The article of the month deals with resident relatives. The issue of whether an individual is a resident relative of the named insured often plays a crucial role in determining whether coverage is afforded or denied; for the most part, homeowners, dwellings, and personal liability policies extend liability coverage if the individual is a resident relative of the named insured.

The concept of resident relative status has been tested in litigation in varying circumstances and fact patterns. The article of the month reviews the outcomes of legal actions, presents factors determining the status of household members, and offers other information on this subject.

The court cases in the Dec Page come from South Carolina, Washington, and Pennsylvania. The Court of Appeals of South Carolina decided the status of a worker within the meaning of an auto policy. Was the worker an employee or a temporary worker? Coverage for a bodily injury depended on the answer. The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington analyzed the “arising out of” language and the “other insurance” clauses in the policies to decide the primary versus excess insurers' coverage dispute. The final case was decided by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and deals with reservation of rights issues. The reservation of rights letter was sent to the parents of the actual insured who was living with her parents at the time of the accident. Was this sufficient notice to the insured concerning the coverage questions raised by the insurer?

Questions and Answers

When an insured has a vacation home and prevents its use, what is covered for additional living expenses? See Additional Living Expenses When Vacation Property Is Damaged. When leaves fall into a roof gutter, can the wind hail deductible be applied? See Falling Leaves Do Not Invoke Wind-Hail Deductible. When trees are damaged by fire, does debris removal of coverage for trees apply? See Fire Damage to Trees-Debris Removal or Additional Coverage for Trees?. Is the buying of a used item considered replacement cost? See Purchase from Craigslist Is Not Replacement Cost. How is the deductible applied in a total loss settlement in a valued policy state? See Total Loss Settlement in Valued Policy State.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Forms

With the increase in popularity of hybrid and totally electric vehicles, charging stations are also becoming more common. This article discusses the ISO Electric Vehicle Charging Station Liability Coverages forms in California, Colorado and Oregon. See Electric Vehicle Charging Station Liability Coverages.

Transportation Network Driver Coverage (No Passenger)-Arizona and Kentucky

With the increase in popularity of hybrid and totally electric vehicles, charging stations are also becoming more common. This article discusses the ISO Electric Vehicle Charging Station Liability Coverages forms in California, Colorado and Oregon. See Transportation Network Driver Coverage (No Passenger)-Arizona and Kentucky.