This question tests the Critical and Analytical Thinking competency through a mathematical application of the Co-insurance Clause, a fundamental concept in commercial and some personal property insurance. The purpose of the co-insurance clause is to encourage the insured to maintain adequate limits of insurance relative to the value of the property. If the insured fails to meet the required percentage, they become a "co-insurer" and must share in the loss.
The formula for co-insurance is: (Amount of Insurance Carried / Amount of Insurance Required) x Amount of Loss = Claim Payment.
In this scenario:
Value of building: $500,000.
Required amount (90%): $500,000 x 0.90 = $450,000.
Amount carried (Did): $300,000.
Amount required (Should): $450,000.
Loss: $200,000.
Calculation: ($300,000 / $450,000) x $200,000 = (2/3) x $200,000 = $133,333.33.
The RIBO Level 1 Blueprint emphasizes that brokers must not only perform this calculation but also explain the implications of underinsurance to their clients during the Consulting and Advising phase. By failing to insure the building for at least $450,000, the client has suffered a penalty of $66,666.67 on a $200,000 loss. A broker’s ability to identify this risk and assess the correct replacement cost value is vital to avoiding Errors and Omissions (E&O). This calculation demonstrates the practical application of property valuation and the contractual consequences of failing to maintain insurance to value, ensuring the broker provides a professional assessment of the client's financial exposure.
