CR 04 06–INSIDE THE PREMISES–ROBBERY OF A WATCHPERSON OR BURGLARY OF OTHER PROPERTY

(February 2026)

INTRODUCTION

This endorsement should be used when the broader coverage provided by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) CP 10 30–Special Causes of Loss, used with commercial property coverage forms, is either unavailable or considered excessive. It adds coverage for robbery of a watchperson or burglary of other property when it is inside the insured premises.

This analysis is of the 06 22 edition. Material changes are bolded, but format changes that do not affect coverage are not highlighted.

ELIGIBILITY

This coverage can be added to any Insurance Services Office (ISO) Commercial Crime or Government Crime Coverage Form or Policy.

ANALYSIS

This is an endorsement to the ISO Commercial Crime or Government Crime Coverage Forms and Policies and is subject to their conditions, definitions, and exclusions. The only changes are those within the endorsement.

INSURING AGREEMENT

Section A. Insuring Agreement of the policy or coverage form now includes the following:

Inside The Premises – Robbery of a Watchperson or Burglary of Other Property

Coverage applies to:

·         loss or damage to property, excluding money and securities, but only when it occurs inside the premises. The damage must result from a robbery of a watchperson or a burglary. These events can be actual or attempted.

·         Loss or damage to the premises or its exterior resulting from the actions described above is also covered. This coverage applies only if the named insured owns the premises or is legally liable for such damage.

NOTE: Coverage only applies if there is actual evidence of a crime, such as visible signs of forced entry or exit, or if the watchperson was threatened.

Example: Harry opens his store one morning and discovers four crates of cigarette cartons stored in the back room are missing. This loss is not covered because there is no evidence of forced entry.

LIMIT OF INSURANCE

The maximum amount payable for a loss caused by an occurrence is the Limit of Insurance listed on the Declaration.

DEDUCTIBLE

A loss must exceed the deductible listed in the Declarations before any payment is issued, and even then, only up to the Limit of Insurance.

EXCLUSIONS

With the 0622 editions, exclusions now have headings.  

CR 04 06 adds the following exclusions to Section D.2. Additional Exclusions Applicable to Specific Insuring Agreements:

The following exclusions are not covered under this endorsement:

·         Changes in Condition  

Coverage does not apply if a loss happens due to an increase in risk within the insured’s control and no corrective measures were taken.

·         Fire

Loss from fire is excluded regardless of how it is caused.

However, the following exception is covered: 

o   Fire damage to a safe or vault.

NOTE: This coverage is not intended to be a substitute for property insurance.

Example: Burglars removed the safe from the premises to open it later. The police recovered the safe. The door was still locked, but the safe itself was badly damaged by the burglars using acetylene torches to try to open it. The fire damage to the safe is covered.

NOTE: With the 06 22 edition, loss that occurs during a fire inside the premises has been removed.

·         Motor Vehicles or Equipment and Accessories

Coverage does not extend to loss or damage of motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, or any attached accessories.

·         Vandalism

No coverage is provided for vandalism damage to the covered property, the premises, or the exterior of the premises. Additionally, damage caused by malicious mischief is not covered.

NOTE: Property coverage forms should be used to provide this coverage.

CONDITIONS

CR 04 06 adds one condition to the E.2. Additional Conditions Applicable to Specific Insuring Agreements section:

·         Suspension of Coverage

Coverage is suspended following a loss until the premises or location is restored to its original condition and security level prior to the damage or loss. However, this suspension is waived if at least one watchperson is present on the premises whenever the premises are closed for business.

Example: Thieves kick in the door at Patrick’s Bakery, breaking the lock. They steal $10,000 worth of property. Patrick temporarily covers the broken door with a tarp until a new one is installed. That night, the thieves return, slash the tarp, and steal an additional $15,000 worth of property.

The first loss is covered, but the second is not, since the security level was less than the level that existed before the first loss.

NOTE: With the 06 22 edition, the second condition for the special limit on precious metals, stones, manuscripts, and drawings has been eliminated. These items are now included under the same limit, deductible amount, and terms as other property. 

DEFINITIONS

CR 04 06 replaces the definition of watchperson and adds a new definition for burglary as follows:

Revised Definition:

Watchperson

Any individual whom the named insured specifically employs to care for and have custody of property within the premises. Watchpersons have no duties beyond this role. Additionally, janitors working for the insured and having care and custody of covered property are considered watchpersons.

NOTE: The difference between this definition and the one in the coverage form is that it includes janitors as watchpersons.

Added Definition:

Burglary

There are two parts to the definition of burglary:

·         Property must be taken in an unlawful manner from the inside of the premises.

·         There must be physical signs or marks indicating an entry or exit from the building by force.

Examples:

Scenario 1: John works at Grant’s Fast Food. After his shift, he realizes he left his backpack at the restaurant. He urgently needs it but doesn’t have a key. Instead of calling his boss for a key, he breaks a window, enters the restaurant, retrieves his backpack, and leaves. This isn’t considered a burglary because John did not take any property unlawfully.

Scenario 2: John’s boss fires him after discovering he broke into the store after hours. Upset, John sneaks into the back room unnoticed, steals a box of beef patties, and quickly leaves. Although he took property unlawfully and was on the premises without permission, since there were no visible signs of forced entry or exit, a burglary has not occurred.