Auto Equipment Loss

February 6, 2015

A question has arisen relative to snow plow blades affixed to a personal auto and the coverage aspect. If the snowplow blade is attached to the personal auto at the time it is damaged, would you consider it to be equipment of the auto and thus covered under the personal auto policy? If the blade is stored outside at the insured residence, not attached to a vehicle, would it be auto equipment or considered personal property under a homeowners policy?

Iowa Subscriber

The standard PAP applies to the covered auto's "equipment." The policy does not specify that the equipment be on the vehicle at the time of loss. So, while it is attached to the vehicle, it is covered under the PAP. While not attached, it should still be covered under the PAP since it is still the vehicle's equipment since its utility is limited to being used on the vehicle.