Water Damage Claim to Interior of Building

October 10, 2011

Insured alleges that during Hurricane Irene, contents sustained water damage due to roof leakages. Are the contents covered on a commercial property form with special causes of loss even though there is no breakage of the ceiling?

Puerto Rico Subscriber

The ISO Special Causes of Loss form, CP 10 30, contains a limitation that states the insurer will not pay for loss or damage to the interiors of building or structures or personal property within caused by rain, snow, sleet, ice, sand, or dust, whether driven by wind or not, unless the building or structure first sustains damage caused by a covered cause of loss to the walls or roof; the rain must enter through that damaged portion of the roof or walls. So, if the roof or walls were not damaged by a covered cause of loss, the damage caused by the leakage would not be covered.