ADJUSTERS INTERNAT IONAL . COM 5 A D J U S T I N G T O D A Y instances where the Form 1 may still be used), so forms must be carefully reviewed. Homeowners (HO 00 03 10 00) 8. Collapse b. We insure for direct physical loss to covered property involving collapse of a building or any part of a building if the collapse was caused by one or more of the following: (1) The Perils Insured Against named under Coverage C; (2) Insect or vermin damage that is hidden from view, unless the presence of such damage is known to an “insured” prior to collapse; (3) Decay that is hidden from view, unless the presence of such decay is known to an “insured” prior to collapse; (4) Weight of contents, equipment, animals or people; (5) Weight of rain which collects on a roof; or (6) Use of defective material or methods in construction, remodeling or renovation if the collapse occurs during the course of the construction, remodeling or renovation.2 Note that the new language indicates that coverage will not apply if collapse is caused by decay or insect/vermin infestation that are known to the insured prior to the collapse. _______________________________ Language was also added that specifically excluded loss to an awning, fence, patio, deck, pavement, swimming pool, underground pipe, flue, drain, cesspool, septic tank, foundation, retaining wall, bulkhead, pier, wharf or dock unless the loss is a direct result of the collapse of a building or any part of a building. New language also was added that excluded “settling, cracking, shrinkage, bulging, or expansion,” in the absence of an actual collapse. Another insurance organization that drafts policy language for its member companies, as does The traditional or conservative view held that collapse involved either a falling down or caving in, into a flattened form of rubble, thus an actual collapse. The liberal view held that collapse involved a substantial impairment of structural integrity, without an actual collapse of the building or part thereof being necessary. “ ” ____________________ 2Copyright, Insurance Services Office, Inc., 1999, with permission.
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