BULLETIN
June 25, 2020
Updates to Western National’s Homeowner Program – Watercraft Liability, Unmatched Siding and Roofing Damage, and Cosmetic Damage Exclusion, eff. 9/1/2020
The following revisions will be implemented in Western National’s Homeowner programs in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota, effective September 1, 2020. Conditional renewal notices will be sent to policyholders 70 days prior to the expiration of their current policy.
Reduction in Coverage - Watercraft Liability Coverage for Outboard Motors
Coverage for bodily injury or property damage resulting from an owned watercraft powered by one or more outboard motors is being limited to a combined maximum horsepower of 75 for all motors. Previously, the homeowner policy included coverage for owned watercraft powered by one or more outboard motors, with no horsepower limitation. This change is also being made on the Personal Umbrella policy.
- If a policyholder has purchased physical damage coverage for watercraft powered by one or more outboard motors totaling more than 75 horsepower by endorsement to their Western National Homeowner policy, the watercraft liability optional coverage endorsement will automatically be added to their renewal policy. They will receive the letter linked here.
- If a policyholder has purchased physical damage coverage by endorsement to their Western National Homeowner policy for watercraft powered by one or more outboard motors, but we cannot determine the horsepower from the description provided. We will contact you so you may reach out to the policyholder to determine if the optional watercraft liability coverage should be added to the policy by endorsement.
- If a policyholder owns a watercraft powered by outboard motors but has not purchased coverage for physical damage on their Western National Homeowner policy, we are unaware that the watercraft exists and therefore no action will be taken by us.
Reduction in Coverage - Cosmetic Damage
Cosmetic damage to metal roofs is no longer covered unless the damage impairs the ability of the roof surface to prevent water or other elements from entering the structure.
Clarification of Coverage – Matching Exclusion for Roofing and Siding Materials
Language has been added to clarify we do not pay to replace undamaged siding or roof surfacing due to mismatch between the undamaged material and the new material used to repair/replace siding or roof surfacing that was damaged. An optional endorsement is available to provide coverage for the undamaged roof surfacing and/or siding due to mismatch. Policyholders may choose limits in $10,000 increments from $10,000 to $40,000. Click here to view the form.
If you have any questions, please contact your Personal Lines Underwriter or your Regional Agency Manager.
Thank you for your partnership with Western National Insurance.
