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Household/Family Members Exclusions in Motorists Insurance

Exclusions in a motorist insurance policy that deny coverage to members of an insured's family or household may or may not be valid in a particular case. Further, several factors must be considered before an injured party may be found to be a member of an insured's family or household. It is best to check current case law before accepting that these exclusions in a motorist insurance policy bar an injured person's recovery from the insured's policy.

Auto Insurance Notice Requirements

Because the business of motor vehicle insurance is a complicated one that may necessitate the transmittal of a great deal of information between the parties to an auto insurance policy, issues related to the duties of an insurer and an insured to give notice to one another of matters affecting the status of a policy or the occurrence of events having significance to policy coverage frequently arise. These issues can include such things as modifications to the policy itself, the status of the insured with respect to his or her premium payment obligations, the occurrence of an event triggering coverage under the policy, or cancellation of the policy by the insurer.

Omnibus Clauses in Auto Insurance

An omnibus clause in an automobile liability insurance policy extends coverage under the policy to those using an insured automobile with a named insured's express or implied permission. The clause is also known as an additional insureds clause. State statutes generally require automobile liability insurance companies to provide omnibus clauses in their insurance policies.

Effect of Recall Campaigns on Automotive Products Liability Cases

The basic elements of proof that a plaintiff has to establish in a products liability action against a manufacturer or seller of a motor vehicle are that the vehicle as sold contained a defect that created an unreasonable risk of death, personal injury, or property damage when the vehicle was used for its intended purpose and that the defect caused an accident or similar incident, such as a vehicle fire, that resulted in the damage or loss for which the plaintiff seeks to recover damages. Vehicle defects for purposes of establishing liability in such a case include shortcomings in the design of a vehicle, errors in the manufacture of its component parts or in their assembly into a complete car or truck, and failure to warn the purchaser or operator of risks inherent in the use and operation of the vehicle. Safety-related recall campaigns covering a vehicle involved in such an action can have an effect on the outcome of the dispute between the parties.

Auto Coverage for Mass Transit Vehicles

Mass transit vehicles such as buses play an important role in carrying out the necessary activity of enabling the residents of the United States to conduct their public and private business. The sheer volume of human activity involved in mass transit operations, and the number and types of vehicles employed in mass transit around the country, create numerous issues related to the motor vehicle insurance aspects of the mass transit business.