Suicide, Arson, and the Intentional Loss Exclusion
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
Warning, this scenario mentions suicide. The insured's 21-year-old son lives with them and suffers from depression. While the insured parents are away, their son goes through a breakup and decides to kill himself. He gets very drunk and douses the entire first floor in the gasoline they use for their lawnmower. He turns over a candle and goes upstairs to pass out. A neighbor called the police in time, and the young man was saved-- but the resulting fire consumed the house. Notable Timestamps [ 00:10 ] - John shares a serious scenario that raises pertinent coverage questions. [ 01:22 ] -...
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Don’t Fall Down the Building Codes Rabbit Hole!
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
The adjuster on a hail claim receives a long list of line items that are "required by code." Once the old shingles are torn off, they find rot and gaps in the sheathing, and the contractor says a thicker sheathing is now required by code. Notable Timestamps [ 00:10 ] - Ice barriers, drip edges, a double felt underlayment... Searching the internet only leads the adjuster spiralling down a rabbit hole. [ 01:30 ] - What internet rabbit holes have you gone down? [ 04:28 ] - With PLRB's updated Address Report, members can provide an address and specify details such as rafter spans. [...
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Posthumous Premium Payor
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
The 100-year-old named insured died of natural causes. His daughter, the executor, inherited and moved into the home, continuing to pay the same bills—including insurance premiums. Four years later, a fire occurred, but the policy still listed her late father. Can it pay out? Notable Timestamps [ 00:10 ] - The daughter continued to pay the premiums, but did not contact the insurance company to advise them of her father's death. [ 01:30 ] - Trivia Time! Who was the oldest living person? [ 04:06 ] – Insurance policies generally follow the insureds, as defined by the policy, as opposed...
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Sugar, Spice, and Everything Sand: The CGL Auto Exclusion
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
A concrete foundation is crumbling due to a truck's sugar-contaminated sand delivery. Now, a court case hinges on whether the CGL auto exclusion applies: Did the damage occur in the truck or on the job site? Notable Timestamps [ 00:30 ] - At the outset, it seems the question (of whether the CGL or the BAC policy applies) turns on whether the damage occurred on the job site, at the concrete plant, or on the sand delivery truck. [ 05:01 ] - Sugar can be used in small, controlled amounts to delay concrete setting time, but higher concentrations can prevent proper curing. The contamination in this...
info_outline![[REPLAY] Detached Garage Converted to AirBNB show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37484330?height=50&width=50)
[REPLAY] Detached Garage Converted to AirBNB
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
This is a replay of an episode that originally aired on March 19, 2024. An insured’s detached garage burns down in a covered lightning strike, and somehow it’s not covered just because of a little side hustle? The PLRB crew hunt for coverage and find what the insurer can pay out on when an insured rents out their property without updating their insurance company. Notable Timestamps [ 00:17 ] - The insured remodeled their detached garage for use as an AirBNB rental, but never notified their insurer. The garage burned down, and the insured files a claim for the...
info_outline![[REPLAY] I Crashed My Bike Into a Tree show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37403940?height=50&width=50)
[REPLAY] I Crashed My Bike Into a Tree
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
Is a recycle bin a “vehicle”? Does a car antenna ripping a coat fall under the Vehicles peril? How about a poorly secured wedding dress in the backseat of a convertible? If you occasionally win a biking competition, does the loss of your bike trigger business property coverage? Join Mike, Tim, and Alissha for the lightning round and discuss bikes, eBikes, sleds, boats, and more. Notable Timestamps [ 00:15 ] - The insured is an avid cyclist who occasionally wins money from his hobby. Another cyclist cut him off and he crashed his bike into a tree while at a park, destroying...
info_outline![[REPLAY] The Appraisal Process – Is it Still Useful to Resolve Disputed Claims? show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37233475?height=50&width=50)
[REPLAY] The Appraisal Process – Is it Still Useful to Resolve Disputed Claims?
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
This is a replay of an episode originally aired on Apr 22, 2025. An adjuster working on a complex property damage claim closes the file, having paid out on the claim. Then they receive a notice that the insured is demanding appraisal. They call up the insured, only to find out that the insured has no idea what’s going on. About Our Guest Steven J. Badger, Partner, Zelle LLP [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-badger-467b0322/ Notable Timestamps [ 00:20 ] - The insured signed a form on a tabet, presented to them by the contractor, without realizing it authorized a later...
info_outline![[REPLAY] Invoking “Our Option” – Increased Use of Preferred Contractor Networks show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37233460?height=50&width=50)
[REPLAY] Invoking “Our Option” – Increased Use of Preferred Contractor Networks
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
This is a replay of an episode originally aired on Apr 15, 2025. A Texas adjuster gets an assignment for a simple hail damage claim. He anticipates having to argue with the roofing contractor, debate whether overhead and profit is owed, deal with the supplementing company, receive an appraisal demand, and finally face a lawsuit. About Our Guest Steven J. Badger, Partner, Zelle LLP [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-badger-467b0322/ Notable Timestamps [ 00:20 ] - Because of his years of experience, he knows that the 30 square comp shingle roof should cost...
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Tree Roots Blocked Up My Kitchen Sink
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
The insured's kitchen sink wasn’t draining well. A plumber scoped the line and found tree roots blocking it. The only fix is to dig up and replace the pipe. The adjuster checked the HO3 (2011) exclusions but didn’t find one specifically for tree roots. Do others apply? Notable Timestamps [ 00:45 ] – The adjuster checks the ISO HO3 (2011) policy but finds no explicit exclusion for damage caused by tree roots. [ 04:44 ] – Tree root damage exclusions can exist in some policies, but are rare. If clearly written, they’re usually enforceable. [ 05:30 ] – Lacking that, adjusters must look...
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Murder Mystery: Diminution in Value
What's the Scenario? with PLRB
A wealthy couple is murdered after a glamorous party—jewelry stolen, town abuzz. Their estate files an HO3 claim for the stolen jewelry and loss in home value due to the stigma. But does the policy cover reputational "diminution in value"? Notable Timestamps [ 00:37 ] - The scenario involves a wealthy couple poisoned in their mansion, with jewelry stolen and a claim submitted under their HO3 policy ISO 2011 edition. [ 01:39 ] - Trivia Time! Who are the six main characters of the board game Clue? [ 03:40 ] - Diminution in value refers to a property's market value being less than before...
info_outlineLet’s say you’re a service provider in the insurance industry. You’ve been attending PLRB Conferences for a few years, and you’re thinking about taking the next step to increase exposure and build relationships with the right people in the industry.
Notable Timestamps
[ 01:20 ] - Exhibiting and sponsoring at the PLRB Claims Conference can be an impactful option, and PLRB has a variety of offerings to help each service provider reach their goals.
[ 01:50 ] - For our trivia question today, last year at the Claims Conference we had over 3000 attendees, and over 950 of those were insurance company staff. Of those, how many do you think were senior staff?
[ 04:05 ] - The Insurance Services Expo includes a wide variety of exhibitors and sponsors, from traditional segments like independent adjusting and forensics to technology services like claims management software and AI solutions to other ancilliary services.
[ 05:22 ] - Among other benefits, exhibiting and sponsorship can provide visibility, stature, and credibility as service providers build strong relationships in the industry.
[ 06:30 ] - A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available to fit the needs of different service providers, from physical branding to digital signage to booth services.
[ 07:50 ] - Service providers take full advantage of the benefits of the conference by attending educational sessions, doing their own entertaining, and making connections in the Expo.
[ 08:37 ] - Unique opportunities like Wifi sponsorship and keycard sponsorship provide novel avenues to make connections with attendees.
[ 09:15 ] - Return On Investment is a top concern for many service providers, and building relationships over time at the PLRB Claims Conference is often a fruitful experience for those who make the investment.
[ 10:28 ] - The 2025 Claims Conference in Indianapolis provided plenty of space for conferencegoers to make connections.
[ 11:50 ] - Many new offerings are anticipated, including-- as a show notes sneak peek-- creative services like social media templates and press releases.
[ 13:30 ] - Tom provides a recap of the scenario and the points above.
Your PLRB Resources
Email [email protected]
Contact Tom O'Dowd at [email protected]
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Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.
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Legal Information
The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.
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