Court Opinion

ID: 9567758
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 19:57:28.009351+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T10:20:35.736779
License: Public Domain

Beasley, Presiding Judge,
concurring specially.
Five “Special Provisions” are stated on the last page of the policy contract following but not part of the sections with the heading “Conditions” in large type. The special provisions are in the nature of representations made by the insured: “(a) The residence premises is not seasonal; (b) no business pursuits are conducted on the residence premises; (c) the residence premises is the only premises where the Named Insured or spouse maintains a residence other than business or farm properties; (d) the insured has no full time residence employee (s); (e) the insured has no outboard motor (s) or watercraft otherwise excluded under this policy for which coverage is desired. Exception, if any, to (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) is entered on the Declarations Page. Absence of any entry means ‘no exceptions.’ ”
No exceptions are stated on the Declarations Page. “Business” is defined in the policy as including “trade,” which the activity of providing, for a fee, video games and pool tables constituted. Exclusions related to “business” specifically appear in the definitions.
Insureds’ representation “(b)” was not true for the period mid-October 1990 until the date of the fire about eight weeks later (December 25, 1990), although it was true when the policy was purchased. Insurer agreed in the first sentence of the homeowners’ policy, 16 pages before the Special Provisions, to furnish insurance “for the premium and compliance with all application provisions of the policy.” There is no express warning that if one of the circumstances changes, coverage is lost. Nevertheless, it is implied. We cannot ignore that or require that such a warning be express. “[T]his court will not rewrite or change the terms to extend coverage.” Smith v. Southeast*306ern Fid. Ins. Co., 181 Ga. App. 316, 319 (352 SE2d 407) (1986).
The insureds did not comply with Special Provision (b). They introduced an activity which increased the risk and which the insurer had not agreed to cover. Thus, I agree that the premises are not covered, including the business property damaged or destroyed. This is true despite the property coverage section extending to “$2500 on property, on the residence premises, used at any time or in any manner for any business purpose.” This provision is not inconsistent with the special condition which avoids coverage altogether if business pursuits are conducted on the residence premises.