His office was broken into, and the only items stolen were the rings.

The insurer is denying the claim on the rings citing that they are personal property and not business personal property. I maintain that, due to the fact that these rings were obtained in the course of his professional practice, in which his practice received compensation, that they should be considered business personal property.

The rings were on display—just like all the other sports memorabilia (such as signed jerseys, photos, and game balls)—in the practice's office to display the chiropractor's experience and expertise in treating sports injuries. The rings were never taken home. These rings are no different than the award plaques and other recognitions on display in our office that our agency has received from the very carrier that was denying the claim.

Would you please give me some guidance on this issue?

Ohio Subscriber

The BP 00 03 includes property the insured owns that is used in the insured's business in its list of covered business personal property. So, two elements need to be met: owning the property and using it in the insured's business. If the practice was paid for the chiropractor's work for the team, it would seem that the practice would also own the rings that were won by being part of the team. The rings must have been used in the insured's business. If a company owns decorative pieces that are displayed on the premises, those should fall under the parameters of being used in the insured's business. However, if an individual brings in his own objects to decorate his office, those are usually considered personal effects and not business personal property.

From what you describe, these were items used by the insured in its business and not personal awards earned by the chiropractor as an individual, and thus would be covered as business personal property.