Virtual University

Loading and Unloading…PAP or HO?

A woman who was in a wheelchair was attempting to get into her vehicle. As she turned in her wheelchair, she accidentally hit our insured’s vehicle (with her wheelchair) causing damage to…

Toy car on the palm of a woman's hand on pink background. Protection, insurance auto concept

Is a Motor Home a Home?

Our faculty handles plenty of simple questions. However, frequently we get questions that, on the surface, seem simple, but on further inspection prove to be quite problematic, even controversial. Here’s…

What Does “Use” of a Vehicle Involve?

A child who was a passenger on an ATV was injured and the insurer denied the claim under a premises liability policy, citing an exclusion for the ownership, maintenance or…

Golf Carts…They’re Not Just for Golf Anymore

The homeowners policy is designed primarily to cover golf carts while used to play golf. Unfortunately, they are often used for many other activities. This article takes a look at…

Close-up of a golf ball on an autumnal field covered with fallen orange leaves, with a blurred background of trees. Perfect for themes of sports and seasons.

What is a “Windstorm”?

Most named perils property policies cover “windstorm.” Note that this doesn’t say “wind,” but rather “windSTORM.” So the question is, what constitutes a windstorm? This issue recently arose in an auto…

group of tall palm trees waving in wind and residential buildings over stormy sky in Deerfield Beach Florida

What is “Theft”? It Doesn’t Matter!

The insured sold her $29,000 ring…or so she thought. When she attempted to deposit the cashiers check, she learned that it was forged and the forger was long gone. When…

Boat Docks and Windstorm Damage

Last year’s swath of hurricanes brought numerous claims involving damage to boat docks and piers, along with numerous claim denials. Weather-related claims to boat docks are common elsewhere in the…

group of tall palm trees waving in wind and residential buildings over stormy sky in Deerfield Beach Florida

What is “Theft”?

An insured sends brass bathroom fixtures to the manufacturer to be replated or replaced. They are lost by the manufacturer who refuses to replace them. Is this loss covered by…

The Homeowners “Vehicle” Peril

Here’s a composite of THREE questions received by our “Ask an Expert” service in the past month: “Is there any coverage under the HO3 for a piece of furniture/washer/television (or…

Car insurance document, with a vehicle and policy, 3D illustration, copy space for text,