CONSTRUCTION DEFECT JOURNAL

"News and Information for Construction Defect and Claims Professionals"

CONSTRUCTION DEFECT JOURNAL - ISSUE 242749 - MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

Insured’s Failure to Determine Depreciation When Presenting Claim for Replacement Cost Value

Lighting strike on building

A lightning strike downed a tree on the insured’s property, causing extensive damage to the home.

August 16, 2026
Tred R. Eyerly - Insurance Law Hawaii

The Third Circuit affirmed the district court’s granting of summary judgment to the insurer when the insured submitted replacement cost value of the loss but did not include a determination of depreciation. Kimmel v. Massachusetts Bay Ins. Co., 2026 U.S. App. LEXIS 16569 (3d Cir. June 9, 2026).

A lightning strike downed a tree on the insured’s property, causing extensive damage to the home. The insured had a homeowner’s policy with Massachusetts Bay Insurance Company (MBIC). MBIC denied the claim, determining that much of the claimed damage already existed and that several policy exclusions otherwise barred coverage. The insured filed suit for breach of contract and bad faith.

Mr. Eyerly may be contacted at te@hawaiilawyer.com


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