The Dwelling Fire policy is designed to provide coverage for a one-family, owner-occupied dwelling, dwellings under rehabilitation or mobilehomes.  We will also write a dwelling fire policy on a seasonal dwelling when we write the supporting business.

*** ALL DWELLINGS WILL BE REVIEWED PRIOR TO RENEWAL ***

                              FOR ELIGIBILITY BASED ON THESE GUIDELINES 

1.         The agent has no binding authority on risks with Property or Liability claims within the last five years. Please consult with the Company to determine if limited coverage is available in these circumstances. Please submit loss information from the prior carrier to the underwriter for review.

2.         The agent has no binding authority on risks cancelled by another company for underwriting reasons, nonpayment of premium or claims frequency. Please consult with the Company to determine if limited coverage is available in these circumstances.

3.          Student housing is unacceptable due to higher VMM exposure. 

4.         Row houses are not acceptable.  If your risk is within 10 feet of the adjoining dwelling, please submit for pre-inspection. 

5.         Seasonal risks and mobilehomes may be written subject to underwriting guidelines in effect at the time of policy issuance. Seasonal risks may be written for a maximum coverage amount of $120,000. Mobilehomes may be written for the actual cash value of the mobilehome, or book value. Maximum coverage L, Liability limit is $300,000., subject to inspection.Seasonal risks and mobilehomes may be written subject to underwriting guidelines in effect at the time of policy issuance. 

6.         Rehabilitation Projects are acceptable, with limited coverage amounts. You may insure for the purchase price only and make increases as improvements are completed Maximum purchase price coverage amount on any rehabilitation project is $120,000. Maximum coverage L, Liability limit is $300,000., subject to inspection. Please submit to your underwriter for approval.          

Maximum coverage amounts for “Accomodation” policies (such as estates, etc.) will be $150.000.- OR an actual cash value limit with fire and extended coverage only, and Coverage L, Liability maximum of $300,000. You may not write at REPLACEMENT COST VALUES.

Builders Risk Policies written for the Completed Value Amount may be written on a Dwelling Fire policy for an one‑year period, for Fire and Extended Coverages only.  After one year, the policy will be converted to a dwelling fire policy at Actual Cash Value limits without the BRCV policy credit.  Liability coverage may be extended from the Homeowners policy or attached to the dwelling fire policy. 

The risk may not be tenant occupied.  Upon completion of the renovation project, the policy must be rewritten. 

  If the risk has any of the problems listed in items #8-#12, the risk is not eligible for coverage. 

8.         BUILDING MAINTENANCE: The building must be kept up to date.  Plumbing, heating, and electrical installations must be up to code.  There must be no water stains or loose plaster on ceilings or walls; floor coverings must not be ripped; light fixtures must be installed properly; hallways must be well lit; sidewalks must be even and free of ice and snow when applicable; porches & steps ‑ must have railings; steps must be even; no holes in floorboards. 

9.         BUILDING HOUSEKEEPING: The apartments and surrounding areas must be kept free of debris, trash and other attractive nuisances.  

10.       ELECTRICAL: All units must have proper electrical systems.  A minimum of 150-amp service is required with proof of wiring updates.  Electrical services must be approved by a licensed electrician or building (code enforcer) inspector. 

11.       HEATING: In order to be eligible for forms FL-2B or FL-3B in owner-occupied, non-seasonal dwellings, there must be central heat.  To qualify for form FL-1R, Central heat or a Non‑portable space heater is required.  Wood burning Stoves, pellet stoves, fireplaces, Kerosene heaters or any other type of portable heaters are NOT ACCEPTABLE.  Wood or coal furnaces must have lined chimneys. 

12.       ROOFS: In order to be eligible for forms FL-1R, FL-2B or FL-3B, the roof should be in good condition and be less than 20 years old.  Please note any areas in poor condition that you would like excluded from coverage.  

13.       SMOKE DETECTORS & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS: They must be operational in all units and hallways.  Batteries should be checked and replaced periodically.  Fire extinguishers are recommended. 

14.      There must be two exits for every unit above the ground floor. 

15.       FORM FL-2B AND FL‑3B FORM & REPLACEMENT COST PROVISIONS FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED, NON-SEASONAL, NON-REHAB DWELLING CRITERIA: The plumbing, heating, electrical installation, water heater, roof and chimney must have been updated within the last 20 years or in accordance with guidelines in effect at the time of policy issuance or renewal.  This information must be listed on the application or renewal update form.  Failure to submit required underwriting information could result in a cancellation being issued.  The Company reserves the right to deny FL-3 or Replacement cost rating coverage based on information received on the application or inspection report.  You   may not write form FL-2B or FL-3B on a seasonal risk or rehabilitation risk. 

16.       REPLACEMENT COST RATING is not available for dwellings over 40 years, unless the risk meets Company Guidelines.  The plumbing, heating, electrical installation, water heater, roof and chimney must have been updated within the last 20 years or in accordance with guidelines in effect at the time of policy issuance or renewal.  This information must be listed on the application or renewal update form.  Failure to submit required underwriting information could result in a cancellation being issued.  The Company reserves the right to deny FL-3 or Replacement cost rating coverage based on information received on the application or inspection report.  An accurate Replacement Cost estimator must be on file.  You may not write replacement cost on a seasonal risk or rehabilitation risk. 

17.       BUSINESS ACTIVITY: There must be no business activity including day care services in the dwelling by the owner of the building, tenant or any other resident. 

18.       Above-ground or in-ground swimming pools are not acceptable unless the risk is owner occupied. 

19.        Any risk with a prior claim or cancellation involving a dangerous or uncontrolled animal will not be accepted. 

20.        Risks with aggressive animals on premises are not acceptable, whether the animal belongs to the insured, tenant or temporary resident.

21.       RELATED PRIVATE STRUCTURES:  The garage or shed must be in good condition.  It cannot be in danger of collapse or have a poor or unacceptable roof.  Identify all buildings that are located on the premises.  If the outbuilding is more than a three-car garage or basic utility shed, the building does not qualify as a related private structure.  If the building is a barn or commercial-type building and it is in good condition, it may be written on Coverage F, Farm Buildings on the policy.  Barns without supporting business are not eligible for coverage.  Contact your underwriter if you need assistance with barn types.

22        Exterior, uncovered upper deck stairways must be covered and not subject to ice and snow buildup.

 

23..       Snow and ice diverters must be placed on risks where there is a potential for ice or snow to fall off the building and to land on a sidewalk, porch or other entrance or exit way.

24.       All Dwelling Fire policies will be issued with a General Liability aggregate. A table is listed in the General Liability Manual. Form FL-59, Lead Exclusion will be attached to all policies.

                                                                     Revised 09/2012

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