Page 24 - The EDGE Fall 2024

THE TRUST

BY JANET RAMSEY AND DAVE WHEELER
Exploring Top Property Claim Issues

Janet Ramsey Dave Wheeler

School districts have a strong interest in maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of
identifying and addressing the most prevalent such incidents.
property claim issues that have emerged over
the past several years. By understanding the root Domestic water line fittings. Corrosion in domestic
causes and implementing preventive measures, water line fittings, particularly di- electric unions,
districts can mitigate risks and protect their assets has emerged as another preventable yet significant
from damage and the associated costs, downtime, contributor to property damage. These fittings,
and inconvenience of repair and replacement. which connect different types of metal pipes, are
In this article, we’ll shed light on the biggest prone to corrosion due to the dissimilar metals
contributors to property damage, while involved. Regular inspections, proper installation
emphasizing the importance of proactive measures techniques, and the use of corrosion-resistant
to prevent these incidents. materials can help prevent leaks, water damage,
and subsequent property claims.

"High-frequency claims are

often also high-severity claims.
This is the case with water and

wind."
High-Frequency Claim Categories

Water Fire sprinkler heads. Outdated or poorly
Water-related claims are among the most frequent maintained fire sprinkler heads pose a significant
in the property category, accounting for 32% risk to property owners. Over time, these
of all claims. Common causes of water damage sprinkler heads can become weak, corroded, and/
include the following: or non-functional, compromising their ability to

effectively suppress fires. Regular inspections,
Underground fire suppression main lines. One of prompt replacement of aging or damaged sprinkler
the leading causes of property damage in recent heads, and adherence to maintenance schedules
years has been the deterioration of underground are essential in preventing property damage and
fire suppression main lines. Over time, these ensuring the safety of facility occupants.
lines can become degraded due to factors such
as soil conditions, water quality, and lack of Wind
maintenance. The consequences of such damage
can be catastrophic, leading to extensive property Wind-related incidents, which account for 13%
destruction and potential loss of life. Regular of all property claims, include damage caused by
inspections, timely repairs, and proactive severe storms (typically during monsoon season).

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24 THE EDGE FALL 2024