Terms & Definitions

Frame – Construction of the building that uses wood or another combustible material in the exterior walls.
Joisted Masonry – Construction of the building that uses masonry (brick, concrete, adobe, etc) for the exterior walls and a
combustible material (typically wooden beams) in the floors and roof.
Non-Combustible – Construction of the building that uses noncombustible materials (metal, gypsum, asbestos) in the exterior walls, floors, and roof.
Masonry-noncombustible – Construction of the building in which floors and roof meet the requirements of the noncombustible classification above, with exterior walls entirely of a masonry material.
Modified Fire Resistive – Construction of the building using masonry or other materials determined by tests to have a fire resistance rating of at least one hour.
Fire Resistive – Construction of the building using materials with a fire resistance rating of at least two hours (steel).

Tenant Improvements and Betterments coverage – Coverage for any interior improvements (walls, fixtures, plumbing, lighting, etc) made to your leased space and required by your lease to be repaired or replaced by you in the event of a loss. The policy will cover that space for the causes of loss listed in the policy (fire, wind, hail, etc).
Employee Dishonesty coverage – Employee Dishonesty is a criminal act committed by an employee, either acting alone or in collusion with another person. There must be intent by the employee to cause you, the employer, a loss and for that employee or another person to obtain some sort of financial gain or benefit. Typically it involves the loss of cash, but can also be property such as equipment and/or stock.
Back up of sewer and drain coverage – Coverage for loss or damage to the building or space occupied by you, caused by or resulting from water that backs up or overflows from a sewer or drain. The policy will not cover water damage due to a faulty sump pump or similar device, nor from a sewer or drain that backs up due to a flood, or water released from a dam.
Earthquake coverage – Coverage for loss or damage to the building or space occupied by you, caused by or resulting from an earthquake.