Relationship Wrangles

For insurance agents and brokers, the customer relationship is the lifeblood of the business, the quality that keeps policyholders coming back year after policy year. But the dividing line between “order taker” and “trusted advisor” can be blurry, especially when viewed through a lawsuit.

Much has been written regarding the New York Court of Appeals’ decision on Voss v. The Netherlands Insurance Co. If, under New York law, a special relationship existed, the broker might be liable for allegedly failing to recommend adequate business interruption insurance limits to Debra Voss and three of her businesses.