Personal Lines Underwriting Clarifications Regarding Agent Technical Bulletin #015-12
IE #015-12 – November 27, 2012
This bulletin contains important underwriting clarifications of Agent Technical Bulletin #015-12: Personal Residential Rules, Forms and Systems Changes.
Key Points:
· Any policy rewritten as new business must requalify for coverage.
· For any home more than 30 years old, a four-point inspection form must be submitted with a new-business application, including rewrites.
· We urge agents to have their inspectors conducting the four-point inspection use Citizens’ 4-Point Inspection—Personal Lines form (Citizens - Insp4pt 09 12-Revised) because it is tailored to our new-business applications and includes instructions for completion. If an alternate form is used, the following minimum criteria must be met:
· A verifiable Florida-licensed inspector must perform the inspection and sign the inspection form.
· The date of the inspection must be within the last 12 months prior to the new-business application submission date.
· The inspector must provide the age, type and condition of the electrical wiring, roof, heating and plumbing systems.
· Photos must be supplied, meeting all the photo requirements outlined on the Citizens’ 4-Point Inspection—Personal Lines form.
· If the inspector does not include the required photos, the agent can provide them.
· Any serious hazards or deficiencies (e.g., blown fuses, empty breaker sockets, loose or exposed wiring, active leaks or evidence of plumbing leaks) must be repaired prior to submitting any application for coverage.
Additional Points of Clarification
Roof Condition
The roof age and condition rules have not changed. Refer to the Rules of Practice under each product line on our website. What has changed is that Citizens no longer accepts the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form for documentation of roof condition.
Additionally, for homes more than 30 years old, one of the following documents must be submitted to prove the condition of the roof:
· Citizens’ revised Roof Condition Certification Form (CIT-RCF-1 09 12)
· Note: Two photos of the roof must be included.
· Citizens’ 4-Point Inspection—Personal Lines form
· Note: Two photos of the roof must be included, and that section of the form must be completed.
· An alternate inspection form that contains the same information as either of the two forms above.
The form must be dated within the last 12 months prior to the new-business submission date and signed by a verifiable Florida-licensed professional.
Roof Replacement
For homes more than 30 years old, one of the following documents must be submitted to provide proof of full-roof replacement:
· Receipts indicating a full-roof replacement by a verifiable Florida-licensed professional
· A completed roofing contract indicating a full-roof replacement
· A Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), but only if the Florida-licensed professional clearly states the entire roof has been replaced and provides the date of replacement