My business recently suffered a large loss due to fire. It looks like we're going to bust our business property insurance limit so I started looking through the policy and noticed the automatic seasonal increase. I understand that purpose of a seasonal increase but the actual text of the policy seems like it opens doors beyond that concept. Also, the insurance company never established a "high" season when we took out the policy. Here's the relevant policy text:
Business Personal Property Limit – Seasonal Increase
If covered loss or damage to Business Personal Property exceeds the Limit of Insurance stated in the Declarations, the Limit of Insurance for Business Personal Property will automatically increase by the percentage shown in the Declarations to provide for seasonal variations.
This increase will apply only if all Limits of Insurance shown in the Declarations for Business Personal Property at the “scheduled premises” is at least 100% of your average monthly values during the lesser of:
(1) The 12 months immediately preceding the date the physical loss or physical damage occurs; or
(2) The period of time you have been in business as of the date the physical loss or physical damage occurs.
We appear to meet the criteria with regard to "is at least 100% of your average monthly values" during "The 12 months immediately preceding the date of the physical loss". However, the insurance company is saying it doesn't apply.
I'd love thoughts and feedback from those in the industry.
Thanks
Business property insurance seasonal increase
byu/AlternityRed inInsurance
Posted by AlternityRed