HB Ad Slot
HB Mobile Ad Slot
Insured’s Teenage Daughter Entitled to UIM (Underinsured Motorist) Benefits for Injuries Sustained While a Passenger in Friend’s Auto
Friday, July 25, 2014

The insured’s daughter was injured while riding in a car driven by a friend. Her medical bills exceeded the $50,000 bodily injury coverage of the driver, and consequently, she sought underinsured motorist benefits under her father’s policy which had limits of $300,000. The carrier filed a declaratory judgment action asserting the daughter was not entitled to UIM benefits because the car in which she was riding was not a “covered auto.” The trial court entered summary judgment for the insured’s daughter.

The Seventh Circuit affirmed. The UIM endorsement defined who was an in- sured to include the named insured and family members with no requirement that they occupy a covered auto. There is no question the insured’s teenage daughter was a family member. The Court noted that UM and UIM coverage can protect insureds whether they are passengers in a motor vehicle or engaged in another activity such as walking, riding a bicycle or other situation involving injuries sustained from contact with an auto. Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Co. v. Haight, 697 F3d 582 (7th Cir 2012). 

HB Ad Slot
HB Mobile Ad Slot
HB Ad Slot
HB Mobile Ad Slot
HB Ad Slot
HB Mobile Ad Slot
 

NLR Logo

We collaborate with the world's leading lawyers to deliver news tailored for you. Sign Up to receive our free e-Newsbulletins

 

Sign Up for e-NewsBulletins