AAIS PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS EQUIPMENT COVERAGE ANALYSIS

(August 2025)

Introduction

Eligibility

Policy Construction

IM 1405–Schedule of Coverages–Physicians and Dentists Equipment

IM 1400–Physicians and Dentists Equipment Coverage Analysis

   Agreement

   Definitions

   Property Covered

   Property Not Covered

   Coverage Extensions

   Perils Covered

   Other Coverages–Collapse

   Perils Excluded

   What Must Be Done in Case of Loss

   Valuation

   How Much We Pay

   Loss Payment

   Other Conditions

   Additional Coverage Limitation

Endorsements

Underwriting Considerations

INTRODUCTION

The American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS) offers coverage for physicians' and dentists' equipment, which includes medical equipment, surgical instruments, tools, materials, supplies, and scientific books. This insurance covers only the items that the insured uses in their medical practice, with no restrictions on location or premises for covered property. However, with an endorsement, coverage can be limited to only the property that the insured carries.

Additionally, the policy covers furniture, fixtures, and equipment located at a specified premises. If applicable, the coverage also includes tenant improvements.

ELIGIBILITY

This coverage is available to individuals engaged in the medical or dental professions. Doctors and dentists who share offices, equipment, and other facilities but are otherwise engaged in individual practices are also eligible. It is important to be aware, this coverage form cannot be used to insure dealers, clinics, hospitals, medical schools, medical facilities, and similar organizations.

POLICY CONSTRUCTION

AAIS Physicians and Dentists Equipment Coverage requires at least these four forms:

Related Article: CL 0100 AAIS Commercial Lines Common Policy Conditions

IM 1405–SCHEDULE OF COVERAGES–PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS EQUIPMENT

This Schedule of Coverages is used with IM 1400–Physicians and Dentists Equipment Coverage. IM 1405 contains the following information:

Editorial Observation: Medical Equipment is covered under the Property Covered section and is not location-specific. Coverage is provided for direct physical loss caused by a covered peril to medical, surgical, or dental equipment. There does not appear to be a designated location on the Schedule of Coverages to insert the limit desired for Medical Equipment. Please consult your company's underwriter for instructions on how to add a specific limit for Medical Equipment.

SCHEDULE OF LOCATIONS

This section is used to add furniture, fixtures, equipment, and, if applicable, tenants’ improvements. However, since there is no space to add the medical equipment limit, this may also be used to include the limit. A discussion with the company underwriter will be necessary. The location number and a description of the premises are entered along with an applicable limit.

Additionally, a catastrophe limit for all locations in a single occurrence, if desired, must be entered in the designated spaces. If no catastrophe limit is desired, the words “void” or “not applicable” may be entered on the schedule of locations under the space provided for the catastrophe limit.

DEDUCTIBLE

This is the amount the named insured retains for each covered loss. It must be entered in the space provided.

OPTIONAL ENDORSEMENTS

Three optional endorsements are available.

This endorsement covers the following property for the very low limits contained in the endorsement:

The endorsement provides no option for increasing any of these limits.

This endorsement limits property coverage to only medical equipment, tools, supplies, and scientific books the named insured typically carries. No space is provided to specify a limit. Additionally, the Coinsurance, Coverage Extensions for Theft Damage to Building, and Emergency Removal provisions are removed.

This endorsement covers loss caused by artificially generated electric current at locations listed on the schedule of coverages and occurring within 100 feet of the described premises. It is subject to the deductible specified in the spaces provided on this schedule of coverages.

PREMIUM

Physicians and Dentists Coverage is written on a non-reporting basis. This section provides spaces to enter the annual premium, the non-reporting rate per $100, and any applicable minimum premium.

IM 1400–PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS EQUIPMENT COVERAGE ANALYSIS

(01 05 edition)

AGREEMENT

This section states that the insurance company provides the coverage described in return for the named insured paying the required premium. This agreement is subject to all the terms of the coverage form, the schedule of coverages, and any additional conditions that apply. Endorsements or additional schedules identified on the schedule of coverages also apply.

There is a statement indicating that certain words and phrases highlighted in bold print in the coverage form are defined in the Definitions section immediately following this Agreement.

NOTE: The schedule of coverages does not have a clearly designated space to list endorsements or additional schedules that apply at inception.

DEFINITIONS

Defined words are used throughout the coverage form. When these terms appear in the coverage form, the meaning provided in this section must be applied.

NOTE: The Editors added titles to enhance clarity.

You and Your

The parties specifically listed on the declarations as insureds.

We, Us, and Our

The insurance company providing the coverage.

Limit

The applicable coverage amount.

Pollutant

This term is broad and covers various contaminants and irritants, including solids, liquids, gases, or thermal or radioactive substances. It encompasses acids, alkalis, chemicals, fumes, smoke, soot, vapor, and waste. Waste includes materials meant for recycling, reclamation, reconditioning, or disposal. Additionally, visible and invisible electrical or magnetic emissions, along with sound emissions, are also classified as pollutants.

Schedule of Coverages

Any page labeled as such that includes coverage details, including declarations or supplemental declarations.

Sinkhole Collapse

A sinkhole occurs when the earth’s surface suddenly sinks or collapses into an underground cavity formed by water erosion on limestone or other rock types. This definition of sinkhole collapse excludes considerations of the land value or expenses involved in filling sinkholes.

Specified Perils

The definition contains the following specifically named perils:


         aircraft

         civil commotion

         explosion

         falling objects

         fire

         hail

         leakage from fire extinguishing equipment

         lightning

         riot

         sinkhole collapse

         smoke

         sonic boom

         vandalism

         vehicles

         volcanic action

         water damage

         weight of sleet, snow, or ice

         windstorm


Two terms require further clarification:

This coverage does not extend to personal property stored outdoors. Additionally, it does not cover damage to the interiors of buildings or personal property stored inside buildings unless a falling object first breaches the building's exterior.

This refers to the sudden or accidental release or leakage of water or steam. However, it must directly result from a crack or break in a part of the system or appliance that contains the water or steam.

Terms

All provisions, limitations, exclusions, conditions, and definitions relevant to the coverage provided.

Volcanic Action

An airborne volcanic blast or shock wave, which also includes ash, dust, and particulate matter, as well as any lava flow. The term does not include the expenses for removing dust, ash, or particulate matter from the covered property unless there is direct physical damage to the property.

PhysicianDentist_144

Example of dentist's equipment

PROPERTY COVERED

The insurance company covers property described below unless it is excluded or subject to limitations.

1. Medical Equipment

a. Coverage

This is the primary coverage provided under this form. It protects against direct physical loss caused by a covered peril to the named insured’s medical, surgical, or dental equipment, tools, supplies, scientific books, and related property. It also covers damage to similar property of others in the care, custody, or control of the insured.

b. Coverage Limitation

The property described in item a. above is covered only if the named insured uses it as part of their medical or dental practice.

NOTE: There is no location-specific limitation.

Example: Dr. Mabel works at three different offices. To avoid having duplicate items at each location, she chooses to carry her most valuable and comfortable equipment with her. In addition to this, she also brings her laptop and other electronic devices essential for her work. All of these items are covered by her insurance, even when she takes them to conferences, as long as she stays within the territorial limits specified in her coverage policy.

2. Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment

a. Coverage

Direct physical loss caused by a covered peril to the office furniture, fixtures, and equipment owned by the named insured is covered.

NOTE: Although it is not stated, this would appear not to include the Medical Equipment covered in item 2. above. An inventory of location-specific equipment vs medical equipment carried by the named insured should be maintained to prevent duplication of coverage and potential concerns regarding coinsurance.

b. Coverage Limitation

Coverage applies only to furniture, fixtures, and equipment located at the described premises as listed on the schedule of coverages.

3. Tenants Improvements

a. Coverage

This coverage is available only if the named insured is a tenant. It covers direct physical loss caused by a covered peril to improvements the insured has made to the scheduled premises. However, the insured must have an insurable interest in these improvements.

b. Coverage Limitation

Coverage applies only to locations listed on the coverage schedule, provided the insured does not own the building.

NOTE: Being able to include furniture, fixtures, equipment, and tenants' improvements is an advantage for the insured. All such personal property in which it has an insurable interest can be covered under a single coverage form.

This helps prevent potential issues if two or more coverage forms or policies are involved and a dispute arises over which policy provides coverage for each type of property in the event of a loss. When one insurance company manages all coverages, it responds to the loss and later allocates the costs of the different categories of personal property internally.

PROPERTY NOT COVERED

There is no coverage for the following property:

1. Contraband

Property illegal to possess is not covered. Additionally, property legal to possess but used in illegal trade or transported unlawfully is also excluded.

2. Property Owned By Dealers or Medical Institutions

Property owned by a clinic, hospital, medical school, or similar organization is not covered.

NOTE: This is a very important restriction, considering the policy states coverage for medical equipment is provided if it is owned by others, in the insured's care, custody, or control, and being used in the insured's medical profession. However, the eligibility rules clearly state coverage owned by the above types of organizations are not covered.

3. Radioactive Substances

This refers to anything containing any amount of radium.                                           

COVERAGE EXTENSIONS

There are two coverage extensions. The limit is included within the applicable limit for covered property and not in addition to it unless specified otherwise. The limit does not combine with limits from any other coverage extension or supplemental coverage, and is not subject to any coinsurance provisions that may apply in the coverage form.

1. Theft Damage to Building

a. Coverage

Coverage includes direct physical loss or damage caused by thieves to the part of the building the insured occupies, as well as damage to equipment used for maintenance or servicing the building.

b. Coverage Condition

This coverage is only applicable if the named insured owns the building or is legally responsible to the building owner for this type of damage. The property covered under this form must be located in the premises listed on this schedule of coverages.

c. We Do Not Cover

Damage or loss caused by fire is not covered. Similarly, damage to glass, glass lettering, or glass decorations is excluded.

d. Coverage Limitation

This is not additional insurance. Any payment made counts toward the property's coverage limit.

Example: Dr. Mabel’s primary office is in a multi-tenant building. She is dismayed to discover the door to her office has been shattered, her computers are missing, and cabinets have been torn from the walls. The walls and door are owned by the building owner. The damage to these items is covered because Mabel is legally responsible for the damage, which was caused by an incident.

2. Emergency Removal

a. Coverage

This covers direct physical loss to covered property removed from a scheduled location to prevent damage from an impending covered peril. The loss can occur while the property is in transit between the scheduled and sanctuary locations. This coverage is unique because the property being moved is not subject to any exclusion while in transit or at the sanctuary location. However, the reason for moving the property must be due to a covered peril.

b. Time Limitations

This coverage applies for up to ten days after the property is moved and will not extend past the expiration date of the policy. 

NOTE: Coverage does not extend past the expiration date. If the named insured has property at an emergency location when coverage renews, the emergency location must be listed as a premises, or coverage no longer applies

c. Coverage Limitation

This coverage is part of the limit for the coverage described under Property Covered, not in addition to it.  

PERILS COVERED

Coverage applies to risks of direct physical loss unless the loss is limited or caused by an excluded peril.

OTHER COVERAGES–COLLAPSE

1. Coverage

Loss to covered property caused by a direct physical loss caused by the collapse of a building, structure, or any part thereof containing covered property.

2. Covered Perils

Coverage for collapse is provided when caused by one or more of the following:

3. Collapse Means

Collapse refers to the sudden and unexpected sinking or caving in of a building, structure, or parts of it, making the structure unusable for its intended purpose.

4. Collapse Does Not Mean

The following buildings and structures are not considered to be in a state of collapse:

5. Coverage Limitation

The covered property limit does not increase for this coverage.

PERILS EXCLUDED

1. Primary Exclusions

The first group of exclusions is essentially absolute. Subject to specific exceptions, loss, or damage by each is fully excluded, regardless of any other cause or event contributing to a loss, either concurrently or in any other sequence. The insurance company does not pay for any direct or indirect loss or damage caused by or resulting from any of the following events.

a. Civil Authority

There is no coverage for loss resulting from an order issued by any civil or government authority. These orders may include seizure, confiscation, destruction, or quarantine of property, but this list is not exhaustive. The only exception is when a civil authority destroys property to control a fire that causes loss or damage. This exception applies only if the fire is caused by a covered peril.

b. Nuclear Hazard

The insurance company does not cover loss or damage from any nuclear reaction, radiation, or contamination, whether the incident was controlled or not, or caused by any means. Any loss caused by the nuclear hazard is not considered a fire, explosion, or smoke loss. However, coverage does include direct loss or damage caused by fire resulting from the nuclear hazard.

c. War and Military Action

The insurance company does not cover loss or damage caused by any act of war. This includes undeclared wars, civil wars, or warlike actions by military forces, all of which are considered war. Additionally, measures taken to hinder or defend against actual or expected attacks by any government or sovereign authority using military personnel or agents are also classified as war and are not covered.

NOTE: This means the exception for fire resulting from a nuclear hazard does not apply when it is caused by war.

2. Secondary Exclusions

The second group of exclusions pertains to loss or damage caused by or resulting from specific events listed below. Some of these exclusions include exceptions, conditions, or limitations that should be noted and carefully reviewed. The insurance company will not cover any loss or damage caused by or resulting from any of these events.

a. Acts or Decisions

There is no coverage for losses caused by or resulting from acts or decisions made by any person, organization, or government entity. This exclusion also applies to instances where there is a failure to act or decide.

However, there is an exception to this exclusion. If an act or decision, or a failure to act or decide, leads to a covered peril, then the loss or damage caused by that peril is covered.

b. Animal Nesting, Infestation, or Discharge

Coverage does not apply to loss or damage due to nesting, infestation, or the discharge or release of waste, secretions, or other substances by animals. In this context, animals include, but are not limited to, birds, insects, and vermin. However, if any of these excluded events result in a covered peril, the loss or damage that peril causes is covered.

c. Breakage, Marring, Scratching, or Exposure to Light

Loss or damage caused by the breaking of glass objects or items primarily made of glass are not covered. Additionally, there is no coverage for loss or damage caused by property being marred, scratched, or exposed to light.

However, the following are exceptions: 

·         Breakage of lenses is not excluded.

·         If any of the excluded events lead to a specified peril, theft, or attempted theft, the loss caused by these perils is covered.

·         Property damaged by any of these events is not excluded if it is in the custody of a carrier for hire.

d. Collapse

Loss caused by collapse is not covered unless the collapse is included under Other Coverages - Collapse, in which case coverage applies. Additionally, if an excluded collapse results in a covered peril, coverage extends to the damage or loss caused by that peril.

e. Contamination or Deterioration

Loss or damage caused by contamination or deterioration is excluded. This includes corrosion, decay, fungus, mildew, mold, rot, and rust. It also applies to any quality, fault, or weakness in the covered property that leads to self-damage or destruction. This exclusion is not limited to just these causes. However, if contamination or deterioration results in a covered peril, the resulting loss or damage from that peril is covered.

f. Criminal, Fraudulent, Dishonest, or Illegal Acts

Coverage does not apply to loss caused by, or resulting from, criminal, fraudulent, dishonest, or illegal acts committed by any of the following, whether alone or in collusion with others:

·         The named insured

·         Others with an interest in the property

·         Others to whom the property has been entrusted

·         The named insured's partners, officers, directors, trustees, joint venturers, members, or managers, as applicable, based on the named insured’s type of business organization

·         Employees of any of the groups listed above. Employees are excluded even if the act occurs when they are not considered to be working.

However, this exclusion does not apply to covered property in the care of a hired carrier.

g. Electrical Currents

There is no coverage for loss or damage due to artificially generated electrical currents damaging electrical equipment or wiring inside the insured property. This exclusion only applies to the property that generates the current artificially. However, electrical currents can cause a fire or explosion. In such cases, the loss or damage resulting from the fire or explosion is covered.

h. Fault, Defect, or Error

Loss or damage due to errors, faults, or defects in planning, zoning, surveying, site plans, grading, compaction, land use, or development is not covered. Additionally, losses caused by errors, faults, or defects related to property design, blueprints, specifications, workmanship, building, maintenance, installation, renovation, remodeling, or repair are also excluded.

There is an important provision. This exclusion applies both on and off the designated premises and regardless of negligence. However, if loss or damage from one of these events results in a covered peril, then the loss or damage caused by that peril is covered.

i. Loss of Use

Coverage does not apply to losses from delays, loss of use, or loss of market.

j. Mechanical Breakdown

Loss due to mechanical breakdown is excluded, but there is an exception: if an excluded loss leads to a covered peril, then the resulting loss from that covered peril is covered.

k. Pollutants

There is no coverage for loss caused by or resulting from any release, discharge, seepage, migration, dispersal, or escape of pollutants. However, when a pollutant release results in a specified peril, the resulting loss from that specified peril to covered property is covered.

l. Process to Repair, Adjust, Service, or Maintain

Loss or damage resulting from a repair to, adjustment of, service of, or maintenance of covered property is excluded. However, if any of these actions result in a fire or explosion, the loss or damage from the fire or explosion is covered.

m. Temperature or Humidity

Coverage is excluded if loss or damage to covered property is caused by dryness, dampness, humidity, or temperature extremes or fluctuations. However, if one of these events causes a covered peril, the resulting loss or damage from that peril is covered.

n. Unauthorized Instructions

Coverage does not apply if a loss occurs due to property being transferred to another person or sent elsewhere based on unauthorized instructions.

o. Voluntary Parting

There is no coverage for loss to covered property willingly handed over to others, even if the surrender occurs because of a fraudulent scheme, trick, or false pretense.

p. Wear and Tear

Loss or damage caused by wear and tear is not covered. However, if wear and tear leads to a covered peril, the resulting loss or damage from that peril is covered.

q. Weather

Loss or damage due to weather conditions is excluded, but only when the loss results from a weather condition combined with a cause of loss excluded in 1–Primary Exclusion above. However, if weather conditions lead to a covered peril, then the loss caused by that peril is covered.

WHAT MUST BE DONE IN CASE OF LOSS

1. Notice

The named insured must promptly inform the insurance company or its agent of any loss. The notice should describe the property lost or damaged. If a criminal act led to the loss, the relevant law enforcement agency must also be notified. The insurance company may specify the notice be provided in writing.

2. You Must Protect Property

During and after a loss, the named insured is required to take all reasonable steps to prevent further damage to covered property. The insurance company will cover reasonable costs incurred by the insured for this purpose, provided they keep accurate records to verify the costs. The expenses are part of the policy limits and not in addition to them.

Additionally, there is no coverage for repairs or emergency measures taken for property not already damaged by a covered peril.

NOTE: It is important to realize that any such costs incurred will reduce the amount available to pay the actual loss.

3. Proof of Loss

The named insured must complete and return the insurance company's required proof of loss forms within 60 days of the company's request. The information provided should include the time, place, and circumstances of the loss, as well as details about any other insurance coverage that might apply.

The proof of loss must also specify the named insured’s interest and the interests of others in the property involved, including liens and mortgages. Any changes to the title of the property during the policy period must be disclosed, along with any other reasonable information the company may need, such as inventories, specifications, and estimates for settling the loss.

4. Examination

An examination of the named insured under oath might be required in matters concerning the loss. The insurance company can request these examinations multiple times, provided the requests are reasonable. If several people are examined, the company has the right to examine each person separately.

5. Records

The named insured is required to provide any records related to the loss. The insurance company must be permitted to copy and extract information from these records whenever reasonably requested. Such records include, but are not limited to, tax returns and bank microfilms of all related canceled checks.

6. Damaged Property

Both damaged and undamaged property must be accessible for the insurance company's inspection as frequently as reasonably needed. Additionally, the insurance company should be permitted to take samples and conduct inspections of the property.

7. Volunteer Payments

The named insured may make payments, assume obligations, offer rewards, or incur other expenses, but without written approval from the insurance company, they should not expect reimbursement. The only exception is if the costs involve protecting property, as detailed in item 2–You Must Protect Property above, which will be covered by the insurance company.

8. Abandonment

The insurance company determines when and if it will assume ownership of the property belonging to the named insured. As a result, the named insured is not allowed to abandon damaged property to the insurance company unless they receive written approval to accept it.

9. Cooperation

The named insured is required to cooperate with the insurance company and perform any actions specified in the policy.

VALUATION

1. Actual Cash Value

The value of the covered property is its actual cash value on the date of loss. Actual Cash Value is replacement cost new minus depreciation. This item is subject to items 2. through 4. of this section.

2. Tenants’ Improvements

Tenants’ improvements are valued at their actual cash value, but only if the named insured repairs or replaces the damaged improvements at their own expense and within a reasonable timeframe.

a. Value Based on Portion of Original Cost

If the improvements are not repaired or replaced within a reasonable time, the value is based on only a portion of their original cost. That value is computed using the following formula:

Step 1: Determine the number of days between the lease’s expiration date and the date of loss.

Step 2: Determine the number of days from the date the improvement was installed to the lease’s expiration date.

Step 3: Divide Step 1 by Step 2.

Step 4: Multiply Step 3 by the improvement’s original cost.

b. Lease Renewal Option

The procedure above changes if the lease has a renewal option. Instead of the original lease's expiration date, the renewal option's expiration date is used in Step 1.

c. We Do Not Pay

No payment will be made if another party repairs or replaces lost or damaged property at its own expense.

Example: A fire in the office on December 1, 2024, convinces Mabel that it is time to move. Although she enjoyed the improvements she had made in her office, she is not permitted to remove them. She requests a cash settlement for her loss. The company calculates it as follows:

Step 1: Mabel’s lease expires on January 1, 2029, so there are 1,491 days between the date of loss and the expiration date of the lease.

Step 2: The improvements were installed when she occupied the premises in January 1, 2019. As a result, there are 3,652 days between the installation date and the lease's expiration date.

Step 3: 1,491/3,652 = .408

Step 4: The original cost of the improvements and betterments was $10,000. Mabel can expect to receive $4,080 ($10,000 X .408).

3. Pair or Set

The value of a loss involving damage or loss of one item from a pair or set is determined by a fair proportion of the total value of the entire pair or set. However, losing one part of a pair or set does not constitute a total loss.

NOTE: This recognizes the value of the whole is greater than the value of individual parts, but the remaining part still has value as a separate.

4. Loss to Parts

The value of a lost or damaged part, which comprises several parts, is determined by the cost to repair or replace just the lost or damaged part.

NOTE: This recognizes that the whole is more valuable than the sum of its parts, but the individual parts still retain value on their own.

HOW MUCH WE PAY

1. Insurable Interest

The insurance company will not pay more than the insured's insurable interest in the covered property at the time of loss.

2. Deductible

The insurance company pays only the amount of loss exceeding the deductible amount shown on the Schedule of Coverages.

3. Loss Settlement Terms

The loss settlement terms will be subject to items 1., 2., 4., and 5. under this section.

a. We Pay the Lessor Of

The insurance company pays the least of the following:

·         The amount determined based on the Valuation section – 1. Actual Cash Value, 2. Tenant’s Improvements, 3. Pair or Set, or 4. Loss to Parts.

·         Costs of repairing, replacing, or rebuilding the damaged property.

·         Limit applicable to the covered property.

b. Catastrophe Limit

If there is a catastrophe limit on the schedule of coverages, and a covered peril causes loss or damage at more than one premises listed on the schedule, the most paid in a single occurrence is the lesser of the following:

·         The total of the limits for covered property at all locations where the loss occurred

·         The catastrophe limit

Example: Mabel operates out of three different offices. Some of her equipment is stationed at these offices, while other equipment travels with her depending on the scheduled procedures. She requests that there be no catastrophe limit on the coverage schedule, as this restriction does not accommodate her mobile equipment.

4. Coinsurance

This provision applies to losses occurring at a covered premises listed on the schedule of coverages. There is no coinsurance provision for property in transit.

The insurance company does not pay the full amount of any loss if the value, at the time of the loss, of all covered property multiplied by .80 exceeds the limit of insurance.

The following are the steps the insurance company takes to determine the amount it pays:

Step 1: Determine the value of items, at the time of the loss, of all covered property at the loss premises subject to coinsurance.

Step 2: Multiply Step 1 by the coinsurance percentage of 80.

Step 3. Divide the limit for the covered property at the premises subject to coinsurance by the result determined in Step 2.

Note: Stop here if the result is 1.00 or higher because no coinsurance penalty applies. Go to Step 4 only if the result is less than 1.00.

Step 4. Multiply the total amount of loss, prior to the application of a deductible, by the percentage determined in Step 3.

Step 5. Subtract the applicable deductible from Step 4.

The insurance company does not pay more than the amount determined in Step 5. or the limit of insurance, whichever is less. It does not pay any remaining part of the loss.

5. Insurance under More Than One Coverage

Multiple coverages in a coverage form can cover the same loss. In such cases, the insurance company will only pay up to the actual value of the claim, loss, or damage incurred.

6. Insurance under More Than One Policy

a. Proportional Share

The named insured may have other coverage subject to the same terms as this coverage form. In such case, this coverage form pays only its portion of the covered loss. That portion is determined by the ratio of its limit of insurance to the total limits of all such insurance covers on the same basis.

b. Excess Amount             

There may be another policy available to cover the loss, aside from what is described in item 7.a. above. In such cases, this coverage will apply on an excess basis. It will only pay the amount of the covered loss that exceeds the amount provided by the other policy, regardless of whether that other coverage can be collected. Any payment made is subject to the applicable limit of insurance.

LOSS PAYMENT

1. Loss Payment Options

a. Our Options

The insurance company has the following loss payment options if a covered loss occurs:

·         Pay the value of the property that sustained loss or damage.

·         Pay the cost to repair or replace the property that sustained loss or damage.

·         Rebuild, repair, or replace the property with similar property, to the extent possible, and it must be accomplished within a reasonable period.

·         Take any part or all of the property based on the value agreed upon or determined through appraisal.

b. Notice of Our Intent to Rebuild, Repair, or Replace

The insurance company is required to inform the named insured of its intent to rebuild, repair, or replace within 30 days after receiving a properly completed proof of loss.

2. Your Losses

a. Adjustment and Payment of Loss

The insurance company settles all claims with the named insured. It will also only pay the named insured, unless a loss payee is listed on the policy.

b. Conditions for Payment of Loss

The insurance company settles a covered loss within 30 days of receiving a properly prepared proof of loss, and the loss amount is confirmed. The amount is determined either through a written agreement with the insured or after an appraisal award is filed with the company.

3. Property of Others

a. Adjustment and Payment of Loss to Property of Others

The insurance company can adjust and pay losses involving others' property to either the named insured on behalf of the property owner or directly to the property owner.

b. We Do Not Have to Pay You if We Pay the Owner

The insurance company is not obligated to pay the named insured if it has already paid the property owner. Additionally, if the property owner sues the named insured, the company can choose to defend the named insured in the lawsuit.

OTHER CONDITIONS

1. Appraisal

The insurance company and the insured may not always agree on the value of a covered claim. This condition provides a way to resolve disputed claims.

Either party can request an appraisal to determine the value of the disputed claim. Once a request is made, both parties have 20 days to choose their own independent appraisers and notify the other party of their appraiser's name. The two appraisers then have 15 days to select a competent and impartial umpire. If they cannot agree on an umpire within that time, either party can ask a judge in the court of record in the state where the property is located to appoint one.

The appraisers will then determine the value of the claim and submit any differences to the umpire. Once any two of the three parties (the two appraisers and the umpire) agree, the amount of loss is finalized.

Each party is responsible for paying its own appraiser, while the costs associated with the umpire and other shared expenses are divided equally between both parties.

2. Benefit to Others

The insurance does not provide any benefit, directly or indirectly, to any party with custody of the insured's property.

3. Conformity with Statute

Any condition in this coverage form that conflicts with any applicable law is amended to conform to that law.

4. Estates

This condition is applicable only when the insured is an individual.

a. Your Death

When the named insured passes away, the individual in custody of the insured's property remains an insured for that property until a qualified legal representative is appointed. After the appointment of the legal representative, that person becomes an insured, but only for the property covered under this policy.

b. Policy Period is not Extended

This coverage does not extend past the policy’s expiration date.

5. Liberalization

Any revisions to this coverage form or applicable endorsements that become effective during the policy period or within six months of the coverage effective date that broaden coverage without an additional premium will apply to this policy.

6. Misrepresentation, Concealment, or Fraud

This coverage is void if any insured at any time willfully concealed or misrepresented a material fact that relates to the insurance provided, the property covered, or its interest in the property. It is also void if any insured engaged in fraud or false swearing with respect to the insurance provided or the property covered.

NOTE: The named insured must deal with the insurance company honestly. Its rights of recovery may be voided if it intentionally misrepresents or conceals a material fact or information. This means the insurance is treated as simply having never existed versus a particular claim being denied.

7. Policy Period

Only covered losses occurring during the policy period are paid.

8. Recoveries

Payment of the loss does not end the obligations of the named insured and the insurance company toward each other. Additional provisions apply if the insurance company pays a loss and the lost or damaged property is later recovered, or if the party responsible for the loss reimburses for the damage.

Either party that recovers property or payment must notify the other. Recovery expenses incurred are reimbursed first. If the named insured keeps the recovered property, they must repay the amount the insurance company paid on the claim, unless the company agrees to a different amount.

If the paid claim is less than the agreed loss because of a deductible or other limit, any recovery is prorated between the named insured and the insurance company based on the company's respective interests in the loss.

9. Restoration of Limits

Payment of a claim does not reduce the limit available for future claims.

10. Subrogation

The insurance company acquires the named insured's rights of recovery from third parties after it pays a loss. The named insured must assist the company in securing those rights. The insurance company is not obligated to pay the loss if the named insured hinders or impairs its rights of subrogation.

The named insured has the right to agree in writing to waive recovery rights from any party, provided such waiver is made before a loss occurs.

11. Suit against Us

The insurance company cannot be sued by anyone for any coverage until all the terms of the coverage form have been met. Suits must be brought within two years after the named insured first became aware of a loss. If a state law invalidates this condition, any suit brought must comply with that law’s provisions and begin within the shortest period allowed by law.

NOTE: It is common for a basic coverage form to be modified by required state-specific endorsements that address issues related to that state.

12. Territorial Limits

Coverage is only valid if the covered property is located in the United States, its territories and possessions, Canada, or Puerto Rico.

Additional Coverage Limitation

Premises Protection

The protective devices in operation as of the policy's effective date must stay functional throughout the policy period. If any device is not installed or not working properly at the named premises, coverage will be automatically suspended at that location.

Additionally, failure to activate the device when the business is closed will automatically suspend coverage at the location where the device is not in use. Coverage will automatically resume once the device is operational again.  

Example: When burglars broke into Mabel’s office, her operating premises' burglar alarm system rang at the security attendant's desk at the front of the building. Unfortunately, the attendant was helping another tenant when the alarm rang. When the attendant returned to his post, the alarm had ceased, and the police were never notified. However, this was the alarm system and arrangement that had been warranted to be in place, and it operated properly when the burglars broke into the premises. As a result, the loss was fully paid.

ENDORSEMENTS

AAIS has developed four endorsements to use with Physicians and Dentists Equipment Coverage.

IM 1411–Additional Property Coverages

Coverage for five additional classes of property for relatively small limits are added. The added classes are Office Furniture Away From Premises, Money and Stamps, Personal Effects, Records, and Extra Expense.

IM 1412–Property Normally Carried By You

This endorsement restricts coverage to only medical equipment, tools, supplies, and scientific books normally carried by the insured. Coinsurance does not apply.

When this endorsement is attached, no coverage for office furniture, fixtures, and improvements is eligible for coverage. Additionally, Theft Damage to Building, Emergency Removal and Coinsurance are deleted from policy form.

The schedule of coverages does not include a space for a limit to be entered for this option.

IM 1413–Artificially Generated Electric Current Coverage

This endorsement provides coverage for damage to covered property caused by artificially generated electric current. It modifies the exclusion for Electric Currents under Perils Excluded so that it still applies, except where this endorsement provides coverage. Additionally, it revises the How Much We Pay section to clarify that coverage only applies to the loss amount exceeding the deductible listed in the coverage schedule.

IM 1273–Coinsurance Provisions

This endorsement revises the coinsurance clause to apply to the value of all covered property across all listed premises, instead of only the value at the premises where the loss occurred. This provision does not apply to property in transit.

 UNDERWRITING CONSIDERATIONS

The insurance coverage provided by this form is underwritten primarily as an office exposure, unless the off-premises exposure is significant or unusual. The equipment’s location, when it is not at the main location, is the most critical issue. The following are other prominent issues to consider: