COMPANION PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY HOMEOWNER UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES

Transcription

1 COMPANION PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY HOMEOWNER UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES

2 I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS The Agent shall complete and submit the Texas Application for Homeowner s Insurance from the Agent Login section of Wellington Risk Insurance Agency s website. Following submission of the Application online, the Agent will: A. Print the Application in the Agent s Office; and B. Have the Insured sign the original printed Application; and C. Retain the original, executed Application in the Agent s files in accordance with the provisions of the Producer Agreement between the Agent and Wellington Risk Insurance Agency. Following the electronic submission of the Application and acceptance of the Application by Wellington Risk Insurance Agency s computer system, the Agent will receive electronically a Coverage Certificate that includes the applicant s policy number. The Coverage Certificate is evidence of coverage suitable for a real estate closing transaction in most instances. II. TERRITORY Subject to authority granted to the Agent under the Producer s Agreement with Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, all homes eligible for coverage must be located in the state of Texas. III. ELIGIBILITY A. One Family Dwellings One family dwellings which are used exclusively for residential purposes may be issued a policy in the name of an owner-occupant of the dwelling. A townhouse, condominium unit, group homes, bed & breakfast, farm property, and any isolated or inaccessible risk is not eligible for coverage. If the owner does not reside in the dwelling, an Additional Named Insured Endorsement (CPC-32) must be applied. B. Two Family Dwellings Two family dwellings, which are used exclusively for residential purposes, may be issued a policy in the name of an owner-occupant of the dwelling by use of the Extended Premises Endorsement. (CPC-19) If the owner does not reside in the dwelling, an Additional Named Insured Endorsement (CPC-32) must be applied. Two family dwellings occupied by co-owners (occupying separate premises) may be insured by issuing the policy in the name of one co-owner and use of the Additional Insured - Non Occupant Endorsement (CPC-10) to cover the interest of the other owner. The owner named in the endorsement should obtain a separate renter s policy. C. All Dwellings If the dwelling is owned jointly by persons living as a single family unit, it is permissible to name all such persons in the policy by use of the Additional Insured Endorsement (CPC-8) 2014 Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 1

3 If the dwelling is also owned by persons not named in the policy, their interests in real property and liability at the described premises may be covered by use of the Additional Insured Non Occupant Endorsement (CPC-10). Policies may not be written on commercial farm property. Property, however, is considered noncommercial farm when the agricultural products produced on the entire land involved are incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling, are principally for home consumption, and farming is not the primary occupation of the Insured. D. Dwellings in the Course of Construction A Homeowners policy covering property in the course of construction is not permitted. IV. CONSTRUCTION Homes are classified as Frame, Brick Veneer (HardiePlank or other Fiber Cement siding will be classified as Brick Veneer), Brick, or Asbestos/Stucco. If the home is of mixed construction, classify the type of construction based upon the majority construction type. V. USE OF CREDIT REPORT The Homeowners policy is not rated based upon an applicant s credit score. The credit score of applicants will be checked, but only as an underwriting tool; an applicant s rate will not be determined by his or her credit score and no applicant will be turned away solely because of his or her credit score. VI. POLICY A. Policy Period Policies are written for an annual term. B. Homeowners Policy The Homeowners policy may be written to insure owners of dwellings. If the owner does not reside in the dwelling, an Additional Named Insured Endorsement (CPC-32) must be applied. C. Type The policy is a named peril policy with 12 named perils. Replacement cost coverage on the dwelling and personal property is included. Coverage for the sudden and accidental discharge of water or steam from a plumbing system, HVAC system, fire protection system or appliance above the surface of the ground or above the slab is optional. D. Coverage limits: 1. Coverage A Dwelling Protection: $300,000 maximum 2. Coverage B Other Structures: up to 50% of Coverage A 3. Coverage C Personal Property Protection: up to 60% of Coverage A 2014 Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 2

4 4. Coverage X Family Liability Protection: $25,000 minimum, $300,000 maximum 5. Coverage Y Guest Medical Protection: $500 minimum, $5,000 maximum E. Deductibles Policies may be written with deductibles ranging from 1% to 5% applicable to the perils insured under Section I. All deductibles apply on a flat (non-disappearing) basis. Deductibles do not apply to a total loss by fire, additional living expense, or fire department charges. Deductible factors for Homeowners policies are based on the Coverage A amount of the dwelling. The minimum deductible is 1% for all perils, subject to $250 minimum. F. Optional Coverages For an additional premium, the following optional coverage(s) may be added without endorsing the policy. The optional coverage(s) are shown on the policy declaration page when purchased. 1. Increased Coverage on Business Property 2. Increased Coverage on Electronic Data Processing Equipment 3. Fire Department Charges 4. Increased Coverage on Jewelry, Watches and Furs 5. Money 6. Increased Coverage on Securities 7. Satellite Dish Antennas 8. Increased Coverage on Theft of Silverware G. Replacement cost The dwelling must be insured to replacement cost. Replacement cost is the cost to replace the home on the same premises with a new home of comparable material and quality. Neither the tax appraisal value of the home, the purchase price, or the potential sales price of the home determines the replacement cost. VII. ENDORSEMENTS A. Endorsements available for additional premium 1. CPC-2 Limited Coverage for Sudden and Accidental Discharge of Water or Steam (Limits available for purchase up to $10K for all homes. The option to purchase coverage up to 2014 Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 3

5 the Dwelling limit is available for homes 20 years and newer. Renewal policies may continue to purchase coverage up to Dwelling limit as long as the homes is age 25 or newer.) 2. CPC-3 Residence Glass Coverage 3. CPC-6 Additional Premises Liability Coverage 4. CPC-7 Additional Insured Non-Relative Endorsement 5. CPC-8 Additional Insured Endorsement 6. CPC-10 Additional Insured Non-Occupant Endorsement (Designated Premises Only) 7. CPC-11 Secondary Residence Endorsement 8. CPC-12 Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement (appraisals dated within two years will be required for each item of scheduled personal property that an applicant wishes to insure for more than $2,000. Blanket coverage not allowed.) 9. CPC-13 Additional Insured Trust Endorsement 10. CPC-19 Extended Premises Endorsement 11. CPC-25 Limited Animal Liability Endorsement 12. CPC-28 Limited Swimming Pool Liability Endorsement 13. CPC-32 Additional Named Insured Endorsement B. Endorsements available to reduce premium 1. CPC-5 Windstorm, Hurricane and Hail Exclusion Endorsement - Texas This endorsement must be used when windstorm, hurricane, hail, and wind driven rain coverage is to be excluded from a Texas Homeowners Policy, written for property located in an area designated as eligible for coverage by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. 2. CPC-22 Personal Property Actual Cash Value Loss Settlement Endorsement This endorsement will amend the policy to allow an actual cash value loss settlement option for personal property coverage. 3. CPC-24 Animal Exclusion Endorsement This endorsement excludes coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by animals. 4. CPC-27 Swimming Pool and Sport Exclusion Endorsement 2014 Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 4

6 This endorsement excludes personal liability and medical payments to others caused by the ownership, maintenance, or use of a swimming pool, trampoline, or ramp or similar such device. 5. CPC-29 Named Storm Deductible Endorsement This endorsement adds a deductible for a named windstorm C. Other endorsements: 1. CPC-4 Animal Exclusion Endorsement 2. CPC-9 Loss Payable Clause 3. CPC-14 Specified Building Exclusion Endorsement 4. CPC-15 Swimming Pool, Skateboard Ramp, Bicycle Jump and Trampoline Exclusion 5. CPC-16 Exclusion of Cosmetic Damage to Roof Coverings Caused by Hail This endorsement is mandatory for properties with metal roofs and does not cover cosmetic loss or damage to roof coverings caused by the peril of hail. 6. CPC-17 Exclusion of Residential Community Property Clause 7. CPC-21 Actual Cash Value Settlement to Roof Covering 8. CPC-23 Roof Exclusion This endorsement is used when the condition of the roof does not meet Company underwriting standards and would otherwise be cancelled. Company may consider removing exclusion upon request if the insured submits documentation of the repair or replacement of the roof that demonstrates the roof now meets underwriting standards. 9. CPC-26 Solar Panel Systems Exclusion 10. CPC-33 Mandatory Evacuation Endorsement VIII. DISCOUNTS / CREDITS The following discounts / credits may be applied to recognize special characteristics of a risk that are not fully reflected in the base premiums. The credits are to be applied separately to the base premium. A. Automatic Sprinkler Systems When automatic sprinklers are in all areas of the dwelling except bathrooms, attics, closets or attached structures a credit is applied. Proof of Installation is required and it must be sent to Wellington Risk Insurance Agency s office within three (3) business days after submission of the 2014 Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 5

7 Application for Homeowner s Insurance. The sprinkler system must be tested annually. Proof of an annual test of the system may be required at each renewal of the policy. B. Burglar, Fire, Smoke Alarms Current proof of Installation (or current monitoring billing statement) is required and it must be sent to Wellington Risk Insurance Agency s office within three (3) business days after submission of the application. C. Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers must be approved by a recognized testing laboratory and maintained on an annual basis. At least one extinguisher is required for every 2,000 square feet of living space or fraction thereof. D. Home Security Devices Proof of Installation must be sent to Wellington Risk Insurance Agency s office within three (3) business days after submission of the Application for Homeowner s Insurance. If a security company monitors the security device remotely, proof of active monitoring may be required at renewal. E. Senior Citizen One of the Named Insureds must be age 55 or older. F. Claim Free Discount A policy qualifies for the Claim Free Discount if both the following conditions apply: 1. The Named Insured or spouse has maintained a Homeowners, Renters, Condominium, or Mobile Homeowners insurance policy issued by an insurer for the twelve months prior to the effective date of the policy, and 2. No chargeable claim as defined in Section X of these guidelines has occurred during the three to five year period prior to the policy effective date. The claim free discount will vary by number of claim free periods prior to the policy effective date. a. Any chargeable claim which occurred under a Named Insured s prior Homeowners, Renters, Condominium, or Mobile Homeowners insurance policy, as well as under the current Homeowners policy, will disqualify a policy for the Claim Free Discount, if that claim occurred during the applicable time period. Claims that did not result in an indemnity payment by the insurer will not disqualify an applicant or a policyholder for the Claim Free Discount Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 6

8 IX. UNDERWRITING ACTION BASED UPON CLAIMS A. A single prior water damage claim No applicant will be declined or cancelled solely because of a single prior water damage claim either filed by the applicant or filed on the property to be covered. B. Previous mold damage or a claim for mold damage No applicant will be declined or cancelled based upon previous mold damage or a prior mold damage claim either filed by the applicant or filed on the property to be covered if: 1. The applicant has property that is eligible for the company s homeowners coverage; 2. The property has had mold damage; 3. Mold remediation has been performed on the property; and 4. The remediation was inspected and certified by a person or entity licensed to perform mold assessments. C. Appliance related water damage claims No applicant will be declined or cancelled because of 1 or 2 appliance related water damage claims, filed by that person or filed on the property to be covered, if the claims were properly remediated and the remediation(s) were inspected and certified by a person or entity knowledgeable and experienced in the remediation of water damage. Appliance related water damage claims are those arising out of a household device operated by gas or electric current, including hoses directly attached to the device. The term includes air conditioning units, heating units, refrigerators, dishwashers, icemakers, clothes washers, water heaters and disposals. An applicant who has made and received payment for three or more appliance related water damage claims within a 3-year period may be declined or cancelled in accordance with the Homeowners policy terms. Specific property that has been the subject of three or more appliance related claims within a 3-year period can be declined or cancelled in accordance with the Homeowners policy terms. X. SURCHARGES BASED UPON CLAIMS A. New Policies 1. Chargeable claims under a prior Homeowners, Renters, Condominium, or Mobile Homeowners insurance policy: a. Fire, explosion, smoke (excluding lightning); b. Theft (on or off the premises), mysterious disappearance (on or off the premises), burglary, theft from an unattended vehicle; c. Liability claims of any type; d. Vandalism, malicious mischief, riot, civil commotion; 2014 Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 7

9 e. Burst pipes, interior water damage (but not appliance related water damage claims that have been remediated, inspected and certified unless the applicant has made and received payment for three or more appliance related water damage claims within a 3-year period or the property to be insured has been the subject of three or more appliance related claims within a 3-year period), roof leakage (but not from losses caused by natural causes), and mold claims. 2. Claims that are not chargeable on new policies: a. Claims resulting from a loss caused by natural causes; b. A claim that was filed but not paid; c. A prior appliance related claim that was remediated, inspected and certified unless the applicant has made and received payment for three or more appliance related water damage claims within a 3-year period or the property to be insured has been the subject of three or more appliance related claims within a 3-year period. B. Renewal Policies -Endorsement CPC-18 Premium Surcharge Claims (Excluding Claims Resulting From Natural Causes) 1. Chargeable claims under a renewal of a Homeowners insurance policy: a. Fire, explosion, smoke (excluding lightning); b. Theft (on or off the premises), mysterious disappearance (on or off the premises), burglary, theft from an unattended vehicle; c. Liability claims of any type; d. Vandalism, malicious mischief, riot, civil commotion; e. Burst pipes, interior water damage (but not appliance related water damage claims that have been remediated, inspected and certified unless the applicant has made and received payment for three or more appliance related water damage claims within a 3-year period or the property to be insured has been the subject of three or more appliance related claims within a 3-year period), roof leakage (but not from losses caused by natural causes), and mold claims. 2. The application of any surcharge to a renewal policy for claims shall not include: a. A surcharge for one claim in the preceding 3 years; b. Claims for losses resulting from natural causes; c. A claim that is filed but is not paid or payable under the policy; d. A prior appliance related claim that was remediated, inspected and certified unless the applicant has made and received payment for three or more appliance related water damage claims within a 3-year period or the property to be insured has been the subject of three or more appliance related claims within a 3-year period Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 8

10 3. The premium surcharge for claims shall be determined by applying the applicable surcharge percentage to the base rate for the renewal policy. a. A premium surcharge will be applied at renewal if the insured has filed two claims in the preceding thirty six months, and an additional surcharge will be applied for each claim in excess of two filed in the past thirty six months. b. The company will notify a policyholder that has filed two claims in a period of less than three years that the company may refuse to renew the policy if the insured files a third claim during the three-year period. If the company does not notify the insured, the company may not refuse to renew the policy because of claims. Premium Surcharge Claims Endorsement CPC-18 is attached to the Homeowner policy when a premium surcharge is applied due to claims. The endorsement form and the additional premium will be shown on the declarations page of the policy and the endorsement will only be attached at the inception of the policy period. XI. PAYMENT OPTIONS The Agent selects the premium payment method when the Application for Homeowners Insurance is completed online. The payment choices are: A. Full Payment by the applicant: The Agent collects 100% of the premium from the applicant when the Application is submitted and remits the full premium to Wellington Risk Insurance Agency. Checks or money orders should be payable to Wellington Risk Insurance Agency. B. Mortgage Bill: Wellington Risk Insurance Agency will bill the applicant s mortgage company directly (provide Loan Number). Agents are not authorized to endorse checks payable to Wellington Risk Insurance Agency or the insurance company under any circumstances. C. Flex Pay Installment Plan: The Agent collects 20% of the total premium due from the applicant as a down payment when the Application is submitted. The Agent then remits the full down payment to Wellington Risk Insurance Agency. Wellington Risk Insurance Agency will bill the policyholder in installments for the remaining balance. Options: 1. Automatic recurring payment: have the premium automatically deducted from the insured s checking account; 2. Pay Online at 3. Pay check by phone, call ; 4. Pay by mail check or money order; no cash; 5. Pay the agent check or money order; no cash; 6. Pay by credit/debit card (VISA & MasterCard) Billing Fee of $6.00 will apply per payment, other than when set up for reoccurring payments by a credit/debit card or electronic funds transfer. Billing Fee of $4.00 will apply per installment payment, when set up for reoccurring payments by a credit/debit card or electronic funds transfer Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 9

11 A Late Fee of $10.00 will apply if payment is received by company after due date. Premium payments returned for Non-Sufficient funds will be subject to a $25.00 fee. A Reinstatement Fee of $25.00 will apply if policy has lapsed and company elects to reinstate the policy without a lapse in coverage. Fee subject to change without notice. No premium finance contracts will be accepted. Reference the Policy Number to insure proper credit. XII. POLICY ADMINISTRATIVE FEE AND MINIMUM PREMIUM An Administration Fee of $90 (fully earned) is applied for each Policy Period. A $150 minimum policy premium plus fully earned Administration Fee is required. Credits cannot reduce the premium below the $150 minimum premium. XIII. CANCELLATION It is not permissible to cancel any of the basic coverages in the policy; the entire policy must be cancelled to terminate any of the basic coverages. If the insurance policy is cancelled, the earned premium shall be calculated pro rata. The Policy Administration Fee and any other fees are fully earned. XIV. BINDING RESTRICTIONS 1. Binding authority is as authorized in the Producer Agreement. 2. Company may restrict binding at any time in order to not expose the company to excessive concentration of catastrophic risk. 3. Hurricane and Tropical Storm Alert NO new policies will be accepted and no new coverage will be bound, including an increase in coverage on existing policies, when any tropical storm or hurricane is within the area of the Gulf of Mexico. The restriction on new policies and increases in coverage will remain in effect until the company removes the restriction. 4. Severe Weather Alert Company has the option to restrict acceptance of new policies and binding of new coverage, including requests to increase coverage on existing policies, if the National Weather Service has issued a severe weather watch or warning. The restriction on new policies and increases in coverage will remain in effect until the company removes the restriction Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 10

12 XV. REINSTATEMENT In the event of a lapse in coverage as a result of Cancellation, the policyholder must sign a Wellington Risk Insurance Agency No Loss Affidavit before the company will consider reinstatement of the policy. Reinstatement of the policy is within the discretion of the company. Reinstatement will be declined if there are any outstanding underwriting issues or past due premiums. A Reinstatement Fee will apply if payment is received after the lapsed date and the company elects to reinstate the policy without a lapse in coverage. XVI. SECONDARY RESIDENCES A separate policy may be written to insure any secondary residence. XVII. RESTRICTION OF INDIVIDUAL POLICIES The following will not be accepted: 1. Property located in a high vandalism area 2. Rental, unoccupied, farm, bed and breakfast, group homes, or vacant dwellings 3. Property in foreclosure 4. Property without legal title to the land upon which it is located 5. Properties not readily accessible year round to fire department equipment (e.g. isolated property including barrier islands not connected to the mainland by a road) 6. Within 1,000 feet of rising water, or in an area that is prone to flooding 7. Dwellings in areas subject to brush or forest fire 8. Property with heating systems (including solid fuel appliances) that are not installed with adequate clearance to combustible materials 9. Property with severely rusted or corroded vent pipes 10. Property with the following source of heat: a. Fireplace not professionally installed b. Wood burning stove not professionally installed i. Wood burning stoves must be used for supplemental heat only and meet the following requirements: 1. UL approved 2. Professionally installed to manufacturer specifications with proper clearance of unit and venting system from the dwelling structure and surrounding contents. The following minimum clearances are required: a. Unit must be 36 inches from nearest wall b. Pipe must be 18 inches from ceiling or wall c. A non-combustible floor covering must extend at least 18 inches beyond the unit on all sides. 3. Dwelling is not eligible if: a. The unit is located in a garage or structure other than the dwelling b. There are multiple units installed c. The unit is connected to the same flu as any other appliance d. The unit is home-made or a barrel unit c. Space heater with open flames (Dearborn Heaters are acceptable) 2014 Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 11

13 11. Commercial risks 12. Portable buildings, i.e. Morgan Buildings used as residence 13. Mobile/Modular Home or metal type structure homes 14. Unprotected properties (Unprotected properties are those not visible from another dwelling not located on the applicant s premises) 15. Property with unacceptable open foundation (We will accept open foundations where home is permanently anchored to piers beneath the ground.) 16. Property in an area being condemned (Properties that have been condemned or are scheduled for destruction, whatever the reason, are uninsurable.) 17. Dwelling of unconventional construction (such as but not limited to: Do It Yourself, Underground, Log, Dome, Earth Home, Greenhouse, or Shell Homes) must have been erected by qualified individuals before coverage can be considered. The construction must utilize conventional materials that are readily attainable. Wiring, heating, and plumbing must have been installed to meet applicable building codes. 18. Property that is in current violation of any building, housing, air pollution, sanitation, health, fire, or safety code ordinance or rule 19. Dwelling in a state of disrepair or property with existing damage until such repairs have been completed 20. Dwelling with electrical services that do not meet minimum wiring standards. 21. Dwelling that does not have a minimum 60-amp service provided 22. Property with aluminum or knob and tube wiring 23. Properties containing electrical junction boxes fuse boxes, and/or circuit boxes that do not have appropriate covers. (There should be no evidence of exposed wiring) 24. Property that shows evidence of attempts to bypass the fuses or circuit breakers (The fuses/circuit breakers should be of appropriate size for the wire) 25. Apartment homes, Townhomes, or Condominiums 26. Vicious or exotic animal exposure without exclusion endorsement attached (This includes Akita, Pit Bulls, Chows, Dobermans, Rottweilers, German Shepherds or any breed of dog or animal with any aggressive behavior. 27. Risk with any horses or cattle without exclusion endorsement attached 28. Policies cancelled for losses or moral hazard 29. Child care or day care services provided for economic gain 30. Business pursuits giving rise to completed operations exposure 31. Property with underground storage tanks for liquid fuel 32. Applicant(s) cancelled or non-renewed for material misrepresentation in the past three years 33. Applicant(s) that have deliberately hid, denied, or falsified a material fact which, if known, could have aborted, or significantly altered the insurability of the risk 34. Applicant(s) who have convictions for arson, fraud, or other insurance related offenses 35. Property with more than two mortgages 36. More than one non-weather related claim and two weather related claims during the prior 36 month period 37. Property with the following roof types: a. Slate b. Wood Shingle or any roofing over Wood Shingle c. Clay Tile d. Metal roof with value in excess of $10,000 e. Wood Fiber / Cement Product 2014 Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 12

14 f. T-Lock Shingles g. Rolled Roofs / Flat h. Photovoltaic Tiles/Shingles i. Tar & Gravel j. Glass / Greenhouse 38. Property with the following roof conditions: a. Roof age of 16 years or older unless ACV endorsement (CPC-21) attached as deemed necessary by the company b. More than two (2) layers of roofing c. Roof in poor condition as deemed by company d. Roof is subject to overhanging tree limbs, defective electrical wiring, or any other hazard(s) Common warning signs for various types of roof surfaces are listed below: Composition shingles: Curling, broken, blistered, damaged, or missing shingles; granular loss, nails popping out, deterioration due to air conditioning leaks. 39. Property located in Fort Bend County with frame construction 40. Property in Harris County Zone 1 with frame construction 41. Property with solar panels, unless endorsed by Solar Panel Systems Exclusion Endorsement (CPC- 26). 42. Yard must be free of debris and potential liability hazards including, but not limited to: Refrigerators, inoperative autos, flammable materials, and piles of refuse 43. Fences, gates, doors and windows must be in good working condition 44. Property with a historical plaque 45. NO risk is acceptable where the insured was previously non-renewed or cancelled for underwriting reasons from any carrier currently or historically represented by the agency unless approved in writing by the agency prior to submission of the application 46. Property located in the following zip codes must have a minimum 5% named storm deductible: 77586, 77507, 77571, 77572, 77523, 77058, 77611, 77583, 77520, 77598, 77444, 77062, and Property located in the following zip codes must have a minimum 2% named storm deductible: 77562, 77971, 77969, 77631, 77970, 77258, 77259, 77289, 77961, Zone 1: Zone 2: Wellington Risk Insurance Agency, Inc. 13