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Deferred
Maintenance
Insurance professionals see a wide
variety of claims each year. In many situations, a claim
is considered a valid covered cause of loss and is adjusted
accordingly. The phrase "deferred maintenance" has begun
to surface more and more over the years. Certainly it is
easy to recognize how the economic environment has impacted
budgets and perhaps forced congregations to postpone
maintenance projects. However, the harsh reality of such
a difficult decision is contending with the potential of
additional liability and property claims due to improper
upkeep.
Liability
Deferred
maintenance can impact the safety of individuals.
Think about a parking lot littered with potholes, cracks and
uneven surfaces versus a level, smooth and well-maintained
lot. The risk of a "trip and fall" incident is greatly
diminished in the lot demonstrating proper care and
maintenance, thus potentially limiting the degree of liability
exposure associated with negligent
maintenance.
Property
The
roof is one of the most common examples and sources of
deferred maintenance. As a roof reaches the end of its
useful life, it begins to fail. Small leaks, interior
water damage and moisture-related concerns may begin to
develop. Initially it may be attributed to a wind or
hail damage, but in actuality may be due to the age and wear
and tear. In some instances, claims may be denied if the
primary cause is determined to be lack of maintenance or
construction defect.
This is a delicate but
important question for budgetary and maintenance committees to
consider. Postponing maintenance may save the insured
money in the short-term. However, claims, secondary
damages and patch jobs may end up costing more in the long
run.
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