Property exposure includes the dwelling, its contents, and any related non-business structures and their contents located on the premises. The most significant controllable hazards are fire and theft. The major uncontrollable hazards are windstorm, hail, snow and ice, flood and earthquake. The age of the structure and its maintenance are primary concerns since both can contribute to losses. Fire hazards include electrical wiring, heating, cooling, and cooking equipment. The location of the property, type of contents, adequacy of locks and alarm systems are important when evaluating theft exposures.
The property’s location is the key to assessing its vulnerability to natural disasters such as wind, hail, snow and ice, flood, or earthquake. The premises should be built to current code. Vegetation should be trimmed and away from the structures.
Inland marine exposure includes any antiques, collectibles, electronics, fine arts, firearms, furs, jewelry, silverware, and other types of property subject to sublimits and exclusions within the homeowners policy. As these items are often attractive theft targets, security features such as locks, alarms, off-premise/transit exposures and storage arrangements should be reviewed.
Personal liability exposure arises from conditions at the premises and the actions of the members of the household (including pets). The age of any children, the social and civic organizations, and sports that the family participates in can all impact the loss potential. In addition, the type and breed of any pet(s) should be considered. Pools, trampolines, tree houses, playground equipment, non-licensed motorized vehicles, and similar attractions must be secured to prevent young children from gaining unsupervised access.
Auto exposures are from household members driving owned, rented, or borrowed vehicles or from loaning their vehicles to others outside the household. All drivers must be identified, licensed, and have acceptable MVRs. The type of vehicle, ownership, the principle driver, garaging location, miles driven, and type of driving must be considered when evaluating the exposure. Age and experience of each driver must be evaluated. Driving courses can assist drivers of any age.
The exposure of household residents temporarily living away from the household exposures such as students away at college is important to explore because of potential vehicle ownership, state compliance, garaging, and usage changes.