Today, extortion is rapidly expanding beyond human kidnapping, and extortion insurance coverage is expanding along with it. Agents and brokers need to understand provisions in policies that address the exposures. In confidence, but how strict? By Joseph S. Harrington, CPCU If you don’t want to become a victim of extortion, it’s wise not to tell people you have money to pay ransoms. And if that ransom money comes from an
Coverage Concerns
IDENTIFYING THE CAUSE OF LOSS Bethany Bowers had a mess on her hand when she discovered that her tenants were marijuana farmers. Unfortunately for Bethany, the tenants grew the product in the basement of her house using grow lights and heat diverted from the furnace. The activity created moisture throughout the house which resulted in warped paneling and mold. When Bethany discovered the situation, she made a claim to her
Does the operating principle concerning certificates of insurance contradict the duty of an insurer to stand by the commitments made by its authorized agents? A Washington Supreme Court case may answer that question. Certificates of uncertainty Continuing controversy plagues attempts at common understandings of coverage By Joseph S. Harrington, CPCU For the better part of the past two decades, insurers and regulators have promoted the principle that certificates of insurance
IS ONE BITE ENOUGH? Kit heard the child’s cry and rushed out to help. She ended up getting bit by a dog named Tank. Then she was accidentally tased and finally shot by police officers as they attempted to gain control of the situation. Kit and the child sued Tank’s owner, but his homeowners carrier refused to pay because this was Tank’s second bite. See how the courts responded to
In the wake of mass shootings, the question arises: Who will compensate the victims? As courts address the issue, insurers seek to restrict what could be a huge exposure. When shots fly Who’s liable and who’s covered? By Joseph S. Harrington, CPCU Andrew Torba bristles at the idea that his social media platform is responsible for the actions of the man who killed 11 people and wounded six others in
