damage is hidden and unknown to the insured.
What is hidden decay or hidden insect/vermin damage?
This is the threshold for keeping a claim file open for holdback.
What is $7,500?
This must be done within 24–48 hours for fire losses over $50,000.
What is engaging a Cause & Origin expert?
This type of structure is excluded from collapse coverage unless damaged by the collapse of a building.
What is a patio, deck, or swimming pool?
Collapse caused by this type of load inside the building is covered.
What is the weight of contents, equipment, animals, or people?
These types of structures are excluded from collapse coverage unless damaged as a direct result of a building collapse.
What are awnings, fences, patios, pavements, swimming pools, underground pipes, flues, drains, cesspools, septic tanks, foundations, retaining walls, bulkheads, piers, wharfs, or docks?
This must be included in the estimate if the insured has already paid for tree removal.
What is a bid item with an F9 note and invoice?