The TNC required “UM/UIM coverage as required by Section 627.727” and Section 627.727 only required UIM coverage for liability policies covering specifically insured or identified vehicles and neither the TNC driver nor her vehicle were specifically listed on the policy.

QUESTION: For a private residence in Sierra Vista, Arizona, is 15 pound felt sufficient for the lining of valleys or is additional valley lining required? RESPONSE: Depends. Sierra Vista, Arizona, adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) without amendment. The IRC treats underlayment and valley linings as separate components. The requirement of ice and water shield underlayment in valleys for new construction would be implicated if re-roofing the structure, in addition to the valley lining. For asphalt shingle roofs, felt underlayment is not a listed material for valley linings. For clay and concrete tile roof systems, Type I underlayment, or the classic 15 pound felt underlayment, may be used as the valley lining over the standard underlayment for the roof and under the required flashing and counterflashing. In addition, for both types of roofing systems, the IRC requires that the manufacturer’s installation instructions be followed, therefore those must be considered to determine if there are any further requirements. FACTS: Roof replacement on insured's home located in Sierra Vista, Arizona. DISCUSSION: The State of Arizona has no statewide building code. Although not expressly stated as having the power to regulate construction, by implication, municipalities may adopt and amend model building codes and also enforce their codes. A.R.S. § 9-802 and § 9-805. Counties that implement a zoning plan under the law may adopt building codes in those areas. A.R.S. § 11-861. A search of the subject property address on the PLRB Address Search page indicates that it is located within the boundaries of Sierra Vista, Arizona. The City of Sierra Vista adopted and follows the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), without amendments. City of Sierra Vista, Arizona Code of Ordinances, § 150.01(a). Chapter 9 of the IRC Chapter 9 of the IRC provides the requirements for roof structures, including reroofing. 2018 IRC Chapter 9. Section R908.1 provides that “[m]aterials and methods of application used for recovering or replacing an existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 9.” 2018 IRC § R908.1. Asphalt shingles are covered under Section R905.2, while clay and concrete tile roofing is covered under Section R905.3. The code treats underlayment under Section R905.1.1 for all types of roof coverings while valley liners are treated separately under Section R905.2.8.2 for asphalt shingles and Section R905.3.8 for clay and concrete tile roofing systems. Accordingly, underlayment is a separate component and utilized in addition to a valley liner as specifically noted below in Section R905.3.8 for clay and concrete tile systems. The requirements for both components include adhering to the manufacturer's installation instructions in addition to the requirements in the code. Layering materials is a general strategy that most methods of installation utilize for most roofing materials both in the code and in the manufacturer’s instructions. For valleys on asphalt shingle roofs, the IRC provides: 2018 IRC § R905.2.8.2. For valleys of clay and concrete tile covered roofs, the IRC provides: 2018 IRC § R905.3.8. CONCLUSION: The IRC does not provide specific details of how the installation of underlayment and valley liners should interact for asphalt shingle roofing systems. However, for clay and concrete tile roofs, a 36-inch-wide layer of Type 1 underlayment running the whole length of the valley over the other required underlayment and under the required flashing and counterflashing. Accordingly, the manufacturer’s installation instructions must be considered. There are three common methods: a 6" overlap, the weave method, and underlayment applied by first installing a center strip. A valley liner would then be installed over the underlayment. The installation method should conform to the instructions of the specific materials. However, the type of valley should be determined by the previously existing roof valley. If an open valley with metal existed prior to reroofing, then this type may be necessary ensure proper drainage for the design of the roofing system. Furthermore, it might be a covered item in the policy. In such an instance, if an open valley with metal did not previously include a peel and stick membrane, then this would be a required upgrade according to the current requirements notwithstanding local amendments. The simplest method and likely the most cost-efficient method would be a closed valley with IWS and a 6" lining overlap as it reduces the materials needed. If this type of valley previously existed, then installing a different type would likely be an unnecessary upgrade.

2024: Regulatory Bulletin - Reissued Bulletin: Clarification of Unfair Trade Practices Regulations for Homeowners Insurance - DC   To: All Property and Casualty Insurance Companies Licensed to Do Business in the District of Columbia (“Insurers”) What:   Clarification of Unfair Trade Practices Regulations for Homeowners Insurance From: Karima M. Woods, Commissioner, District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking Date:  May 31, 2024 _________________________________________________________________________ The purpose of this reissued bulletin is to make sure that the intent and effect of Title 26, DCMR, Chapter 50, Unfair Trade Practices, is understood and followed. It has come to the Departments attention that some insurers believe that it is proper under this section to significantly increase a policyholder’s premium, or change a policyholder’s rating classification, or impose a surcharge on a policyholder because of a first claim for a loss caused by a weather-related event, as long as the policyholder is not non-renewed. Please be advised that such treatment of policyholders is prohibited. The intent of the regulation is to ensure that the first claim for a loss caused by a weather related event shall be disregarded for underwriting purposes related to the renewal of a homeowner’s policy in the District of Columbia. The Department will consider that any change in the premium, coverage, or treatment of a homeowner’s policy due to the first claim for a loss caused by a weather-related event is an attempt to circumvent the clear purpose and intent of this regulation. Neither the regulation nor this bulletin shall be construed to prohibit any insurer from modifying the rates it charges to any class of insureds, subject to regulatory review by the Department, provided that the rate change applies to all persons in the rating class, and that no policyholder shall have his or her rating class changed due to the first claim for a loss caused by a weather-related event. The Bulletin can be found at , BULLETIN 24-IB-003-05/31.

To: Louisiana Insurers What:   2024 Bill LA S.B. 344 Enacted And Signed Into Law From: Louisiana Legislature Date:  May 28, 2024 (Governor Signed) _________________________________________________________________________ Section 1. R.S. 22:1339 was enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana to require applicants or an existing insured to disclose to their insurer the property is to be used as a group home. Failure to disclose this information gives the insurer cause to cancel or nonrenew the homeowner's insurance policy. This legislation was signed into law by the governor to become Act No. 397, with an effective date of 5/28/2024. The enacted provision reads as follows: SECTION 1339.  APPLICANT OR INSURED DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT; GROUP HOMES UPON APPLICATION FOR A NEW HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE POLICY OR AT ANY TIME FOR AN INSURED THAT HAS A HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE POLICY IN EFFECT, THE APPLICANT OR INSURED SHALL DISCLOSE TO THE INSURER THAT THE PROPERTY IS TO BE USED OR IS BEING USED AS A GROUP HOME. FAILURE TO DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION TO AN INSURER PROVIDES THE INSURER CAUSE TO CANCEL OR NONRENEW THE HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE POLICY PURSUANT TO R.S. 22:1333(B). The full text of Act No. 397 can be accessed here.