Dwelling Fire Policy | Return to Underwriting Guidelines

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

1. The agent has no binding authority on risks with Property or Liability claims over $2,500. each within the last three years. The Application must be submitted to your underwriter for approval. Please submit loss information from the prior carrier.
   
2. The agent has no binding authority on risks cancelled by another company for underwriting reasons, claims frequency or non payment of premium. Please contact your underwriter prior to submitting application.
   
3. Student housing is unacceptable due to higher VMM exposure.
   
4. Rowhouses are generally not accepted.
   
5. Rehabilitation Projects are acceptable with limited coverage amounts, if we have acceptable supporting business. Liability coverage is limited to $100,000. maximum, subject to company approval. Please submit to your underwriter for prior approval.
   
6. When requested by underwriter, proof of lease with security deposit for each tenant or proof of tenant's HO-4 policy.
   
7. 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.
   
8. BUILDING HOUSEKEEPING: Apartment and surrounding areas must be kept free of debris, trash and other attractive nuisances.
   
9. ELECTRICAL: All units must have proper electrical systems. If a fused system, proper amperage fuses must be used. Electrical services must be approved by a licensed electrician or building (code enforcer) inspector.
   
10. HEATING: Central heat or a Non-portable space heater is required. Woodburning Stoves, Fireplaces, Kerosene heaters or any other type of portable heaters are NOT ACCEPTABLE.
    
11. ROOFS: The roof should be in good condition. Please note any areas in poor condition.
    
12. SMOKE DETECTORS: Detectors must be operational in all units and hallways. Batteries should be checked and replaced periodically. Fire extinguishers are recommended.
    
13. There must be two exits for every unit above the ground floor.
    
14. FL-3 FORM CRITERIA: The plumbing, heating, electrical installation, water heater, roof and chimney must have been updated in accordance with the Acknowledgement Form (ACK 7/93). All apartments must be occupied. Below-average dwellings are not acceptable. Dwellings under renovation are not acceptable. Interior and exterior must show no signs of deterioration or lack of maintenance. The Company reserves the right to deny FL-3 coverage based on information received on the Acknowledgement form, photos, application or inspection report.
    
15. REPLACEMENT COST RATING is not available for dwellings over 40 years, unless they meet Company Guidelines. An Acknowledgement Form must be completed, with an accurate Replacement Cost estimator. Dwellings under renovation are not acceptable. Interior and exterior must show no signs of deterioration or lack of maintenance. Plumbing, heating and electrical installation must have been updated within the last 20 years. The apartments must be occupied. The Company reserves the right to deny Replacement Cost Rating, based on information received on the Acknowledgement Form, photos, application or inspection report.
    
16. BUSINESS ACTIVITY: If there is a business activity in the building, please advise your underwriter of the nature of the business for correct underwriting and rating assistance.
    
17. Builders Risk Policies written for the Completed Value Amount may be written on a Dwelling Fire policy for a one-year period, for Fire and Extended Coverages only. After one year, the policy will be converted to a dwelling fire policy without the BRCV policy credit. Liability coverage may be extended from the Homeowners policy or attached to the dwelling fire policy.
    
18. Any risk with a prior claim involving a dangerous or uncontrolled animal will not be accepted.
    
19. Risks with aggressive animals are not acceptable whether the animal belongs to the insured, tenant or temporary resident.
    
20. Trampolines or any other dangerous outdoor play equipment are not acceptable.

If the risk is otherwise acceptable, we will give the policyholder the opportunity to remove the item, with a reinspection immediately following.

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