State Insurance Regulation and Contract Law Flashcards
admitted insurer
an insurer entitled and certified to transact insurance business in California (or one’s state they reside)
non admitted insurer
an insurer that is not entitled or certified to transact business in CA having not complied with the laws (or the state they reside).
domestic insurer
an insurer organized under the laws of CA, whether or not admitted
foreign insurer
an insurer NOT organized under the laws of California, whether or not admitted
alien insurer
an insurer organized under the laws of another country, whether or not admitted
insurance
to indemnify another against loss, damage, or liability arising from a contingent or unknown event
insurable event
Any contingent or unknown event, whether past or future, which may harm a person having an insurable interest or create a liability against him or her
insurance policy
The written instrument in which a contract of insurance is set forth
insurer
Any person who undertakes to indemnify another against loss, damage, or liability arising from a contingent or unknown event
claimant
A first or third party who asserts a right of recovery or payment under an insurance policy
contract
agreement between two or more parties. focusing on the rights, obligations, duties, and responsibilities arising from the agreement between the parties
Concealment
Neglect to communicate when a party knows they ought to communicate
warranty
a promise that a proposition of a fact is true (expressed or implied aka opinion)
express warranty
assertion or fact
California regulates the insurance business within its state lines. However, the federal government regulates insurance business that is associated with
interstate commerce
Transacting insurance in violation of federal law governing interstate commerce is punishable by
imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to $50,000, or both
tort
A breach of a duty that originates by law and not by agreement
The parties to an insurance contract include the
insurer and policyowner
How long must agents keep their business records available for inspection by the California Insurance Commissioner?
5 years
Property Insurance
indemnifies (covers) the owner or user of property for its loss, or the loss of it’s income producing ability when the loss is caused by a covered peril (fire, earthquake, flood)
What are the two types of Insurable property?
- Real property (buildings and land) & 2. Personal Property (tangible item other than real property)
direct loss
loss incurred due to direct damage to a property. Ex: fire burns house
indirect loss
related to a direct loss. ex: fire damages home and owner incurs additional living expenses to stay somewhere else until home is repaired
consequential loss
loss related to equipment failure. ex: food that spoils because refrigeration system is out of operation
Insurable interest
a policy owner’s financial interest in a property. Must always have insurable interest
Secondary Insurable Interest
other party that may have insurable interest in property. Es: Bank or Mortgage holder. or Loan financer
indemnity contracts
Reimburse a percentage of the loss. Most p & c insurance policies are this
Valued contracts
pay a lump sum or agreed listed amount. ex; for artwork, jewelry, etc
Functional Replacement Cost
how much it would cost to repair or replace a damaged OLDER building with out of date components. Modernizing the building after damage
Cash Value
replacement cost minus physical depreciation. Mainly for household contents & other personal property. Over time items depreciate in value so the cash value lowers
Market Value
establishing the value of cars and other personal property. For a building, the market value is the value of the land & location
Agreed Value
“Valued Contracts” pays the dollar amount listed in the policy without regard to the objects depreciated or replacement value
For an insurer to pay a property insurance claim, when must the policyholder have an insurable interest in the insured property?
at the time of the loss
proximate cause of loss
What caused the loss. sets in motion an unbroken chain of events
named perils
loss is covered by a peril that is clearly stated in the policy. the burden of proof lies with the policyholder
What is theft?
a broad term that includes any type of stealing or attempted stealing. There are certain types of theft: burglary or robbery
Burglary
theft of property from within a premises by a person who unlawfully enters the premises
Robbery
is theft during which force is used or threatened against a person (think armed robbery)
Mysterious Disappearance
where property dissapeared from a known place and was probably stolen
Vandalism
willful & malicious damage to covered property WITHOUT theft (covered in open & named perils policies generally)
Open Perils policy
lists the perils that are not covered. The insurer has to prove the cause of the loss was an excluded peril. the burden of proof lies with the insurer to prove a loss was caused
concurrent causation
if a given loss involves two or more given perils, and at least one is a covered peril under the policy, then the loss is covered
Difference-In-Conditions (D-I-C)
property insurance policy purchased in addition to a commercial property policy to obtain coverage for perils that the commercial property policy does not cover (think like gap coverage)
What is Liability Insurance?
Casualty Insurance. “lawsuit protection” insurance. It involves an area of law known as tort law
plaintiff
the person suing
defendant
person being sued. With liability insurance the insured is the defendant
What are the two types of compensatory Damages?
- Special Damages - based on factawarded when there’s a tangible loss (ex: doctor bill. prescription, & loss of income)
- General Damages - award designed to compensate for an injured person’s pain & suffering (can’t be measured in dollars)
Punitive Damages are imposed when?
When the defendant acts in a deliberate manner & is required to pay a punishment
What is an example of an Assumption of Risk?
The owner of a sports stadium is not responsible for someone in the stands getting hit by a fly ball. They voluntarily sat there in that setting
Contributory Negligence
if the plaintiff (person suing) is even 1% at fault AS WELL AS the defendant, then the defendant is free from liability (not as common)
Comparative Negligence
Where the plaintiff is held reliable for their portion of his or her fault & same for the defendant. They are held liable for their portion
Strict (absolute) liability
is imposed when an act or situation is inherently dangerous. Involves injury or damage
Vicarious Liability
exists when on person is legally responsible for the acts of another. Ex: a parent is vicariously liable for the injury or damage done by their child to another OR an employer responsible for it’s employees negligence (think “living vicariously through one another”)
Attractive Nuisances
someone can be held accountable for maintaining something on its property that appeals to curious children even if trespassing (Ex: neighborhood child falls into an unfenced pool)
When can a Binder be issued?
When an application is pending and before a policy has been issued. provides temporary coverage
What is a loss control report?
report describing what an applicant has done to reduce the possibility or severity of a major loss (what preventative measures were taken?)
Loss Ratio
dividing incurred losses by earned premiums
Earned Premium
Paid premium
Expense Ratio
divides the insurer’s incurred expenses with its written premium (include: commissions, underwriting expenses, general expenses, and taxes)
Combined Ratio
determines an insurer’s profitability. The sume of the Loss Ratio + the Expense Ratio
Class Rating
all insureds with similar characteristics are charged the same rates. (Used for High Volume Insurance such as auto & homeowners)
Individual Rating
Used when ever insured is unique and could not readily be placed in a “Class”. (used with property insurance on complex commercial buildings)
Loss Costs
reflect past claims & estimated future claims
Expenses
include commission to its producers, employee salaries, office expenses, taxes, & other costs of doing business
Insurance rates are what?
the cost of insurance per unit of exposure
Insurance premiums are what?
Equal to the insurance rate times the number of exposure units. What the policyholder pays
What is an endorsement?
A change or addition to the provisions included in a policy
Declarations of a policy:
the front page of the policy. declares information about the policy like name and policy period & limits
Who is an an automatic insured?
covered by a policy by not named on the policy. (ex: business’s employees or family members who live in the same household
Is earthquake coverage included?
Because of it’s potentially catastrophic nature, earthquakes are usually excluded. Unless, coverage was added through an endorsement for those willing to pay for it
Are Nuclear Hazards included in P & C policies?
Most all policies excluded Nuclear Hazards because of the possible catastrophic consequences
Where can you obtain Flood Insurance?
Only through the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Is Leakage or Seepage covered or excluded?
Excluded usually. Unless it’s sudden water damage
What is an Artificially Generated Electrical Current? & is it covered or excluded?
Usually excluded. Does not cover damage caused by short circuits, power surges, burnouts, and so forth
Steam Boiler Explosion. Is it covered or excluded?
Excluded. Boilers require their own specific insurance policy
A statement in an auto insurance policy that reads: “We will pay damages for bodily injury or property damage for which any insured becomes legally responsible because of an auto accident” is from which standard policy provision?
insuring agreement
Policy Conditions do what?
set forth the RULES that determine what is required to qualify for coverage
Who is entitled to coverage in a P or C policy?
First named insured, named insureds, additional insureds, AND secured creditors or lendors
Who is the loss payee in a property owner’s policy?
The lending institution or creditor. (ex: who you finance your car through)
What does the loss payable clause ensure?
that the loss payee will be included in any claim payment. By making a check payable to both parties
What does the mortgage (mortgagee) clause do?
Gives certain rights to the mortgagee. They get paid if the property suffers a loss, their coverage continues even if the policy was voided by the insured, and has advanced written notice of cancellation
What is a mortgagee?
a financial institution that lends money to a borrower to purchase a home or other real estate
What is a bailee?
an outside party that offers a service. (repair man or dry cleaner). THEY DO NOT GET COVERAGE.
Liberalization clause
a change in coverage that expands coverage to deal with court decisions, new exposures, or a need to clarify the insurer’s intentions
what is a policy limit?
the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered loss
What are sublimits?
the maximum amount the insurer will pay for a SPECIFIC type of property. (ex: money, jewelry, or trees)
What do deductibles do?
- encourage insureds to exercise care by making them share in losses
- help keep premiums low by not covering small losses
Per Occurence Limitation of Liability provision establishes what?
the maximum amount the insurer will pay for all claims resulting from a single occurrence no matter how much damage there is
What is a per person limit?
the maximum amount the insurer will pay for one person’s injuries
What are the 3 split limits?
- per person limit
- per occurrence limit
- a per occurrence limit that applies to property damage claims
Insurance is regulated at what level?
Primarily the state level (every state has a DOI)
What is the federal government’s role in insurance regulation?
- Privacy Protection
2. Special Coverages
Gramm-Leavh-Bliley Act did what?
stopped a financial institution from disclosing a consumer’s nonpublic personal information to an unaffiliated third party
Federal Trade Commission Act did what?
makes deceptive or unfair trade practices illegal
Violent Crime Control & Law Enforcement Act did what?
made it a criminal offense for anyone who has been convicted of a felony involving breach of trust or dishonesty to willfully engage or participate in the business of insurance without first obtaining written consent from the commissioner
National Flood Insurance Program
most P & C policies do not cover major floods. This program is very important in that it makes this coverage available
Under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, all of the following lines of insurance are covered EXCEPT:
homeowners and dwelling insurance
What is covered under a TRIA or Terrorism Risk Insurance Act?
an act must be intentionally violent or dangerous to human life, property, or infrastructure; have resulted in damage within the U.S., to an air carrier, to a U.S. flag vessel, or on the premises of a U.S. mission such as an embassy or consulate; and produce total losses of over $200 million
What is a Libel?
an intentional Tort this is a written or printed untrue statement that damages a person’s reputation
What is Slander?
intentional tort that is a spoken statement that damage’s a person’s reputation
What is a false arrest?
an unlawful physical restraint of somebody’s freedom. (ex: store employee detains an innocent customer suspected of shoplifting)
What is Gross Negligence?
worse than ordinary negligence because it involves willful and wanton conduct
What is Vicarious Liability?
the legal responsibility of a principal (parent or a teacher) for acts of its agents (children or employees)
What does a package policy do?
combines two or more coverages. (Property & liability). Referring to Homeowners insurance
In property coverages, who is We, Us, and Our?
The insurance company
In property coverages, who is You, Your, and Insured?
The named insured and spouse. whether or not the spouse is named. Including other household residents
How much does one need to make in order to be considered a “Business”?
At least $2,000 a year
What is a single-family dwelling?
Residence premises that is used strictly for private residence. Where the named insured lives. Anything listed in the declarations
What is a Motor Vehicle?
a self propelled vehicle or trailer connected to it. Not just cars but also motorcycles, self-propelled lawn mowers, and even motorized wheelchairs
“Coverage A-Dwelling”, covers what?
covered the named insured’s house or structures attached like a garage or tool shed. Also permanent attachments like central AC. Construction materials on or next to the premises that will be used to build or repair the dwelling is also considered part of the dwelling
“Coverage B - Other Structures”, covers what?
covers structures on the residence premises that are not attached to the dwelling (Ex: gazebo, She Shed, driveway, swimming pool, fence)
What does “Coverage B- Other Structures” NOT cover?
- Structures rented to someone who is not a tenant of the dwelling
- Structures in which a business is operated
- Structures that store business property unless owned by an insured or a tenant of the dwelling
What is covered under “Coverage C- Personal Property”?
TV’s, washing machine, or clothes. Also, items outside like patio furniture or a lawn mower. Applies ANYWHERE in the world. Subject to a $1,000 limit if at another residence (not including a hotel or temporary residence)
What personal property is not covered? (Coverage C)
- items insured by another insurance policy;
- animals, birds, or fish;
- Motor vehicles (accept electric wheelchairs);
- Aircraft & parts designed to carry people or cargo
- Hovercraft
- Personal property of room mates
- personal property thats frequently rented out to others
- Credit Cards
What do Sub limits do?
They further restrict a policies limitations. They apply to property of higher value and attractive to thieves
What does “Coverage D- Loss of Use” protect?
a policyholder whose residence premises cannot be used because of an insured loss
What is “Additional Living Expense Coverage”?
When a covered loss makes the residence unfit to live in the insurer covers the increased living expenses so that the household can maintain its normal way of living while the house is being repaired or they are relocated
What is “Fair Rental Value Coverage?”
When a covered loss included part of a residence premises that is rented out to other, the insurer subtracts the usual expenses that stop while the home is unlivable from the insurance payment
What is the “Civil Authority Prohibits Use Coverage”?
Where a federal, state, or local government agency or state police can prohibit residents from living in undamaged houses in damaged neighborhoods or communities. Additional living expenses & lost rents are covered up to 2 weeks
When is Debris Removal Covered? & what all does it cover?
If a covered peril causes the loss or any volcanic ash damages the covered home or personal property. Covers $500-$1,000 for each fallen tree due to wind, hail, snow or sleet. Also a neighbors tree that falls on the insured’s premises
What are Reasonable Repairs?
reasonable expenses to protect covered property from further damage following initial damage by a covered peril
What is a Fire Department Service Charge?
The policy will pay up to $500 for fire department charges when they are called to protect a property from a covered peril
What does “Property Removed” coverage protect?
covered property from direct loss due to any cause while it is being removed from the premises that is endangered by a covered peril & up to 30 days while it is removed
What is a “Loss Assessment”?
Many homeowners belong to an association of property owners. If the associations coverage is inadequate or unavailable to cover a property loss, the homeowners are assessed to pay for the damage. This policy will pay up to $1,000
When is “Collapse” coverage applied?
Only if all or part of a building has fallen or caved in. DOES NOT APPLY to structural deterioration
What is covered under “Landlord’s Furnishings”?
covers up to $2,500 in losses to appliances, carpeting & other household furnishings. Must be caused by a peril. DOES NOT COVER theft
What does the “Ordinance or Law” cover?
coverage for loss caused by construction regulation
How much coverage for Grave Markers?
covers up to $5,000 of a loss form a covered perils to grave markers on or away from the residence premises
HO 3’s form’s (the most common) dwelling coverage is based on Open or Named Perils?
Open Perils
HO 3’s form’s (the most common) personal property coverage is based on Open or Named Perils?
Named Perils
What is does the Liberalization Clause do?
If the insurer broadens the policy’s coverage without increasing the premium, the change automatically takes effect on the date of the change. Change has to happen within the first 60 days of the policy period
What does an Assignment do?
Transfers the rights of a party to a contract to a third party
What property losses are settled on an Actual Cash Value (ACV) basis at the time of the loss?
Personal Property; awnings, carpeting, household appliances, outdoor equipment; structures that are not buildings; grave markers
What does the 80% Rule do?
To get coverage without a deduction for depreciation in the event of a partial loss, the insured must provide a dwelling coverage limit of at least 80% of the ACV
When does the Appraisal process come into play?
If the insurer and the named insured cannot agree on the loss payment amount
When can the insured sue the insurer?
There are a statute of limitations, however the insurer can’t get sued if the insured has complied with the terms of the policy & the lawsuit begins within 2 years after the loss (CA state is 1 year and can extend to 2 years in the case of a state of emergency)
The liability coverage in all Homeowner’s policies are the same. True or False?
True
The property coverage in all Homeowner’s policies are the same? True or False?
False
HO2 form?
Lists the covered perils in a homeowners policy (Not open perils)
HO3 Form?
Further improvement of HO2 form but still keeps HO2 contents. Broadens coverage to the building on an “all risks” basis. (OPEN PERILS BASIS)
HO4 Form is for who?
People who don’t own homes or the building. (Ex: people who live in apartments) “tenants policy” - has the same contents as HO2 & HO3 but NO BUILDING coverage
HO5 Form:
The Cadillac of all the forms. Includes Open Perils for both the building & the contents or personal property (Most expensive)
HO6 is form is for:
Those with condo’s. They are a little different than those with apartments.
HO8 form is for:
For the more difficult to insure homes. Usually for much older homes where the current market value is MUCH lower than the replacement value of the home.
Josefa sells her house. She wants to end her homeowners insurance policy nine months before the end of the policy term and get a refund of the unused premium. What must she do to end coverage?
Cancel
Owen’s house is damaged when Latrice’s car crashes into it. After Owen’s insurer pays to repair the house, the insurer tries to recover its costs from Latrice. What provision in Owen’s policy gives the insurer this right?
subrogation
Section I of a homeowner’s policy provides what?
Property coverages
Section II of a homeowner’s policy provides what?
The liability coverages
Bernard’s homeowners insurance policy refers to an “insured location.” Which one of the following locations would NOT qualify as an insured location?
Bernard’s office in a downtown building owned by his employer
Homeowner’s Insurance comes in a package policy combining what?
Property & Liability coverage in a single policy
Section II- Coverage E in a homeowner’s policy is for:
Personal Liability
Section II Coverage F in a homeowner’s policy is for:
Medical Payments to others
Home Business Insurance Coverage Endorsement does:
extends coverage to certain risks from a home business (not usually covered)
Permitted Incidental Occupancies Endorsement does what?
it covers incidental types of business conducted on the residence premises, such as offices, schools, & studios
Home Day Care Coverage Endorsement does what?
provides property & liability coverage for a home day care center that an insured operates on the residence premises
When is a Boat owner’s Policy needed?
To cover their watercraft. Many HO policies do not cover watercraft so this policy is needed
What are the “Medical Payments to Others” Exclusions?
- Residence Employee Exclusion- not covered outside the scope of employment
- Any Person Eligible to Receive Other Benefits (workers comp or nonoccupational disability)
- Nuclear Exclusions
- Other Persons Exclusion- only covers the residence employee
A deck collapses during a party at an insured’s house, and the guests sustain minor injuries. The medical payments to others coverage of the insured’s homeowners policy will pay for whose medical bills?
Sanford’s, the guest of honor (does not cover the insured’s or people living in the home)
Does a Bankruptcy release the insurer from its contractual obligations under the HO policy?
No. they are still responsible for any loss if an insured files bankruptcy before a claim is submitted
What does the mortgage clause protect?
the mortgage holder against losses to the mortgaged property
A homeowners insurance policy does NOT provide liability coverage for anyone who:
makes false statements with respect to the insurance
Because Ahmad has a home-based business with three employees, his homeowners insurance policy includes the home business insurance coverage endorsement. This HOBIZ endorsement includes all the following coverages EXCEPT:
workers compensation coverage
Bert faced two personal liability claims during the past year. His homeowners insurance policy has a $100,000 personal liability limit. The first claim was $125,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage. The second claim was $2,000 for bodily injury. How much did Bert’s insurer pay in damages?
$102,000
; The insurer will pay the $100,000 limit for the first occurrence and $2,000 for the second.
Marcus sells homemade jams and jellies from his home in a town that is popular with tourists. Marcus wants the broad protection of a home business insurance coverage (HOBIZ) endorsement. Which factor makes him ineligible for coverage under this endorsement?
His business involves the sale of food products.
Unlike the medical payments to others coverage, liability coverage applies only when:
an insured is legally responsible to pay damages because someone has been injured.
The term “Damages” refers to:
the monetary compensation to someone who has suffered a loss or damage
When is a Dwelling Policy used?
When a Homeowners policy is unsuitable
What is the difference between a Homeowners policy & a Dwelling policy?
Homeowner policies cover Property & Liability risks while a Dwelling policy only covers property risk; A HO policy is a comprehensive insurance package (insureds can’t tailor the policy to their needs) while a dwelling policy covers only basic property insurance (additional coverage can be added through endorsements)
When is a house ineligible for a homeowners insurance?
- A tenant who is renting is ineligible for a HO policy because it is not occupied by the owner
- A residence that houses a certain number of families may be ineligible for a HO policy because it exceeds the maximum number of families that can inhibit an insured home
- A house may be ineligible for a HO policy because it is below the insurance company’s minimum insurable value
- A house that is under construction in ineligible for homeowners insurance
If the policy form included Coverages A,B, or D then who is considered the “Insured”?
The building’s owner
If the policy form includes only Coverages C & E then who is considered the “insured”?
The tenant may be the insured & the policy owner. Sometimes called “renters insurance”
“Dwelling Property 1- Basic Form: Limited Property Insurance coverage” covers what?
overs losses to all property—including the dwelling—on an actual cash value (ACV) basis. It is the least comprehensive form.
“Dwelling Property 2- Broad Form: Broad property coverage” covers what?
covers the same perils as the basic form and several more. covers the dwelling and other structures on a replacement cost basis. However, it covers personal property on an actual cash value basis