Patio as a Building

May 3, 2013

We have an insured with an HO 00 03 10 00 policy. Heavy snow and ice buildup caused the roof of their patio cover to collapse and damage the contents under the patio cover. The peril of weight of ice and snow says that contents coverage for this peril is limited to property contained in a building. Do you think contents under the patio cover are “contained in a building”?

11. Weight Of Ice, Snow Or Sleet

This peril means weight of ice, snow or sleet which causes damage to property contained in a building.

Utah Subscriber

Does the patio have walls, or is it simply a roof over a deck? That is going to make a huge difference. If it has screening all the way around and a door, then it could be considered a building. Merriam-Webster defines a “building” as “a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use (as for a dwelling).” If there are no walls or screening, it is not a building.