Fire Department Charges Covered by Auto Policy?

Some municipalities automatically send out the fire department to an auto accident scene even though there is no need for the fire department services. There are no injuries and the only damage is minor damage to the two autos involved in the accident, certainly no fire involved. And, the municipality may have a local ordinance that then provides a bill to be sent to the insured(s) that caused the accident. Would the auto policy pay the bill for the fire department service under such circumstances?

Ohio Subscriber

Neither the standard business auto policy nor the standard personal auto policy would pay for the fire department services. Both policies apply to liability for bodily injury or property damage. These terms are both defined on the auto policies and neither definition includes a fee or charge for fire department services. The supplementary payments clauses on the auto policies do not provide payment for the department services. And, the physical damage coverages under the policies apply to damage to the covered autos and auto equipment; service fees are not included.

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