Personal Lines

Homeowners’ Associations

It’s very unlikely that many purchasers of a townhome or a stand-alone home in an association ever consider the insurance implications of such purchases. Only when it’s time for the…

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Can Home Repair Costs be Depreciated?

After a fire damaged an insured’s home, the HO adjuster offered to pay only part of the repair bill, stating that he was taking depreciation off the total. The agent…

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Homeowners Functional Replacement Cost

Our “Ask an Expert” service got a question this week from an agent who represents an insurer who has begun using a Functional Replacement Cost Loss Settlement endorsement on older…

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Insurable Interest in Personal Property

A critical element in the principle of indemnity is that an insured can only collect for a loss in an amount equal to his or her insurable interest in the…

The HO Undervaluation Problem

According to the experts, a majority of homes are undervalued by at least 25% on average. Magazines and newspapers are replete with articles about insureds who suffered major losses only…

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Rental Cars and Unauthorized Drivers

We had an insured call to advise that he was going on vacation and renting a car in his name. He has a 19 year old that he understands cannot…

Rental Cars and Diminution of Value

Several years ago, I wrote an article called “”The Top 10 Reasons to Purchase the Rental Car Company’s CDW/LDW.” This article and a downloadable consumer version you can share with…

Top 10 Reasons to Purchase the Rental Car Damage Waiver

Although most damage waiver fees are considered outrageous, the insured is best advised to purchase the waiver for short-term rentals. This is not only in the best interest of the insured, but also the…

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Who is an Insured for Physical Damage?

A couple divorce, the wife moves out, and, although her auto is declared on the policy, she is not a named insured. Does she have physical damage coverage? (Note: One…

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Zip Cars

Zipcar is an innovative alternative to traditional car rental. The company describes itself as a “car sharing” company instead of a car rental company. The company currently operates in multiple…

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