Many businesses use independent contractors. While the “principal” (owner) is usually not liable for the actions of an independent contractor, third parties can make claim or sue the owner on the basis that the work was inherently dangerous, the owner supplied defective tools or equipment, negligently hired or supervised the contractor, etc. Owners have at…
Question: “My customer has a Business Auto Policy (BAP) with Symbol 1 for liability and Symbol 7 for physical damage. One of their autos will be in the shop for two weeks for repairs and I want to make sure there are no gaps in coverage. Since they will rent a vehicle during this time,…
In today’s market, everyone is looking for a way to reduce premiums. One method that is sometimes used is to not carry UM coverage under the BAP. After all, if an employee is injured, there’s workers compensation coverage, right? Answer: maybe, maybe not, and definitely not.
A contractor is rolling an air compressor across a parking lot to load it into his truck. He slips and the compressor rolls into a Cadillac. Is it a Business Auto claim or a CGL claim? The answer may not be as simple as you think. In addition, this actual claim submitted to our “Ask…
The ISO Personal Auto Policy provides broad coverage for the use of nonowned autos…essentially, the broadest coverage on any owned vehicle (liability, medical payments, physical damage, etc.) will extend to most rented or borrowed cars. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple when dealing with the Business Auto policy and, if an agent isn’t careful, their insureds…
“On-hook” coverage is often provided for towing operations in case a vehicle being transported is damaged. Exactly what is “on-hook” coverage and how does it compare to garagekeepers coverage? If garagekeepers coverage is provided, is on-hook coverage needed? Well, it depends on what insurer you ask.
An auto policy was written to provide liability and uninsured motorists (UM BI & PD) coverage on a Symbol 2 basis. The insured asked the agency to delete several autos during the policy term. Later there was an accident with an uninsured motorist involving $8,000 in damage to one of the deleted autos. The insured…
Your insured’s business auto policy includes Symbols 7 and 8. He acquires a new vehicle, but fails to report it until he has an accident three months later. Normally, there is no coverage under Symbol 7 for acquired vehicles beyond 30 days. However, rather than buy the vehicle, he leased it under a long-term lease…
Recently, we’ve had several “Ask an Expert” questions about the need for CGL coverage for someone whose business involves almost exclusively the driving or operation of a motor vehicle, from long-haul truckers to cement truck drivers to parcel delivery services. Do such businesses really need CGL coverage?
An insured was operating a company-owned vehicle after hours for personal use. He is required to carry a pager as he is on call 24 hours for emergencies. He was involved in a car accident and injured as a result of the accident. Does workers compensation apply or the business auto PIP coverage? The workers…
