Just a hypothetical here.
My primary residence has a large multi-level deck that was constructed when the house was originally built many years ago. Over the years, I have had to upkeep it due to normal wear and tear like rotting.
Several years ago, I did a few significant repairs (replaced rotting handrails, replaced some structural columns and beams, and did a small expansion). At the time, my contractor stated that we didn't need permits for those types of repairs. Now I'm finding out he was wrong and permits were indeed required. Some of our city's building codes have changed over the years, and the repairs that he did at the time were based on old codes. While I believe the work is structurally sound, it would not have met code requirements during the time that he made them.
Now the hypothetical question that keeps me up at night: Is this something that could eventually result in a denial of coverage by the insurance company? For example, suppose I have a party and a bunch of people are on the deck and it suddenly collapses resulting in severe injuries. After an investigation, they find out the deck wasn't up to code and work was done un-permitted. Would the insurance company have grounds to deny claims based on my negligence? Could I lose everything?
A few additional details. I have MetLife Grand Protect with homeowner's and an excess liability coverage of 1M. I've read through the policies and searched online but can't really find anything definitive. I'd appreciate any thoughts on the matter!
My primary residence has a large multi-level deck that was constructed when the house was originally built many years ago. Over the years, I have had to upkeep it due to normal wear and tear like rotting.
Several years ago, I did a few significant repairs (replaced rotting handrails, replaced some structural columns and beams, and did a small expansion). At the time, my contractor stated that we didn't need permits for those types of repairs. Now I'm finding out he was wrong and permits were indeed required. Some of our city's building codes have changed over the years, and the repairs that he did at the time were based on old codes. While I believe the work is structurally sound, it would not have met code requirements during the time that he made them.
Now the hypothetical question that keeps me up at night: Is this something that could eventually result in a denial of coverage by the insurance company? For example, suppose I have a party and a bunch of people are on the deck and it suddenly collapses resulting in severe injuries. After an investigation, they find out the deck wasn't up to code and work was done un-permitted. Would the insurance company have grounds to deny claims based on my negligence? Could I lose everything?
A few additional details. I have MetLife Grand Protect with homeowner's and an excess liability coverage of 1M. I've read through the policies and searched online but can't really find anything definitive. I'd appreciate any thoughts on the matter!