Virtual University | Definitions

How Vacant is Vacant – But What if it’s NOT Vacant?

Vacant land, or what qualifies as vacant land, is a common question for the VU. Two recent “Ask an Expert” questions specific to vacant land indicated the need to address the question again.

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Insured’s Party Gives Her Insurance Agent Heartburn

A customer is considering hosting a party for a church group on a property someone is giving her free access to. If there is a liability claim, will her ISO HO-3 respond? What if it’s property other than her residence premises that she owns?

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HO Coverage for Homes in Foreclosure

Do you have any homeowner insureds whose homes are or have been in foreclosure? Do you have any mortgage companies who, as a result of a foreclosure, are insisting that you return unearned premium to them? This article should give you some food for thought as you deal with this growing problem.

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Vacant Land

Vacant land presents two problems. First, most people find it hard to believe that they could be sued because they own a piece of vacant land. Second, the characteristics that make a piece of land “vacant” are not universally agreed upon, and thus are unpredictable.

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What Does "Used in Connection With" Mean?

The definition of 'insured location' in the HO policy includes any premises 'used in connection with' the residence premises. Exactly what does that mean?

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What is "Vacant Land"?

The ISO HO policies automatically include coverage for vacant land as part of the definition of 'insured location.' But what constitutes 'vacant land'? Does a water pump, abandoned building foundation, road, fence, or other object remove the property completely from liability coverage for activities that are only covered while on an 'insured location'?

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When Residents Have No Contents Coverage (and Worse)

The named insureds have separate HO-3 policies on two homes. One is occupied by their daughter as her primary residence, but she is not a named insured. The daughter's residence was burglarized and the daughter made a claim for loss of her personal property. The company denied the claim under her parents' HO- 3 because she is not a resident of their household, even though she is a relative. Is this correct?

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