I'm Cassondra Sells of Sells Insurance in Arvada. I'm an independent broker, free to you because the carriers pay me, and I compare policies from several carriers for each client. Ordinance or law coverage is one of the quiet coverages that matters most after a big loss.
The short version
When your home is damaged, the rebuild must meet today's building codes, not the codes from when the house was built. Ordinance or law coverage helps pay for those extra costs.
The three parts you'll often see
- Loss to the undamaged portion. Sometimes code requires demolishing undamaged parts of the home.
- Demolition cost. Tearing down and hauling off what's left.
- Increased cost of construction. The upgrades code now requires: electrical, energy code, egress windows, and so on.
Why it matters in Colorado
After large losses like the 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder County, rebuilds ran into current energy and building codes. That put this coverage in front of many homeowners for the first time.
Questions to ask about your policy
- Is ordinance or law coverage included, and what's the limit?
- Does the limit fit the age of your home?
- How does it work with extended or guaranteed replacement cost?
Get a second look
I'll review your current coverage and bring back free quotes from several carriers so you can compare. Visit our homeowners page or call (720) 634-7497.
General information only. Your policy terms control.