This language is both plain and unambiguous. It grants coverage for fees incurred in hiring qualified professionals, including engineers, to produce and certify the factual and scientific basis necessary for insurers to evaluate a loss. Importantly, this provision does not require pre-approval, nor does it make such services contingent on the insurer’s independent opinions regarding the necessity of further evaluation.

I would like to know if you could weigh in with your understanding of what coverages are provided to Jai Bajranga Hospitality, LLC/Chris Patel and team under the I. Professional Fees Endorsement – Clear Coverage for Engineering Services.

I've attached the pertinent coverage part, the coverage decision letter from the insurer and our coverage decision letter.

Your guidance on the intent of this coverage part is greatly appreciated in this matter.

For ease in response, we have reprinted item 15. Professional Fees provision, as follows:

15. Professional Fees

This policy is extended to cover expenses incurred by you or your representatives including auditors, accountants, appraisers, architects, engineers or other such professionals for producing and certifying particulars or details of your business required by us in order to arrive at the loss payable under this policy in event of a claim. However, no coverage shall apply to expenses incurred for the services of public adjusters or attorneys; insurance agents or brokers or loss appraisers nor for services of your employees unless agreed to by us prior to the use of their services.

Absent of any specific claim applicability, in reading the provision it is providing coverage at a limit of $100,000 as shown in the declarations for expenses required of a professional to certify a loss in event of a claim. These expenses are only paid if such certification is required by the insurer and it is only for the types of professionals described.

If such certification is not required by the insurer, then the coverage would not apply.