home owner's insurance

[llavalle]

I called my insurance co. this week to inform them of my 30 lb. propylene tank and make sure I was covered. My insurance agent is on vacation, but the woman I spoke to told me she "thought it was a no-no". I told her it wasn't inside the house, but she still thought it wasn't kosher. My agent is supposed to call me on Monday. I'd like to be armed with a little info. I live in FL, does coverage vary from state to state? All you people out there that are covered, has any one run into problems?
Of course, if there was a mishap I'd be blown to smithereens and wouldn't have to worry about making a claim... [img]/forum/ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[Vince]

What varies from state to state are the applicable building, mechanical, LP, fire and fuel gas codes, plus these will vary locally by jurisdiction, with some jurisdictions being more strict than the overall state codes. They are not permitted to be less restrictive. Most insurance companies want to be assured that you are in compliance with all such codes, but even if you are they may refuse coverage if they deem the risk unacceptable.

I'd check with your local Building and Planning department as well as the Fire Marshal to determine if you are in compliance with these local codes. If you are, then it is a powerful argument to use with your insurance company. It will demonstrate that you are knowledgeable and that you took the time and effort to be in compliance. If you are not in compliance, then you must do whatever is required to become compliant and then approach the insurance question.

That's my advice.

Vince

[DennisZabawa]

With our insurance agent, describing it as very similar to a welding torch setup seemed to bring a spark (no pun intended) of understanding.

My Wife's lampworking torch along with my torch for silver working are set up in an attached garage. That location seems to be more acceptable to agents. Also, we have all electric appliances including an electric water heater in the garage.
What seems to raise their pucker factor to new heights is telling them that you are going to be working inside the occupied living space!

In the end, even if you are satisfying all of the governmental regulations, they do have the right to not cover you.

Dennis

[marthagiberson]

Using the welding setup analogy is a good one. Email CERF at info@craftemergency.org and request that they mail you a copy of their latest newsletter - it's free and it's got a comprehensive article with resources about insurance coverage. - martha

[llavalle]

Thanks, all, for the info!!