BAP Coverage for Portable Radio Station at Issue

October 4, 2010

Our insured operates a portable radio station out of his van, which is insured with us under a Business Auto Policy. As the result of a collision, the insured's radio equipment was damaged. He originally made a claim under his inland marine policy with another carrier, which was denied because the damage was to the equipment of the vehicle. Would the Business Auto policy provide coverage for equipment of this nature?

Connecticut Subscriber

The current BAP, CA 00 01 03 10, states that the insurer will not pay for loss to any electronic equipment that reproduces, receives, or transmits audio, visual, or data signals. The only exception for this is if the equipment is designed to be operated solely by the use of the power of the auto's electrical system and is permanently installed. So, based on your description of the item as a portable radio station, it is the FC&S opinion that there is no coverage for this item under the BAP.