OT: any insurance agents?

[Longmire]

I'm having a tree cut down in my yard. If the tree trimmer is not licensed and bonded would my homeowners cover any damage if anything were to hit the house? Or should I pay the extra money and use a licensed/bonded person?

 

[DawgatAuburn]

Any reason you can't just call your agent? He knows your policy presumably. And I am betting you would be on the hook if you use an unbonded cutter.

 

[Col. Forbin]

Use a licensed and bonded contractor.

 

[Longmire]

I'm planning on calling them tomorrow. Wanted opinions other than someone who doesn't want to pay out claims and I don't have a close relationship with this agent due to it being a rental house in Florida.

 

[Col. Forbin]

if something were to happen and you relied on HO, the cost of the deductible plus having a claim on your history would probably be more expensive then just going with a bonded contractor.

 

[Longmire]

Thanks for the help!

 

[WrapItDog]

Your homeowner's would cover the damages and can subrogate against the tree trimmer to recoup their money and your deductible if the insurance co. thinks they can get their money back (maybe/maybe not)

 

[SSBGDog]

Yes your policy would respond if it's a standard HO3 or HO5, but is subject to your deductible. Using a licensed and bonded contractor would negate the need for your HO policy to respond because his policy would respond if their are damages.

 

[titus.sixpack]

You need to use an Insured contractor. This is different from being Bonded. If they carry liability and Workman's Comp. insurance, your property is protected and, if one of their employees is injured, your insurance won't have to cover it. (The HO policy covers anyone who is injured, for any reason, while on your property) This is under the Mississippi HO-3 policy. You need to confirm everything with the local agent. Here is a discussion from Angie's List: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/hiring-contractor-whats-difference-between-bonded-and-insured.htm

 

[WrapItDog]

(The HO policy covers anyone who is injured, for any reason, while on your property) This is under the Mississippi HO-3 policy.

That's misleading. Med Pay coverage will cover that but it's very limited depending on the policy. Usually $500, $1,000, $2500. Liability coverage doesn't cover an injured person unless the insured is negligent.

Medical Payments coverage is a “no-fault” coverage. This means “negligence” does not need to be proven – the injured party gets their money without having to go to court.

Liability coverage is designed to cover you against bodily injury and property damage that YOU cause to OTHERS as a result of your negligence