CIC Commercial Property study materials
CIC Commercial Property study resources

CIC Commercial Property study plan

CIC Commercial Property · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Commercial Property Coverage Forms & Endorsements

  • Map the structure of the commercial property coverage form: identify the five coverage parts (building, business personal property, personal property of others, business income, extra expense) and explain what each insures.

  • Differentiate the three valuation methods (ACV, replacement cost, functional replacement cost) and compute a sample loss payment under each.

  • Explain the coinsurance clause, including the formula for determining the required limit and the penalty for underinsurance, and calculate the payment on a sample underinsured loss.

  • List and describe at least six endorsements that modify the commercial property coverage form (e.g., agreed value, inflation guard, replacement cost, extended business income, ordinance or law).

Your checkpoint

Create a one-page comparison table of the five coverage parts, three valuation methods, and six endorsements, with a worked coinsurance example.

Week 2

Commercial Property Coverage Forms & Endorsements

  • Analyze the causes of loss forms (basic, broad, special) and classify at least 15 perils as covered, excluded, or subject to limitations under each form.

  • Explain the difference between named-peril and open-peril (special) coverage and how the burden of proof shifts.

  • Identify the key exclusions in the special form (e.g., wear and tear, faulty workmanship, mechanical breakdown) and the exceptions that restore coverage.

  • Describe the coverage triggers and limitations for water damage, theft, and glass breakage under the commercial property form.

Your checkpoint

Build a peril matrix listing 20 perils across the three causes of loss forms, with a short explanation of any limitations or exclusions.

Week 3

Commercial Property Coverage Forms & Endorsements & Commercial Property Causes of Loss & Endorsements

  • Explain how the causes of loss forms interact with the commercial property coverage form and endorsements (e.g., changes in the causes of loss form via endorsement).

  • Describe at least five endorsements that modify causes of loss (e.g., equipment breakdown, spoilage, utility services, earthquake, flood) and the coverage each adds or restricts.

  • Analyze the equipment breakdown endorsement: covered equipment, key exclusions, and how it differs from a standard boiler and machinery policy.

  • Apply the special form exclusions to a case scenario and determine whether a loss is covered, excluded, or subject to a limitation.

Your checkpoint

Write a 300-word case analysis of a multi-peril loss scenario, identifying which causes of loss form applies and justifying the coverage determination.

Week 4

Commercial Property Causes of Loss & Endorsements

  • Compare the three causes of loss forms in detail, including the specific perils covered under basic and broad forms and the open-peril approach of the special form.

  • Explain the coverage for collapse, water damage, and fungus/mold under the causes of loss forms, including any sub-limits or waiting periods.

  • Describe the endorsements that add or remove perils (e.g., earthquake, flood, windstorm, hail) and how they interact with deductibles.

  • Calculate the deductible application for a sample loss under each causes of loss form, including percentage deductibles for named storms.

Your checkpoint

Create a flowchart that guides a user from a loss description to the applicable causes of loss form and deductible, with three worked examples.

Week 5

Time Element Coverages & Endorsements

  • Explain the business income coverage form: the definition of business income, the period of restoration, and the extra expense coverage.

  • Differentiate between business income and extra expense, and describe how they work together in a loss scenario.

  • Describe the extended business income endorsement and the extended period of indemnity, and calculate the additional coverage period.

  • Identify the key exclusions and limitations in time element coverages (e.g., waiting periods, ordinary payroll, off-premises utility services).

Your checkpoint

Prepare a one-page summary of business income and extra expense coverages, including a timeline of a sample loss showing the period of restoration and extended period.

Week 6

Time Element Coverages & Endorsements & Commercial Property Coverage Forms & Endorsements

  • Analyze the business income and extra expense endorsements (e.g., agreed value, maximum period of indemnity, monthly limit of indemnity, premium adjustment).

  • Explain the contingent business income coverage and the difference between dependent properties and contributing properties.

  • Describe the leasehold interest coverage and how it responds to a loss.

  • Review the interaction between time element coverages and property coverages, including how coinsurance applies to business income.

Your checkpoint

Create a comparison chart of at least six time element endorsements, showing the coverage each adds and the underwriting information needed.

Week 7

Commercial Property Coverage Forms & Endorsements & Commercial Property Causes of Loss & Endorsements & Time Element Coverages & Endorsements

  • Integrate knowledge across all three domains by analyzing a comprehensive case study that includes property damage, causes of loss, and time element losses.

  • Identify coverage gaps and recommend appropriate endorsements for a given commercial property risk.

  • Calculate the total claim payment for a complex loss, applying coinsurance, deductibles, and time element limits.

  • Review the key exclusions and limitations across all domains and explain how they interact.

Your checkpoint

Complete a full practice exam (at least 50 questions) covering all domains, score it, and write a review of incorrect answers with explanations.

Week 8

Commercial Property Coverage Forms & Endorsements & Commercial Property Causes of Loss & Endorsements & Time Element Coverages & Endorsements

  • Review weak areas identified in the practice exam and re-study the corresponding topics.

  • Memorize key definitions, coverage triggers, and exclusions using flashcards or a summary sheet.

  • Practice time management by completing a timed 50-question exam under test conditions.

  • Finalize a one-page quick-reference sheet for each domain to use for last-minute review.

Your checkpoint

Score at least 80% on a timed 50-question practice exam and produce a final one-page summary sheet for each domain.

Milestones

Week 4: Score at least 75% on a 30-question quiz covering Domains 1 and 2, and correctly answer 8 out of 10 coinsurance and deductible calculation problems.

Week 6: Score at least 75% on a 30-question quiz covering Domain 3 and the interaction with Domains 1 and 2, and correctly explain the period of restoration and extended period of indemnity in a case scenario.

Week 8: Score at least 80% on a timed 50-question practice exam covering all domains, with no domain below 70%.