If you own property you likely have a property owners insurance policy. The policy likely contains a replacement cost clause. The policy will also likely define what is a covered loss and how replacement costs are calculated. Examples of typical covered losses are hail damage, fire, and other perils.
Pursuant to the Colorado Division of Insurance Bulletin No. B-5.1, the actual cost value of replacing a dwelling or portion of a dwelling (i.e. roof), when a contractor is used to perform the work, is the full cost of replacement including overhead and profit less appropriate deductions for depreciation. It is important to realize, bulletins are the Division’s interpretation of existing insurance law or general statements of Division policy but these bulletins are neither binding nor final determinations of issues or rights. However, these bulletins are persuasive and can be indicative of rights under an insurance policy.
Typically, these insurance policies will contain language similar to “Insurer will pay the actual cash value of the damage to the dwelling, up to the policy limit, until actual repair or replacement is completed.” Based on a simple reading of this policy clause an owner may assume, for example, a hail damaged roof should be covered under the policy and entitling the owner to have the roof replaced. (Additionally, a property owner would need to hire a contractor to perform the work.) A contractor would provide a bid to replace the roof and the bid would include overhead and profit (generally a 20% markup is customary). The work performed by the contractor will be paid for by the Insurer under the property owner’s insurance policy.
However, some Insurers interpret the very same policy clause very differently and use a different calculation to determine the actual cash value to replace the roof. This interpretation has led to many property owners being denied coverage for the actual cash value of their claims. Insurers have interpreted such language to exclude contractor’s overhead and profit, as well as depreciation from replacement cost when calculating the actual cash value. Essentially, Insurers would pay for the construction repairs excluding any amounts for overhead and profit of the contractor who will be performing the work. If the Insurer’s interpretation of the clause was accurate a property owner would be hard pressed to find a contractor willing to complete a construction project without entitlement to overhead and profit.
Insurers may not deduct overhead and profit when calculating the actual cash value to replace or portion of a dwelling.
If your insurance claim has been delayed and/or denied or you would like more information about this insurance issue contact Milo D. Miller Law Group, P.C. at 720-306-7733.
