A Video Explaining Four Exclusions Unlisted Video

Mysterious Disappearance, Loss or Shortage Disclosed on Inventory, Intentional Acts & Inherent ViceShow more

n exclusion is a provision of an insurance policy referring to hazards, perils, circumstances, or property not covered by the policy. Exclusions are usually contained in the coverage form or causes of loss form used to construct the insurance policy.” [IRMI Online Glossary of Insurance & Risk Management Terms https://www.irmi.com/online/insurance-glossary/terms/e/exclusion.aspx (last visited Mar. 8, 2017)].

Intentional Act

“One common exclusion is a clause that prohibits coverage for an intentional loss.”

Mysterious Disappearance

The term “mysterious disappearance” first appeared in insurance policies in 1943. Johnson v. General Accident, Fire & Life Assur. Corp., 454 S.W. 2d 837, 838 (Texas California Civil Code. App. 1970). The term has been defined several ways, but all share the sense of an unexplained loss.

The term “mysterious disappearance” first appeared in insurance policies in 1943. Johnson v. General Accident, Fire & Life Assur. Corp., 454 S.W. 2d 837, 838 (Texas California Civil Code. App. 1970). The term has been defined several ways, but all share the sense of an unexplained loss.

Shortage Disclosed on Inventory

The “mysterious disappearance” exclusion is often paired with, or followed by, an exclusion for loss or shortage disclosed on taking an inventory because of the similarity of moral hazard raised by losses either unknown or not discovered until an inventory is taken. The inventory shortage exclusion is often misunderstood and misapplied. The exclusion, in simple, clear and unambiguous language states: “This policy does not insure against … [l]oss or shortage disclosed upon taking inventory.”

Inherent Vice

Inherent vice relates to internal decomposition or some quality which brings about the object’s own injury or destruction, not an extraneous cause. [Employers Casualty Company v. Holm, 393 S.W. 2d 363, 367 (Tex. Civ. App. 1965).] The subjective test for fortuity raises questions regarding whether the inherent vice exclusion is effective.

© 2021 – Barry Zalma

Barry Zalma, Esq., CFE, now limits his practice to service as an insurance consultant specializing in insurance coverage, insurance claims handling, insurance bad faith and insurance fraud almost equally for insurers and policyholders. He also serves as an arbitrator or mediator for insurance related disputes. He practiced law in California for more than 44 years as an insurance coverage and claims handling lawyer and more than 52 years in the insurance business. He is available at http://www.zalma.com and zalma@zalma.com.

Mr. Zalma is the first recipient of the first annual Claims Magazine/ACE Legend Award.

Over the last 53 years Barry Zalma has dedicated his life to insurance, insurance claims and the need to defeat insurance fraud. He has created the following library of books and other materials to make it possible for insurers and their claims staff to become insurance claims professionals.

Go to the podcast Zalma On Insurance at https://anchor.fm/barry-zalma;  Follow Mr. Zalma on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bzalma; Go to Barry Zalma videos at Rumble.com at https://rumble.com/c/c-262921; Go to Barry Zalma on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCysiZklEtxZsSF9DfC0Expg; Go to the Insurance Claims Library – https://zalma.com/blog/insurance-claims-library/ Read posts from Barry Zalma at https://parler.com/profile/Zalma/posts; and the last two issues of ZIFL at https://zalma.com/zalmas-insurance-fraud-letter-2/  podcast now available at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zalma-on-insurance/id1509583809?uo=4