Frequently, adjusters inquire about the definition of “collapse” in a given state. The recent trend, as followed in the majority of states in which this issue has been litigated, is to define the term as “substantial impairment of structural integrity.” The other, more conservative standard, defines collapse as, “total rubble or an abrupt falling down.” The ISO Commercial Property Causes of Loss — Special Form CP, 10 30 04 02 and Homeowners Special Form HO 00 03 10 00 define collapse to mean, “an abrupt falling down or caving in of a building or any part of a building with the result that the building or part of the building cannot be occupied for its intended purpose.”
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