California Insurance Word Definitions Part 2
Insurance Peril Definitions – Part Two
This is part two of California insurance terms for “perils”, “hazards” and “cause of loss”. Make sure you read part one, too!
Damage By Burglars – Damage caused by burglars refers to the damage caused during a break-in and not to the actual stolen property. Typically there is no coverage for loss to property in a building that has been vacant for more than 30 days.
Vandalism and Malicious Mischief – Vandalism and malicious mischief are generally cited as a single peril meaning willful or malicious physical injury to or destruction of property.
“Vandalism” means willful destruction or defacement of things of beauty. It implies the general hostility to nice things and the satisfaction in destroying them.
“Malicious mischief” implies damage to property motivated by hatred or spite. It is directed at property like machinery and business buildings and their contents. Acts leading to this kind of destruction are premeditated and come from resentment, jealousy and ill.
Coverage applies only when the damage is intentional. Accidental damage is not covered. There is no vandalism or malicious mischief coverage if a building has been vacant for 30 or more days.
Falling Objects – This covers damage to the exterior of the insured building and its contents if the falling object first damages the roof or exterior wall. Damage caused by any falling object is covered, including falling trees; however, damage to the falling object itself is not covered. As with the windstorm coverage, this does not cover loss to awnings, signs, radio or television antennas, lawns, plants, shrubs, trees or any other personal property outside the structure.
Weight of Ice, Snow or Sleet – Damage to insured building and/or contents due to the weight of ice, snow or sleet is covered. This coverage does not cover awnings; fences; patios; swimming pools; foundations; retaining walls; bulkheads; piers; wharves; or docks.
Sudden and Accidental Discharge – Damage to insured property caused by the accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from within a plumbing, heating, air-conditioning or automatic fire protective sprinkler system or household appliance is covered. The coverage includes the cost of tearing out and replacing any part of the building necessary to repair the system or appliance from which the water or steam escaped.
However, damage caused by continuous or repeated leaks or seepage is not covered; the cause must be sudden and not known about. Damage caused by freezing is not covered. This type of loss is not covered if the dwelling has been vacant for more than 30 days.
Sudden and Accidental Tearing Apart – Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging of steam or hot water heating systems, air conditioning systems or fire protective sprinkler systems or appliances for heating water is covered. The damage must be sudden and accidental not gradual and known about.
Make sure your California home insurance is up to date and you understand your coverage. For any questions, give our office a call today at 714) 532-3341
Written by: Rhonda Remland
