I am trying to determine if there is coverage for a loss. I also don't know if the mechanical breakdown exclusion applies. The loss arises out of an allegation that an insured employee placed diesel exhaust fluid in the gas tank of the 2014 Dodge Ram. As a result, the engine of the vehicle was damaged. The policy includes:

b. Specified Causes of Loss Coverage

Caused by:

(1) Fire, lightning or explosion;

(2) Theft;

(3) Windstorm, hail or earthquake;

(4) Flood;

(5) Mischief or vandalism; or

(6) The sinking, burning, collision or derailment of any conveyance transporting the covered "auto".

The policy also has an exclusion noting that the policy does not pay for loss due and confined to:

a. Wear and tear, freezing, mechanical or electrical breakdown.

New Jersey Subscriber

If the insured only has the specified causes of loss coverage, this damage is not covered. Comprehensive coverage would apply. The mechanical breakdown exclusion would not apply since that refers to some problem inherent in the vehicle, that is, a mechanical breakdown that occurs from inside the vehicle itself and not due to some outside force. In this instance, the damage occurred because of the negligent actions of the employee and not because of some problem within the car itself.

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