Legal Question in Insurance Law in Maryland

house fire claim

One of our neighbors had a fire that destroyed our place. We have a 37500 cap on personal items, but here is the rub.Since my fiancee and I were NOT both on the mortgage, I decided to hold the ''business insurance'' for our business in my name, and she held the houses' personal items in her household policy(she is on the title). Some of MY personal items were destroyed, but I qualify more (really)as a renter. Some of the business property was destroyed, I have coverage on that, but what about the personal items?


Asked on 4/22/02, 8:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: house fire claim

The first part of your question applies with force. YOU NEIGHBOR'S FIRE CAUSED THE DAMAGE. Thus, you may be able to recover under your neighbor's policy. This is a matter that you should have an attorney represent.

Your policies may also provide coverage for the loss. Transient coverage may be available as well as guest coverage. The language of all applicable policies is determinative on a contactual claim against an insurer. Maryland does not follow the general rule of strictly construing language against an insurer but requires a showing of ambiguity first.

The claim itself will also bear on your ability to acquire coverage.

Whether you seek counsel is your choice and you should consider this in regard to the total loss you sustained.

G. Joseph Holthaus III

(410) 799-9002

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Answered on 4/26/02, 9:18 pm


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